Skilled workforce is paramount to today and tomorrow’s opportunity. That’s why the Heartland’s education and development framework combines future-focused programming and high-tech facilities in a collaborative effort that begins with K-12 systems and extends through higher education and training institutions.
Four regional workforce agencies service the area, each able to assist employers in locating the necessary employment talents required. In addition, specialized grants and/or incentives may be available to train and retrain qualified workers to enable a business to remain competitive in today’s global market.
Powerful Training Ecosystem Aligned to Industry Needs
A strong STEM focus in the K-12 system, along with CTE and dual enrollment, prepares students to graduate college- or career-ready. Career pathways are central to the development mission as are flexible options in degrees and certifications in a talent pipeline that includes:
FSSC’s Academic & Career Pathways open opportunities in strategic fields ranging from supply chain management to scientific workplace preparations to construction technology.
Generating exciting high-tech opportunities with the new Center for Competitive Economics and Entrepreneurship, IRSC is also a premier custom trainer and a hub location for training in energy, homeland security and defense. At the purpose-built 60,000 sq.-ft. Eastman Advanced Workforce Training Complex, immersive, state-of-the-art training includes advanced and additive manufacturing; robotics and smart automation; automotive, aviation and marine technology; welding as well as heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
PBSC keeps students ahead of the curve with degrees like the new Associate of Science in applied artificial intelligence, plus relevant STEM offerings and programming in fields ranging from health sciences to manufacturing to supply chain and logistics.
With options for degrees, certificates and apprenticeships, SFSC gives students the tools they need in high-demand fields such as mechatronics, health sciences and industrial management technology.
The partnership between iTech and local business and industry is unusually strong and strategic, assuring not only more effective curriculum development but also more job shadowing opportunities as well as enhanced placement assistance for students. Training in high-demand fields includes CNC and machining production, global logistics and supply chain management and healthcare.
Supported by a $5.8 million grant for facilities, equipment and staffing, iTECH Glades opened in 2022, expanding training options for a wide range of learners. The center offers dual enrollment for high school students across Glades, Hendry, Highlands and Okeechobee counties, while also providing training options for adult students. ITECH Glades moves students into employment rapidly: Most programs can be completed in less than a year.
CareerSource Florida: Funding Resources and More
CAREERSOURCE FLORIDA: FUNDING RESOURCES AND MORE
Working through local offices, CareerSource Florida offers employers single-point ease in recruitment, hiring and screening. CareerSource also coordinates custom training and assists in the implementation of relevant incentives for qualified projects. See more about available workforce incentives here (LINK TO INCENTIVES PAGE)
Find Your Local CareerSource Office
Careersource Heartland (Region 19)
Website: http://www.careersourceheartland.com
One-Stop Career Centers are located in the four counties of DeSoto, Hardee, Okeechobee and Highlands. The administrative offices are located in Sebring, Florida (Highlands County)
Desoto One-Stop Career Center
2160 NE Roan Avenue
Arcadia, FL 34266-5025
(863) 993-1046
Fax (863) 993-1046
Hardee One-Stop Career Center
324 Sixth Avenue North
Wauchula, FL 33873-3317
(863) 773-3474
Fax (863) 773-3949
Highlands One-Stop Career Center
5901 US Hwy 27 South, Suite 1
Sebring, FL 33870
(863) 385-3672
Fax (863) 382-4237
Okeechobee One-Stop Career Center
Okeechobee One-Stop Career Center
209 SW Park StOkeechobee, Florida 34972
(863) 610-0600
Careersource Southwest Florida (Region 24)
Website: http://careersourcesouthwestflorida.com/
The One-Stop Career Centers served by CareerSource Southwest Florida are located in the counties of Hendry and Collier. The administrative office is located in Ft. Myers in Lee County.
Hendry County Career Center
215 B South Francisco Street
Clewiston, FL 33440
(863) 983-6138
Hendry County Career Center
921 Anvil Way
LaBelle, FL 33935
(863) 675-1412
Collier County Career Center
750 South 5th Street
Immokalee, FL 34142
(239) 658-3300
