There is a growing need for more manufacturing workers in the Tampa Bay area, specializing in fields of soldering and cabling, machining, and welding and fabrication. Now, there is a new training program, free to those who qualify, to help get people certified.
Laura O'Connell has a bachelor's degree, but like so many people in Tampa Bay, her employer laid her off.
Today, she's one of the top students in her welding training program through CareerSource's Workforce Training Program.
"It's really great to just dive in and learn all the little details that are involved in it," O'Connell said.
With a huge demand for manufacturing jobs in the area., she's already feeling more secure.
"That's a pretty great thing,"' O'Connell said. "especially graduating with a degree in fine arts, where no one wants to search for your for a job!"
CareerSource has recently launched training classes in welding and soldering and cabling, which are industries paying $10-$17/hour, based on experience.
The Career Prep Center also offers industrial machining training, which is a more computers-based job. However, those jobs pay about $18-$23 dollars/ hour.
"There's a huge demand for it," said Ed Peachey, CEO of CareerSource Pinellas. "And I don't see that going away any time soon. "
More than 35 employers are already coming to these classes to scope out potential employees.
"Everyone who successfully completes the courses is getting an interview," Peachey said. "And usually multiple interviews."
Laura O'Connell is just about to graduate the intensive seven-week course and is stepping out to multiple job offers.
"My husband and I just bought our first home last year and a brand-new puppy so it will be great to be able to support that," she said.
She's looking forward to a more steady paycheck and additional training from her new employer to multiply her skills.
If you are ready to start a new career in manufacturing, the WIOA program may be able to assist you with subsidized training and work experience opportunities.
Soldering and Cabling Training:
The Soldering and Cabling Program provides training and the opportunity to earn industry recognized certifications manufacturing employers require. The program consists of three-weeks of classroom activities and one-week of employability skills training at no-cost to you. Certifications include:
Industrial Machine Maintenance Training
No-cost training opportunities are available to earn an industry certification manufacturing employers seek. Upon successful completion of 3 weeks of hands-on classroom training, participants are referred to local manufacturers for interviews.
Welding/Fabrication Training
If you are considering a career in manufacturing our no-cost program will provide the knowledge to understand the various aspects of working in an entry-level welding/fabrication position. Get trained and ready for work in as little as seven weeks.
The program offers classroom and field experiences that will equip students with the skills and knowledge to become more marketable to hiring employers.
After you have completed the program, you will be considered for work experience opportunities that lead to developing relationships and gaining industry insights in preparation for work after graduation.
This workforce training program is helped in park by Duke Energy.
