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Greetings!
For the past year, we have focused on providing value-added services to our region's employers -- good referrals, professional HR services and top-notch customer support.
Each month, we bring you a different success story detailing how employers -- from businesses large and small, private and public -- have benefited from one or more of our services.
I would like to share another indication that the efforts of our team to earn your confidence is paying off for employers in every corner of our region.
Since the beginning of our fiscal year, the number of employers posting job orders has increased nearly 60 percent. Last month alone, 543 employers entrusted us to handle their workforce needs.
Whether the increase is a sign of a strengthening economy, a better understanding of the services that we provide, or an improved execution of those services -- or combination of those and other factors -- is hard to say. I invite you to review the report and draw your own conclusions: Region 10 Employer Trends.
What we do know is that employers rely on our services more today than last year. We appreciate that trust and we will continue to work hard to earn it.
Rusty Skinner, CEO
Workforce Connection
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Spotlight: Central Florida Electric Co-Op
Top Quality Candidates, Streamlined Recruiting
When Central Florida Electric Cooperative had an opening for a System Operator, the company's human resources manager, Desmond Knight, placed ads in the local newspaper and listed it on CFEC's website. He also posted the position with Workforce Connection and was "very pleased" with the results.
Knight said his Workforce Connection employment coordinator screened applicants, tested them for computer skills, and referred candidates for interviews that were so great, the company ended up hiring two.
Read why Central Florida Electric Cooperative "definitely" recommends Workforce Connection CFEC Success Story
Pictured L-R: Cyndi Williams, Nathan Barhrey and Desmond Knight. Photo/CFEC.
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Make Sure Your Voice is Heard
Take Part in Series of Skills Gap Forums
Workforce Connection is collaborating with economic development and education partners throughout Citrus, Levy and Marion counties to identify workforce skills critical to key industry sectors in our region.
Business owners and/or their representatives are invited to participate in Skills Gap Forums to discuss gaps between their needs and the qualifications of job applicants and recent graduates. The forums, facilitated by Thomas P. Miller and Associates of Chicago, will guide strategies and development of curricula to help close skills gaps.
There are two types of forums: county-based for key industries in each county and regional for industries that impact all three counties. Participants may attend any and all forums regardless of location. RSVP online here.
CITRUS COUNTY
College of Central Florida Citrus Campus
Learning and Conference Center
3800 S. Lecanto Highway, Lecanto
Thursday, June 28
- Manufacturing 8:30-10:30 a.m.
- Business and Financial Services 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Healthcare (Regional) 1:30-3:30 p.m.
- Information Technology 4-6 p.m.
LEVY COUNTY
College of Central Florida Levy Center
Community Room
114 Rodgers Blvd., Chiefland
Monday, June 18
- Manufacturing 9-11 a.m.
- Agribusiness (Regional) 1-3 pm.
MARION COUNTY
College of Central Florida
Klein Conference Center
3001 S.W. College Road, Ocala
Tuesday, June 19
- Manufacturing 9-11 a.m.
- Transportation/Distribution/Warehousing/Marine (Regional) 1-3 p.m.
Friday, June 29
- Information Technology 8:30-10:30 a.m.
- Business and Financial Services 1:30-3:30 pm.
Don't forget, you may attend any or all forums. RSVP now.
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More Job Seekers Now Finding Jobs
Region Among Leaders for Job Placement
For the third consecutive month, Workforce Connection has been recognized for being among the top 10 ranked regional workforce boards in Florida for job placements. In May, the state's 24 regional workforce boards reported assisting more than 27,000 Floridians who found employment, including about 6,300 who had been receiving unemployment compensation. Workforce Connection placed 787 individuals in jobs in Citrus, Levy and Marion counties, of which 153 were unemployment compensation recipients. Since January, Workforce Connection has helped 3,311 job seekers find employment, including 768 who had been receiving unemployment compensation.
The job placement rankings were released earlier thismonth by Workforce Florida Inc., the state's chief workforce policy organization. In a written statement, Chris Hart IV, President/CEO of Workforce Florida, said that, "regional workforce boards' consistent job-matching efforts are helping Florida families advance financially, while strengthening the state's economy." Read more ...
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About Us
 Mission: Workforce Connection brings together citizens, employers and educational providers to develop programs to support high-quality education/training and employment services to meet regional workforce needs.
The regional workforce board sets policy and directs expenditures of more than $6 million in funds that underwrite services provided through the Workforce Connection offices.
Workforce Connection is the local, business-led organization that plans and coordinates quality employment and training services for businesses and individual career seekers in Citrus, Levy and Marion counties.
Each year, approximately 1,500 businesses and more than 36,000 career seekers receive services through the Workforce Connection. Services include professional and technical recruitment, training, targeted talent marketplaces (job fairs) and financial incentives.
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Employment Update
The unemployment rate's steady decline for the Workforce Connection region was tempered in May with a slight increase, from 9.6 to 9.7 percent. But that bauble may be more a reflection of optimism than concern, as the labor force and number of those with jobs show strong gains throughout Citrus, Levy and Marion counties.
See Statewide Report
Read all the Details
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Job Fair set June 28
Meet the extraordinary talent available in Citrus, Levy and Marion counties! Be a part of our regional JOB FAIR on Thursday, June 28 from 8 a.m. to noon at the College of Central Florida's Klein Conference Center. Reserve your booth today - there is no charge - and take advantage of the logistical support provided by Workforce Connection's team of Human Resources professionals.Don't miss this outstanding opportunity. For more information, call our team at 352-873-7939, extensions 1141 or 1110.
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Employ Florida Technical Assistance
Individual technical assistance is now available for employers interested in exploring the many powerful features of the Employ Florida Marketplace (EFM), the state's comprehensive and convenient online job marketplace. EFM connects businesses to a ready pool of thousands of job seekers, from entry- to executive-level talent. Employer assistance is available by phone or in person and covers including basic navigation of EFM, creating new job orders, developing effective question sets to assist in screening of job candidates, candidate/resume searches, setting up a virtual recruiter and other topics of interest to employers. For more information, or to schedule a session, call 352-732-1700, ext. 1220 or 800-746-9950.
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NetWorker Bulletin
If you missed the latest issue of the new NetWorker
bulletin, or if you'd like to pass along the information about hot jobs and top talent, you can find it on our website.
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Reverse Tradeshow
North Central Florida's 10th Annual Government Reverse Trade Show is set for Wednesday, June 20 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the College of Central Florida's Klein Conference Center in Ocala. Participants will learn how to do business with local governments and find out about bidding opportunities, annual contracts and upcoming special projects. This also provides the opportunity to meet purchasing agents from more than 20 government agencies all in one place. Additional workshops cover the state and federal certification process, strategies for finding profitability in a tough economy and more. The Reverse Trade Show is presented by the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) of the University of North Florida in Marion County and the North Central Florida Chapter of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing.
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