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Workforce Development & Training
About the Program
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The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has allocated $201.5 million to Sarasota County Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR), known as Resilient SRQ, to aid the long-term recovery from Hurricane Ian for low- to moderate-income persons. Resilient SRQ has multiple programs, one of those being the Workforce Development and Training Program. This program has $15 million allocated for career training in construction trades that contribute to the well-being and development of our community.
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The pre-existing robust housing market has created labor shortages coupled with the demand for reconstruction and repair necessary to remedy damage from Hurricane Ian. The County recognizes the unique situations created by Hurricane Ian as an opportunity to invest in Sarasota County citizens and build skills that will help revitalize the economy now and in the event of future natural disasters.
Investment in career development and training will serve County residents who are currently earning low and moderate incomes. The program will work with nonprofit organizations, community-based development organizations, public institutions of higher learning, and Sarasota County public entities that are able to provide career training. The graduates of the training curriculum will be able to join the workforce with marketable skills that are in demand as the cleanup from Hurricane Ian continues.
Selected Project
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On September 10, 2024, the Sarasota County Commission convened at 1660 Ringling Blvd. to select projects for the Resilient SRQ Workforce Development and Training Program. The below project was selected by the board to execute a subrecipient agreement. The program has a funding cap of $15 million.
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School Board of Sarasota County: Suncoast Technical College - North Port Expansion
Approved: $7,500,000
The project will expand career and technical education programs by constructing a new building, renovating student services, enhancing security, and adding covered lab space for trades training. The expansion supports pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs in carpentry, electrical, HVAC, and welding, providing students with industry-recognized credentials and certifications.​​​​
​Information Session
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Resilient SRQ offered information sessions for nonprofit organizations, community-based development organizations, public institutions of higher learning and Sarasota County public entities to share program details on the Workforce Development & Training application.
