This release got some media coverage yesterday
and this morning. This initiative is collaboratively designed
and operated by Workforce Florida, Inc. (WFI), the Agency for
Workforce Innovation (AWI), the One-Stops operated by the 24
Regional Workforce Boards (RWBs), the Department of Education
(DOE) and local public and private training providers. It is
responsive to the need of construction companies, developers,
subcontractors and other companies involved in building for
more workers to assist with both hurricane recover/repair/rebuilding
and addressing the more fundamental shortage of affordable “workforce” housing.
Because of the relative scarcity of trainees and potential
entry-level workers in Florida’s low-unemployment environment,
special efforts are being made to recruit trainees from among
hurricane-displaced workers, including those from other states,
the homeless, youth aging out of foster care, certain ex-offenders,
and other unemployed/underemployed workers willing and able
to be trained and start jobs in construction. Faith-based and
Community-based organizations have a role in referring clients
to this opportunity, and possibly then helping them to find
local jobs working in partnership with your local One-Stops.
Interested trainees can “sign up “ online at www.employflorida.com or by calling the toll-free number below. They will then be
contacted by local training providers that have suitable short-term
training courses available (2-8 weeks) We are well aware that
level of initial training does not qualify new hires as “journeyman” carpenters,
electricians, etc. but construction companies hope to hire
the graduate who have basic familiarity with the trade, “work
ethics” expectations of employers, fundamental safety,
and other introductory skills that give them a head-start of
serving as helpers and learning the “hands-on” mastery
of the on the job. And with growing skills, wages and advancement
opportunities will also increase. Note that the initiative
also offers and option for upgrading the skills of current
incumbent workers in the industry.
As noted in the release, there are tentative plans to request
the Legislature to appropriate additional funds to continue
and expand this effort, particularly if it demonstrates success
in the next few months in recruiting trainees, having them
complete the “JIT” (Just-in-Time) training, start
work in the construction industry to the satisfaction of hiring
employers.
TALLAHASSEE- Lt Governor Toni Jennings today announced the
creation of Florida reBuilds, an initiative to counter the
growing shortage of construction workers and assist the state
in the recovery from devastating hurricanes. The program combines
the resources of the State’s Workforce and Education
systems and will train and recruit workers through the Employ
Florida network of One-Stop Centers.
“Even before hurricanes caused significant property
damage in our state, we were experiencing a shortage of workers
in the construction field,” said Lt. Governor Jennings. “The
continued recovery from the last two hurricane seasons and
the continued expansion of Florida’s booming economy
depends upon having an adequate supply of skilled trades workers
to meet the demand. In meeting that demand, we are also creating
employment opportunities for many Floridians whose jobs have
been affected by the hurricanes.”
The Lt. Governor was joined for the announcement by Director
of the Agency for Workforce Innovation Susan Pareigis; Department
of Education, Division of Community Colleges and Workforce
Education Chancellor David Armstrong; Workforce Florida Board
of Directors Chair Tramm Hudson; Workforce Florida President
Curtis Austin; President of the Florida Homebuilders Association
Len Tylka; Associated Builders & Contractors of Florida,
Inc. Chairman Gary Stout; Florida Roofing, Sheet Metal and
Air Conditioning Contracting Association Legislative Counsel
Anna Cam Fentriss; and Florida Regional Council of Carpenters
Representative Elsie Allen.
“The Employ Florida network is proud to be making this
critical investment to boost the economy of our state,” said
Tramm Hudson, Chair of the Workforce Florida Board of Directors. “We
are creating opportunities for many of our fellow Floridians
and at the same time we are helping our businesses grow.”
The Agency for Workforce Innovation recently completed a Job
Vacancy/Hiring Needs survey of 50,000 Florida employers. The
survey was conducted during the summer of 2005 and collected
information never before available at the state level. The
survey covered current job vacancies, education and experience
requirements, benefits, and hiring expectations over the next
six months. The survey showed that there were 13,712 vacancies
in construction fields with pay averaging $14.79 per hour.
These jobs accounted for more than 8% of total job vacancies
identified in the survey.
Funded with $6 million in existing Workforce Florida funds,
the Florida reBuilds initiative will initially provide short-term,
entry-level training for up to 4,000 individuals statewide,
enabling them to enter into the construction trades with emphasis
on the attainment of an industry-recognized credential. Training
will be available for trades such as roofing, masonry, carpentry,
concrete finishers, plumbing, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and
air conditioning), electricity and heavy equipment operations.
The initiative will also provide advanced training to up to
1,000 existing workers in the industry enabling them to acquire
additional skills and certifications to advance in the industry.
To ensure a continued adequate supply of skilled trades workers,
Governor Jeb Bush and Lt. Governor Jennings will recommend
$12 million in the 2006-2007 budget for continuation of the
program, providing the funding necessary to train an additional
6,000 individuals.
Candidates for Florida reBuilds will be registered and enrolled
through the Employ Florida network of One-Stop Centers and
employers will use the network to hire workers at no cost.
Training will be designed and developed by the Florida Department
of Education in conjunction with industry groups in the state.
Training will be conducted by Florida’s workforce system,
state universities, community colleges, vocational technical
centers and independent workforce training providers.
More information about Florida reBuilds can be found at www.employflorida.com or by calling 1-866-FLA-2345.
