Special Initiatives

The Suncoast Workforce Board is periodically involved in special programs initiated at the State level or local level to address pressing or emergency issues that impact the workforce, business, education or economic development.

Florida Rebuilds
This is a construction industry training initiative.  The need for skilled workers in the construction trades to meet the demands of Florida's current construction boom has become even more critical in the wake of a storm cycle of historic proportions. The training goals of this initiative are twofold: To provide short-term, entry level training for up to 10,000 individuals statewide that will enable them to enter into the construction trades with emphasis on the attainment of an industry recognized credential. To provide advanced training to up to 1,000 existing workers in the industry that will enable them to acquire additional skills and certifications  to advance in the industry. More Information >

Project Return
The Suncoast Workforce Board's juvenile offender program provides specialized employment, education and training services to at-risk youths with juvenile offenses.  Eligible youths between 16 and 21 are enrolled, assessed, provided work readiness training and an individualized career plan.  Then, depending on interests and abilities, they may continue their high school educations, be placed into high-demand jobs and/or be enrolled in vocational training related to high-demand careers. Due to the award of a USDOL grant, youths can be provided with intensive 1-to-1 attention, along with assistance through incentive payments, support services and training.

Participants in this project are encouraged to focus on the region's high-growth, high-demand industries, including: construction, automotive, transportation, retail, hospitality, health care, finance and information technology. This is an ambitious project which has brought together numerous community partners including law enforcement, the courts, juvenile justice officers, alternative schools, detention facilities, after care facilities, employers, faith-based providers such as the YMCA, and the school boards from both Sarasota and Manatee counties.

Governor's State Leadership Taskforce for Reducing Underage Drinking
Governor Bush and Florida's First Lady, Columba Bush, have formed the Governor's State Leadership Taskforce for Reducing Underage Drinking as a unified state agency initiative.  Each state agency and its local offices are charged with developing action plans to work with other education, intervention and enforcement strategies and plans specific to the mission of the agency to help curtail underage alcohol consumption. 

In support of the Governor's initiative, the Suncoast Workforce Board promoted the Florida's Kids and Alcohol live one-hour television special on WEDU addressing the dangers of alcohol.  The Board also ordered pamphlets and booklets addressing alcohol and substance abuse prevention that will be distributed through the out-of-school and in-school WIA programs, and One Stop Career Centers in both English and Spanish. 

Passport to Economic Progress
A local workforce development program designed for working individuals with the desire to achieve personal, educational or employment goals.  Any parent or guardian who resides in Manatee or Sarasota counties with a dependent child under 19 years of age and who is working a minimum of 32 hours per week may be eligible for the individualized services. Passport is a goal-oriented program that offers participants step-by-step career guidance, one-on-one encouragement and financial assistance along the way.  The Suncoast Workforce Board is one of only two regions in the State of Florida to offer the Passport program.  For more information, contact Bradenton (941) 714-7449, Sarasota (941) 358-4200 and Venice (941) 486-2682