Training
Businesses constantly need to upgrade the skills of its employees to effectively compete nationally and globally to stay competitive. In addition, new locating businesses are challenged with start-up training for new employees. There are local and state training and grants available to provide the assistance needed to support workforce development in targeted and emerging sectors that provide the promise of high-skills/high-wage employment opportunities. In Lee County and Florida the training investment contributes to economic growth and diversification.
Click for information on state training grant programs through Workforce Florida
LOCAL
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SERVICES (BIS)
BIS is a program of the Lee County School District that provides employers with effective, customized, economical training programs. BIS works with the employer to design a training program to meet the specific needs of the business. Training schedules are flexible to accommodate work schedules and can be offered at the employer’s site or BIS training facility. The school district, in conjunction with other state agencies, participates financially to provide this high-quality training at the lowest possible cost to the employer.
EDISON STATE COLLEGE
The Continuing Education Institutes at Edison State College provides employee development opportunities. The focus includes health professionals; public safety; management, business and accounting; teacher preparation; career assessment; language and computer courses; and architecture, design and construction. In addition, a variety of occupational license are offered.
FGCU CENTER OF LEADERSHIP & INNOVATION (CLI)
The Center of Leadership and Innovation (CLI) is an integral part of the College of Business delivering the region’s premier executive and technology education programs and providing a focal point for applied, consultative research in support of the business community of Southwest Florida. Located on the FGCU main campus, the Center houses the Executive MBA program, Regional and Economic Research, the Small Business Development Center and various faculty-led applied research institutes.
HODGES UNIVERSITY
Founded in 1990 as International College, Hodges University has established itself as one of the premier private universities in the State of Florida. Hodges University is regionally accredited with the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award Associate, Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
ITT TECHNICAL INSTITUTE
ITT Educational Services, Inc. ("ITT/ESI") provides accredited, technology-oriented undergraduate and graduate degree programs through its ITT Technical Institutes to help students develop skills and knowledge they can use to pursue career opportunities in a variety of fields. The Fort Myers location offers: Information technology, electronics, drafting & design and criminal justice programs.
LEE COUNTY HIGH TECH CENTER CENTRAL and HIGH TECH CENTER NORTH
Vocational technology training is available at two campuses in Lee County. Both centers offer training for those wishing to enter the job markets, as well as those who wish to upgrade their skills.
NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
Nova Southeastern University, a private, not-for-profit institution, offers a diverse array of innovative academic programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels, complementing on-campus educational opportunities and resources with accessible distance learning programs, and fostering intellectual inquiry, leadership, and commitment to community through engagement of students and faculty members in a dynamic, life-long learning environment.
RASMUSSEN COLLEGE
The campus in Fort Myers offers Bachelor’s and Associate’s degrees in many high demand fields such as: Allied Health, Business, Justices Studies and Technology and Design.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA COLLEGE
Southwest Florida College is a Senior College accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) to award bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, and diplomas.
TRAINING GRANTS
STATE
Quick Response Training Program (QRT)
An employer-driven training program designed to assist new value-added businesses and provide existing Florida businesses the necessary training for expansion. A state educational facility - community college, area technical center, school district or university - is available to assist with application and program development or delivery. The educational facility will also serve as fiscal agent for the project. The company may use in-house training, outside vendor training programs or the local educational entity to provide training. Reimbursable training expenses include: instructors'/trainers' wages, curriculum development, and textbooks/manuals. This program is customized, flexible, and responsive to individual company needs.
Incumbent Worker Training Program (IWT)
A program that provides training to currently employed workers to keep Florida's workforce competitive in a global economy and to retain existing businesses. The program is available to all Florida businesses that have been in operation for at least one year prior to application and require skills upgrade training for existing employees. Priority is given to businesses in targeted industries, Enterprise Zones, HUB Zones, Inner City Distressed areas, Rural Counties and areas, and Brownfield areas.
TRAINING INTERNET RESOURCES
LOCAL
Alliance of Educational Leaders
A comprehensive site linking various training programs in Southwest Florida and a chart of training providers with program availability by subject
ASTD – American Society for Training and Development
A national organization serving the needs of training and education specialists. Southwest Florida chapter members share a common vision to promote quality, competence and professional development of all members
Business and Industry Services (BIS)
Provides customized, quality cost-effective training to meet the needs of existing, new and future employers in Lee County
SWFL WORKS
Provides a point of contact for employers in Southwest Florida to link with training providers to develop customized employer-based training programs and employer incentives available
STATE
Workforce Florida
NATIONAL
American Service Locator (ASL)
Career One Stop
Training and Education Center. Find information on the impact of training, determining your training needs and where to find training
U. S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration
Access to on-the-job, apprenticeship and other adult and youth training programs
