Education essential for industry throughout the region

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Photo courtesy of Pixabay. Written by Hermann Traub.

One of the greatest attributes of Sarasota and Manatee County residents is their generosity and dedication to quality education. This is good for communities, educators, and students.

There are many reasons why a strong education system is good for a community, but it is also necessary for strong economic development. Economic development requires an educated and trained workforce.

As in previous years, residents will be asked this November to vote on an optional local property tax extension for school districts in Manatee and Sarasota counties. This referendum was passed by a historically large margin and demonstrates the region's commitment to quality education. Let's do our best to pass again. I look at both of these referendums because not only does GCBX represent members in both counties as a trade association, but we are one metropolitan statistical area (MSA) and one region. It's also for the sake of it. We must recognize that and focus on thriving, strong and sustainable regions.

An educated and well-trained workforce is essential to the local economy. Currently, supply chain issues are exacerbating the labor shortage, significantly impacting the local commercial contracting industry.

There are many trades and jobs as project managers and supervisors for general contractors. Training and employment in the industry provides economic security and a path to the American Dream.

I am reminded of the story of a young man who was laid off during the pandemic. He applied to CareerEdge Funders Collaborative (part of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce) to participate in his HVAC Express program offered at Sarasota Technical College. Throughout his three-month training, he received guidance from veterans in the field. He interviewed for a job, acquired professional skills, and received a job offer immediately after graduation. In his nine months since first stepping into his program, he has reached $25 an hour, including his hour and a half in overtime and double his time on call. . His confidence and pride went through the roof. He and his wife (both working) were able to purchase a small starter home. He is making the American dream a reality.

These types of stories are important not only to the construction industry, but also to the community. Our community needs more stories like this. Locally, both Manatee County and Sarasota County school boards understand the importance of workforce training. Riverview's Construction Technology program is in its second year and has been a great success. Similar programs have begun at other high schools. It is important to support technical colleges and high schools that offer these programs and training and have a proven track record of success.

GCBX sponsors the 7th Annual Construction Career Rodeo, giving juniors and seniors in Manatee and Sarasota counties the opportunity to explore a variety of career paths that can be started right out of high school. Each year, many of these students leave with internships and apprenticeship opportunities that lead to high-paying careers right here in their home countries.

These programs are life changing. These programs help build communities and support economic development. We hope that we can continue to support our local schools by supporting the referendum in November and supporting successful programs of this type of training that exist in our region.

mary doherty I am the Executive Director of the Gulf Coast Builders Exchange.