Employ Florida Banner Centers

Strengthening the pipeline for entry-level workers in construction and building the skills and credentials of those already employed in the industry are goals of the Employ Florida Banner Center for Construction. The Banner Center focuses on bringing together entry-level to advanced workers and employers in the most economical manner and ensuring that construction programs within Florida educational institutions are relevant and meet the industry's needs and standards.

Launched in 2007, the Banner Center for Construction is based in Gainesville and housed within Santa Fe College’s successful Institute of Construction and Technical Education. Under the program, Santa Fe and its partner institutions have expanded the availability of skilled crafts training using existing curricula as well as created new courses for workers in trades such as carpentry, electrical, masonry and plumbing. Among other things, the Banner Center has used its new, state-of-the-art mobile training unit to boost opportunities for Florida workers to acquire new technical skills.

Despite the current economic slowdown, construction remains a vital driver of the state economy. Additionally, projections are that commercial and industrial construction sectors will grow with new infrastructure and commercial projects planned throughout the state.

Helping to shape the industry-driven curriculum and training created by the Banner Center are its partners and advisory council members including:

Among goals listed in the Banner Center for Construction’s 2007-2011 strategic plan are: increased awareness of its existence throughout Florida; continued industry involvement in the maintenance of existing construction skills programs and the design of new ones; more outreach through regional workforce boards to bolster training opportunities; and expansion of Florida Department of Corrections’ “A Careers in Construction” program, which gives inmates with existing trades skills the credentials needed to get and retain jobs following their incarceration.

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An equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. All voice telephone numbers on this web site may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment via the Florida Relay Service at 711.