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Economic Development

Workforce Training Tailored to Meet Expanding Company Needs

Employee Training and Workforce Development Programs

In his Florida First Budget introductory announcement, Florida Governor Rick Scott points to workforce training as a key tool to help Florida to lead the nation in job growth.  “If we are going to become first in job growth, Florida must be home to the most talented workforce in the world," says Scott. "That’s why the Florida First budget continues our commitment to providing teachers and students the tools they need to succeed in the classroom and invests historic amounts of funding in our K-12 education system, state colleges and universities."

"We are also investing in a competitive grant program at our technical centers because these institutions train students to get a great career with only a year of education. We want businesses to know that Florida has the most skilled workforce in the world and that we are ready to immediately fill jobs in high-demand fields," adds Scott.

The needs of business and workers drive workforce solutions and can result in unique job training opportunities created to fit highly specialized company needs. This is the reasoning behind a variety of workforce training opportunities in Southwest Florida. 

Types of training range from apprenticeships and internships to on-the-job, incumbent worker, quick response and customized educational training.

Here is a sampling of the educational institutes that are behind our strong Southwest Florida workforce:

Cape Coral Technical College
Since 1993, Cape Coral Tech has provided targeted career-driven education to thousands of students who have worked in a wide variety of successful careers. Daytime and evening programs in business, health, hospitality and technology are offered. Because it’s part of the Lee County School District’s educational system, all courses are provided at very low tuition rates.
360 Santa Barbara Blvd. N.
Cape Coral, FL 33993
239.574,4440
www.capecoraltech.edu

DATS of Florida, Inc. – Fort Myers
A private dental assistant training facility. The curriculum consists of 18 highly integrated learning sessions over nine weeks.
7011 Cypress Terrace, Suite 101
Fort Myers, FL  33907
866.404.6444
http://www.datsflorida.com

Southern Technical College (STC)
Provides career training in the growing fields of Allied Health, Business, Design, Education, Information Technology, Legal Studies, Nursing and Technical Trades.
1685 Medical Lane
Fort Myers, FL  33907
407.671.9922
www.southerntech.edu

Southwestern Vocational Training (SVT)
Provides career training opportunities in the Healthcare field. The types of short-term programs offered range from phlebotomy technician, patient care technician and home health aid to electrocardiogram, medical assistant and CNA training.
120 Del Prado Boulevard South
Cape Coral, FL 33990
239.214.0717
http://swvtfl.com

Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU)
A member of the State University system of Florida, offering certificate programs, bachelor and master degrees. FGCU is a comprehensive university created to address the educational needs of the rapidly growing Southwest Florida population.
10501 FGCU Boulevard South
Fort Myers, FL  33965
239.590.1000 or 800.590.3428
http://www.fgcu.edu

FGCU, Lutgert College of Business, Regional Economic Research Institute (RERI)
This institute performs economic research, analysis and forecasting for various organizations in Southwest Florida. It partners with the Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council and are economic development organizations. RERI publishes many reports, including a monthly Southwest Florida economic reporter and quarterly business climate survey report.
Lutgert College of Business
10501 FGCU Boulevard South
Fort Myers, FL  33965
239.590.7308
https://www2.fgcu.edu/cob/reri

Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW)
A member of the Florida State College system, offering certificate programs, associate in arts, associate in science and bachelor degrees. FSW offers three campus locations and one regional center. The mission of FSW is to inspire learning; prepare a diverse population for creative and responsible participation in a global society; and serve as a leader for intellectual, economic, and cultural awareness in the community.
Lee Campus - Thomas Edison Campus
8099 College Parkway
Fort Myers, FL  33919
239.489.9300
www.fsw.edu

FSW Continuing Education (non-credit)
Provide courses in continuing education, professional development, certification and corporate training.
FSW Online
online@fsw.edu

Hodges University
A private university, accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, offering certificates, associate, bachelor and master degrees. Campuses in Lee and Collier counties.
Lee Campus
4501 Colonial Boulevard
Fort Myers, FL 33966
800.466.0019
www.hodges.edu

Keiser University
A regionally accredited private career university offering associate, bachelor and master degrees.  
9100 Forum Corporate Parkway
Fort Myers, FL 33905
239.277.1336
www.keiseruniversity.edu

Nova Southeastern University
A private, non-for-profit institution offering bachelor, master and doctoral degrees. With campuses across the state, Nova offers degree programs in in education, nursing, and physician assistant, as well as online offerings in business, counseling, and more.
3650 Colonial Court
Fort Myers, FL  33913
239.274.6070 or 800.541.6682
www.nova.edu


CareerSource Southwest Florida
CareerSource Southwest Florida delivers a variety of employment and training programs through a network of full-service career centers that includes a satellite office in Cape Coral. CareerSource is a work first initiative, which means getting someone a job is the first and main priority. Sometimes all that is necessary is a job lead, an updated résumé, or access to computers to search for jobs. On occasion occupational skills training may be necessary to obtain employment, but all programs have the specific goal of getting people back to work. At the centers individuals can take advantage of employability skills workshops designed to assist them in returning to or competitively remaining in the workforce. Businesses can take advantage of the no-cost services by posting available job openings and collaborating with our professional staff to screen and refer potential candidates. Their internship program allows individuals who have completed occupational skills training to acquire work experience through three-months of employment. Their On-the-Job Training program (OJT) allows eligible candidates who are not fully qualified for an open position to be trained by the employer. The employer receives reimbursement from us for training costs, providing an excellent opportunity for business expansion. Career Development Professionals at CareerSource Southwest Florida assist individuals and businesses in identifying cost-saving employment programs that can provide tax credits, employee bonding, on-the-job training, skill gap education, and more. 

CareerSource Southwest Florida, a key partner for workforce training, continually updates its Southwest Florida Business Workforce Guide, and for job seekers, they offer lists of in demand jobs along with training opportunities and expected pay once the training is completed.

Workforce Development Guide 

http://careersourcesouthwestflorida.com/

Agency for Workforce Innovation
www.employflorida.com