• this is set up as a win-win-win dynamic to benefit builders/construction companies to supply them with needed entry-level workers, for unemployed and underemployed clients of FBCOs wanting skills and better jobs, and for communities as a whole needing disaster repair/mitigation and an increased supply of affordable housing.

• this re-engineered version of Florida reBuilds provides more funds, fewer red-tape strings, more flexibility and more opportunity for creativity in helping increase the supply of entry-level and skills upgrades for construction jobs, most of which pay higher than average entry wages and are more likely to offer benefits. Until now it has been very difficult to recruit enough interested trainees due to the very tight labor market and some prior limitations on the program. This may be also be a rare opportunity for those who have had difficulty getting useful training and authoritative job referrals in past, including individuals with both disabilities and abilities, veterans, the homeless, ex-offenders, former welfare participants and long-term unemployed. And you can expect more marketing directed at such populations.

• The key to success for rebuild is LOCAL, and the route for FBCO involvement is also LOCAL, and the pay-off will be LOCAL. So if your organization is interested in getting directly involved and/or you have clients/customers who could benefit, refer them to your LOCAL Regional Workforce Board (RWB). If you are not already in communication with your RWB, a directory of contacts is at http://www.workforceflorida.com/boards/index.htm [Best to contact the RWB Executive Director/staff]

As you know, the Legislature and Governor have approved $12 Million of General Revenue Funds to continue the Florida reBuilds Program through PY 2006/2007. The continuation of the program and new funding source have allowed Workforce Florida (WFI) and the Agency for Workforce Innovation (AWI) to streamline the administrative requirements to provide RWBs flexibility in the design and operation of the Florida reBuilds Program using existing program accountability and management procedures. We are pleased to announce, starting July 1, 2006, the following improvements under the reengineered Florida reBuilds Program:

· Utilize a familiar and effective process for managing program funds (similar to NEG process)

· Determine training needs and the reasonableness of program costs at the local level

· Authorize the use of local Florida reBuilds funding for assessment, on-the job training, and incumbent worker activities

· Expand allowable training to all occupations in the Building Construction Industry (from 7 to 44)

· Extend length of training from 15 weeks to 6 months

· Allow RWBs to receive placement credit for individuals who did not participate in training (job referrals) but are placed in construction related jobs and for individuals who obtained construction related jobs through “self directed job search” where boards expend program funds for assessment and placement-related services

· Allow funding for state and local marketing/coordination activities (Up to $10,000 maybe requested for marketing related activities and up to $35,000 maybe requested to hire a local program coordinator)

· Establish RWBs performance requirements with specified penalties for repayment of funds

· Require AWI to prepare monthly reports to evaluate RWBs effectiveness in expending program funds according to the funding application approved by WFI

We are optimistic that the above-mentioned improvements will allow more employers and jobseekers to receive the much needed program services. RWB Directors are asked to advise AWI of the region’s intent to participate in the program. This information will assist the agency in apprising the Governor, Legislators, local elected officials and industry groups, media and others of the statewide workforce talent and efforts that are being dedicated to this priority initiative. RWB’s should email their notice as to whether or not they intend to participate in the Florida reBuilds Program to Larry McIntyre at: larry.mcintyre@awi.state.fl.us by June 23, 2006.

Please note that under the current Florida reBuilds Program all training request applications must be submitted to Workforce Florida, Inc. at least 15 days prior to the class start date and approval must be obtained from WFI prior to the start of the training class. The deadline for submitting training request applications for the current Florida reBuilds Training Program is June 15, 2006 and all training must start no later than June 30, 2006.

A conference call has been scheduled for Monday, June 19, 2006 at 2:00 P. M. to address questions that you may have regarding the operation of the Reengineered Florida reBuilds Program. The conference call number is: (850) 921-6623 or SunCom 291-6623. Please assign a representative from your office to participate if you will not be available.

Thanks in advance for your support of this important initiative.

Larry McIntyre
(850) 921-3323

Supporting Documents:

Florida reBuilds Reengineered Concept Executive Summary (pdf, 361K)
Florida reBuilds Reengineered Concept Proposal 6-02-06 (pdf, 1.65M))
Florida reBuilds Funding Request Form (pdf, 15K)
Florida reBuilds Construction Occupations (pdf, 15K)