Below you will find frequently asked questions about the Southwest Florida Equitable
Jobs Pipeline
-
What is the overall goal of the Pipeline?
Toggle More Info
The goal of the Pipeline is to connect underemployed and unemployed Southwest Florida
residents with training for industry-recognized credentials and, ultimately, fast track employment for 1,700 local job seekers with local employers committed to this
partnership.
-
What is the funding being used for ?
Toggle More Info
Funding is being used to create a sustainable regional collaboration for workforce development in SWFL. Funds go to support tuition, fees, wrap-around services and specific areas of program development.
-
Is this grant intended to create new jobs or fill existing ones?
Toggle More InfoBoth; The Pipeline is focused on unemployed and underemployed individuals who already live here. Through training opportunities, the goal is that workers will have the ability to be placed in good jobs and/or advance to higher-paying careers.
-
Why were the four industries chosen?
Toggle More InfoThe four industries were strategically identified as high-growth, high-demand industries in our region. The focus is on industries that add diversification to our local economy, offer positions with high earning potential and have existing ecosystems in our region. Three of the four industries have been identified as key industries in the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for Southwest Florida.
-
How will businesses outside of the four industries benefit?
Toggle More InfoWhile the Pipeline strategically focused on training and job placement in four key industries, the Pipeline team is exploring aligned funding to address the needs of other vital industries in our region. All industries in the area will benefit from a workforce with a higher level of credentials and degrees. Best practices for workforce development will be
documented and shared with the community throughout the project.
-
What are the qualifications for job seekers?
Toggle More InfoThe Pipeline will help ANYONE in our region looking for employment and upskilling.
-
Will this grant attract new business and job seekers to the region?
Toggle More InfoThe Pipeline is addressing the workforce needs of our existing business by upskilling job seekers that are already here in our region. As the area’s workforce becomes highly skilled, our hope is that businesses will view
this as a desirable area to grow or relocate to, spurring even greater economic benefits in our region.
-
How are scholarship recipients for FGCU degree programs included in the Pipeline selected?
Toggle More Info FGCU is partnering with regional employer partners within the four sectors to identify current employees for enrollment in degree programs leading to upskilling and reskilling. This includes paraprofessionals and school district employees who would like to earn a bachelor's degree, Healthcare employees who would like to earn a second bachelor's degree in nursing, and currently employed nurses with an interest in the Master of Science in nurse educator.
-
Who should I contact at FGCU regarding degree programs and non-credit programs initially
included in the Pipeline?
Toggle More Info
-
How can I get involved?
Toggle More Info
