CareerEdge Funders Collaborative has announced the completion of another express training course with the graduation of 16 individuals in Manatee Technical College’s pilot program in Plumbing and Electrical service. Given the high demand for skilled workers in the region, CareerEdge is partnering with local educational institutions to provide short-term programs in order to quickly move individuals into apprenticeship-based occupations in the trades. CareerEdge partnered with Manatee Technical College on the Plumbing and Electrician programs by helping to recruit individuals, providing funding for the courses and offering a soft skills training for the students. Graduates of the three-month program receive certifications in the following industry-recognized credentials: NCCER, CPR, Forklift and OSHA. Starting wages for these entry-level plumbing and electrical technician positions are approximately $15 per hour, with average wages between $40,000 and $50,000. At the end of the program, CareerEdge organized a job fair with 10 local employers participating in the recruitment of the students. The next cohort of express programs will begin in January 2018, with a daytime Plumbing class and an evening Electrical course.

Manatee Technical College