County, School Board discuss workforce programs

The joint meeting between the Sarasota County Commission and the Sarasota County School Board focused on Sarasota County Technical Institute updates.

Members of SCTI and CareerEdge staff gave the commissioners an update on the precision machining program provided at SCTI. The program’s first students graduated in June. The program is a part of initiatives to address the skills gap in the community workforce. The commission endorsed the plan in November 2012, and the program received a $318,500 grant in July 2013.

The precision machining program had 16 students enrolled last year. Fourteen were hired upon graduation and two continued their education at the college and university level.

CareerEdge staff gave a presentation on their community-wide innovate workforce system. It received an economic development incentive grant from the county in July 2010 for $200,000, and received another $100,000 from a separate funding source in July 2012. Their program’s goal was employee training and career counseling.

Commissioner Christine Robinson moved to direct county administration to meet with CareerEdge and other stakeholders to hash out a timeline for the continued completion of the community-wide plan, and her action was approved.

The commissioners also listened to an update about the library which is being discussed to be built as a part of the North Port SCTI campus. The school board has located a suitable property near I-75 and Toledo Blade Boulevard. The North Port SCTI is located at 6400 West Price Boulevard.