OKEECHOBEE COUNTY
Workforce Training Services
Nestled at North end of Lake Okeechobee in south central Florida, Okeechobee County's workforce has an abundant talent pool of quality and reliable individuals as well as attractive wage rates creating a “pipeline” any business would find enviable.
CareerSource Heartland is the workforce agency that services the County. CareerSource is able to assist employers in locating the necessary employment talent required. In addition, specialized grants, programs, and/or incentives may be available to train and retrain qualified workers to enable a business to remain competitive in today’s global market.
Okeechobee County School District also recognizes the need for a strong, well-trained work force. Through their Career & Techniccal Education (CTE) program, the district has implemented the “Major Areas of Interest” approach and has expanded their career and technical programs. Academic and career-related curriculum provides dual enrollment programs which allow students to receive both a high school education and credits toward their ultimate career goals.
For those who are interested in moving quickly into the workforce, Indian River State College offers Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Technology, Automotive Service Technology, Welding Technology and countless other career training programs and technical certificates designed to accelerate an individual’s track from the classroom to the jobsite.
Workforce Training Opportunities
none icon Employed Worker Training
Employers may be able to receive local funding assistance for skills upgrade training for their employed workers. EWT may be used to meet many industry or company-specific training requirements. Businesses may become more competitive by providing their employees new skills that may lead to greater productivity.
none icon On-the-Job Training
OJT allows employers to employ and train a candidate referred by CareerSource Heartland, for a fulltime, high-skill/high-wage position. Employers are reimbursed up to 50% of training costs and must agree to offer full-time employment upon completion of training.
none icon Work Experience
Work Experience may be the solution for employers having difficulty finding a qualified candidate for an open position. The program provides a job seeker with the training and skill development necessary for successful employment retention. Training funds are provided by CareerSource Heartland through a third-party staffing agency for a twelve-week training period.
none icon Rapid Credentialing
Indian River State College Rapid Credentialing is designed to connect unemployed, underemployed and furloughed workers with short-term training in in-demand workforce/career and technical education credentialing and certificate programs.
No cost to eligible students—programs fees and books are paid by a grant.
Training is fast—some programs can be completed in as little as 8 weeks.
none icon Incumbent Worker Training
Expense-reimbursement grants for customized skills upgrade training are available to existing for-profit Florida businesses. Targeted Industries with 25 or fewer employees in distressed urban and rural areas of Florida are given priority.
This is a business-friendly training grant program powered by CareerSource Florida. CareerSource Heartland serves as a liaison and helps facilitate your application for this grant.
none icon Career & Technical Education
Okeechobee High School is home to eight Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs. These CTE programs prepare students for occupations important to Florida and Okeechobee County's economic devlopment. They also allow students to learn in a practical, hands-on environment. With the help of partners in education, business and industry, and trade associations, each program includes the academic and technical skills required to be successful in today's economy. Many students leave OHS with industry certifications to help them in their careers and continuing education at the postsecondary (college) level.
none icon Work Opportunity Tax Credit
Through the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) Program, employers have the opportunity to earn a federal tax credit between $1200 and $9600 per employee. This tax credit is dependent upon the new employee qualifying as a member of one of the below target groups and working a minimum of 120 hours in their first year.
none icon Corporate & Community Training Institute
Corporate & Community Training Institute at Indian River State College is offering several courses to enhance employers customer service, communications, leadership and supervision capabilities,