Partnership takes aim at skilled construction worker shortage in Florida - RAMS® to offer job training and placement for entry-level workers through agreement with Workforce Florida. TALLAHASSEE — Thanks to an agreement between Workforce Florida, Inc. and RAMS® Family of Companies, 700 people throughout the state will have an opportunity to kick-start new careers in the construction industry. Under the recently launched Florida reBuilds program, Workforce Florida, Inc. has contracted with RAMS to provide training to hundreds of unemployed or underemployed Floridians seeking training for entry-level jobs as electricians, plumbers and pipe fitters in the state’s second-largest industry. The Tampa-based RAMS will offer instruction using its JumpStart curriculum through its company The Education Connection (TEC). On-the-job training and employment will be provided through RAMS’ Resource Partnering Group (RPG). “RAMS’ participation in Florida reBuilds will help ensure a continual pipeline of well-trained construction workers, which is critical to sustaining the state’s strong economy,” said Katherine Wilson, Chairman of Workforce Florida, Inc. Construction is one of the state’s fastest growing industries with more than 24,000 vacant positions. Created by Governor Jeb Bush and Lt. Governor Toni Jennings, Florida reBuilds bridges the gap of skilled workers in the industry by equipping people interested in construction-related careers with skills and training. Through reBuilds, training and hiring opportunities for thousands of Floridians are available for more than 40 construction trades. Construction companies, public and private educational institutions and trade associations are among those providing the training. RAMS’ TEC will use mobile training simulators to conduct classes in several Florida cities. In addition to construction skills training, TEC also will provide OSHA 10 Construction Safety and Health instruction to each participant and issue certifications. Trainees will receive a set of hand tools to use during the training and those who complete the program will get to keep the tools. RAMS will work closely with the Employ Florida network’s 24 regional workforce boards and nearly 100 one-stop centers to recruit and train participants during the one-year term of the agreement.

“The RAMS® Family of Companies looks forward to working closely with all of Florida’s workforce system partners through Employ Florida and our contractor customer partners to provide quality training coupled with full-time employment for all participants,” said Gary S. Redwine, RAMS Senior Vice President. “We are confident this program will have a positive impact on Florida’s economy and the overall image of the construction industry.” For more information on Florida reBuilds and other training and employment opportunities, visit: www.EmployFlorida.com. For more information on the RAMS® Family of Companies, visit www.ramsinc.net. Workforce Florida, Inc. (WFI) is the state's chief workforce policy organization and principal architect in the efforts to meet the current and future workforce needs and challenges of Florida's businesses and citizens. WFI is a state partner, along with the Agency for Workforce Innovation, in the Employ Florida affiliate network of 24 business-led regional workforce boards and nearly 100 one-stop centers that provide employment solutions throughout Florida. The RAMS® Family of Companies comprises the Resource Partnering Group (RPG), The Education Connection (TEC) and the Professional Services Group (PSG). RPG is a drug-free and equal opportunity employer.