Today, Governor Ron DeSantis released his Freedom First budget recommendations to the Legislature for Fiscal Year 2022-2023. The budget reaffirms Governor DeSantis’ commitment to high priority conservation items including red tide research and manatee rescue, and provides additional resources and support for law enforcement.

Florida Gov. DeSantis Announces $8.6 Million To Expand Career And Workforce Training Opportunities For Military Veterans And Spouses

Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced $8.6 million in “Get There Faster: Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act”, Governor’s Reserve Funds grants have been awarded to workforce development boards across the state to expand career and workforce training opportunities for military veterans and spouses seeking employment.

The Governor’s announcement comes as Paychecks for Patriots Career Fairs for veterans and military families are underway across the state. 

“We owe the freedoms we enjoy as Americans to our military veterans, and I am focused on ensuring Florida is the best state in the nation for those who have served to find great jobs, start or grow businesses and support their families,” said Governor DeSantis. “Business is booming in Florida, and employers are looking for the leadership skills, training, and teamwork military veterans bring to the workforce.”  

In June, the CareerSource Florida Board of Directors approved funding for the competitive grants to reach and assist a greater number of military veterans and spouses of active duty military and veterans with employment challenges such as homelessness or service-related disabilities. 

“CareerSource Florida is honored to serve those who have served our country,” said CareerSource Florida Board Chair Stephanie Smith, senior director of government relations for Anthem, Inc. “On behalf of our board, we applaud Governor DeSantis for prioritizing funding to ensure our military veterans and their families have the resources needed to begin or continue great careers here in Florida.”

Grants announced today will fund projects including:

  • A 12-county partnership across the Florida Panhandle to connect veterans, transitioning military and spouses with work-based training, apprenticeships and internships. The partnership includes four local workforce development boards, military bases, colleges and technical schools to build upon participants’ military experience to create career pathways leading to rewarding employment.
  • A partnership between CareerSource Tampa Bay, CareerSource Polk, Airborne Maintenance and Engineering Services and Pemco Conversions to develop an accelerated career pathway to high-demand occupations in the  information technology and aviation industry sectors. 
  • An expanded job training program for disabled and other veterans and military spouses that incorporates supportive services such as transportation and childcare, partnering with CareerSource Palm Beach County, the School District of Palm Beach County – Adult and Community Education, local colleges and several local training providers. 
  • A partnership with CareerSource Broward and community organizations including Henderson Behavior Health Services, the United Way and Broward County Veterans Services to engage homeless veterans and others in job training, apprenticeships, paid work experience and credentialling programs.

“As a veteran of the U.S. Navy, our Governor values the training and skills veterans bring to Florida’s workforce,” said CareerSource Florida President and CEO Michelle Dennard. “CareerSource Florida is working closely with our education and local workforce development board partners to ensure the grants announced today allow us to serve even more veterans and their family members, including those facing homelessness and other challenges, so they can connect with meaningful employment opportunities.”

In addition to the grants announced today, the annual statewide Paychecks for Patriots program partners the state Department of Economic Opportunity, the CareerSource Florida network, and participating Florida employers to hold job fairs for veterans and their families.

Local workforce development boards across Florida are hosting Paychecks for Patriots events throughout the month of November to help build connections between veteran job seekers and Florida’s job creators.  

For a list of Paychecks for Patriots events and locations, please visit this link

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