CareerEdge Funders Collaborative has partnered with Suncoast Technical College (STC) to offer a tuition-free plumbing technology certification program beginning this fall. The nine-month class will be held Monday through Friday, 7:45am–2:15pm, with both classroom and on-the-job training. While the focus is on young adults, the program is open to students of any age. Once they complete the program, graduates will be able to enter apprenticeships with local employers leading to plumbing jobs with average US wages of $54,000 a year, according to the National Association of Home Builders. CareerEdge will also fund internships for these plumbing students through its internship reimbursement program, whereby employers receive up to $1,500 for hiring an intern. The program provides financial incentives for local employers to utilize interns in high demand industries in order to meet their workforce needs. CareerEdge is also partnering with Manatee Technical College on express programs for plumbing and electrician certifications, and with Learning Alliance for a short-term broadband technician program. Suncoast Technical College will host an information session on August 8 from 5–7pm in the main atrium of its Sarasota campus at: 4748 South Beneva Rd., Sarasota.

Suncoast Technical College