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MEETINGS CALENDAR |
May 12, Executive Committee, 8:00 a.m., Suncoast Workforce, Sarasota
May 19, Board, 8:00 a.m., Suncoast Workforce, Sarasota
For a complete list of events, see our calendar.
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Strategies to Recruit, Train, and Retain Healthcare Professionals for the Suncoast: Join moderator Barry Banther as he facilitates discussion and explores workforce challenges with key healthcare stakeholders in the community. Learn what has been accomplished and help us determine the future for our region. This meeting is open to Manatee and Sarasota leaders in the healthcare industry. This discussion will be held on Thursday, May 12 at the Selby Auditorium, USF Sarasota-Manatee, 8350 North Tamiami Trail in Sarasota from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. RSVP deadline is noon on Friday, May 6. Space is limited. Attendees must register at suncoastworkforce.org/healthcare.
Business Summit Series: On Friday, August 12, Suncoast Workforce will host the second Business Summit at Lakewood Ranch Fete Ballroom from 7:30 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. The topic slated for this Summit is Economic Gardening. More details coming soon.
Annual Meeting: The next annual meeting of Suncoast Workforce to be held on Thursday, September 22 at Lakewood Ranch Golf and County Club in Bradenton. The keynote speaker secured for this event is David Houle, one of the most sought out futurist speakers in the world today. He has keynoted numerous conferences and corporate retreats across the Unites States, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. More to come!
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BUSINESSES--DID YOU KNOW?
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The Suncoast's unemployment rate for March 2011 was 10.8 percent, the lowest rate since March 2009 when it was 10.6 percent. |
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Dear ,
Suncoast Workforce is hosting an inaugural "Recruit, Train, and Retain Healthcare Professionals for the Suncoast" on May 12th that will include a panel discussion with locally recognized representatives in healthcare and education sectors. Learn what has been accomplished and help us determine the future directions for our region to be recognized for healthcare excellence. This event is open to business owners and CEOs within the healthcare industry. Registration deadline is noon on Friday, May 6 at suncoastworkforce.org/healthcare. We hope to see you on May 12 so you can take part in this important healthcare initiative.
Sincerely,
Mary Helen Kress
President & CEO
"Ability will never keep up with the demand for it." Malcolm Forbes (1919 - 1990), U.S. Author |
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118 LOCAL UNEMPLOYED COMPLETE MICROSOFT DIGITAL LITERACY COURSE |
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Goodwill Graduates, Digital Access Bradenton Location
Back: (L-R) Bob Brzycki (Computer Coach), Carolyn Prattis, Tony DiFilippo, Dwight Mills
Front: (L-R) Debbie Schabes, Tessie Robinson, Erica Hicks
Through a special program that began in July 2010, Suncoast Workforce has partnered with Workforce Florida, Inc., Microsoft Corporation, Goodwill Manasota, Laurel Civic Association and Mt. Carmel Community Center to deliver computer literacy training to area jobseekers. The "Digital Access Program" serves a portion of the unemployed population that needs help to enter the online world. Employers today expect a basic level of computer literacy and job seekers who participate in this program learn that computer skills are necessary to thrive in today's workplace.
We are pleased to report that the program just completed its fifth training class with a sixth session scheduled to begin on May 2nd. Since August, 2010, there have been 169 enrollments and 118 customers have already completed the program, with more to follow. Individuals must pass the Microsoft's Digital Literacy Certificate Test and complete a minimum of 33 hours of classroom, online, and "hands-on" training.
Since Suncoast Workforce partners are located throughout Manatee and Sarasota Counties, specially trained computer coaches travel to sites various sites. Coaches, Robyn Wood and Bob Brzycki bring the training to locations in Bradenton, Palmetto, Sarasota, Venice and Laurel, with laptop computers that allow "hands-on" computer experience. Participants learn how to use employment websites, search engines, and also to create various files such as cover letters and resumes. A total of 11 Digital Literacy enrollees are now employed, 17 have completed the Basic Digital Literacy training and elected to continue computer training in the Microsoft Office Specialist online E-Learning program, another component of Digital Access. Several participants also reported that they have enrolled in accredited training programs which were greatly supported by their participation in the Basic Digital Literacy classes.
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