ORLANDO – Valencia College has partnered with Osceola County government and Orange County government to provide short-term job training for residents who have lost their jobs or whose livelihoods have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
Using CARES Act funds from each county, the college is providing Accelerated Skills Training to residents to help them land jobs in fields where employers are still hiring, including construction, manufacturing, warehouse and distribution, and healthcare.
Ninety-five percent of students in Valencia College’s AST programs complete the program and earn certifications; and 81 percent of AST graduates are placed in jobs at the end of the program. All AST programs last between 4 and 18 weeks with multiple start times throughout the year.
Osceola County
Using $859,078 of Coronavirus Relief Funds, Osceola County has paid for more than 300 residents to receive skills training at Valencia College by December 2020.
Under the agreement with Valencia, the College’s Accelerated Skills Training (AST) programs will recruit eligible students for short-term courses in Commercial Truck Driving, Electronic Board Assembly Operator, Medical Office Specialist, Clinical Medical Assisting, and Distribution Operations Technician. Also included under the umbrellas of the Accelerated Skills Training (AST) Program will be enrollment in an English as a Second Language (ESOL) program or Intensive English Program (IEP), based on individual need.
“This is an ideal partnership because Valencia’s AST programs have proven they provide accelerated pathways to high wage employment in desirable industries that are just what so many of our residents impacted by COVID-19 need right now,” said Osceola Commission Chairwoman Viviana Janer. “It is ideal that these programs offer a quick turnaround, flexible curriculum and a pipeline that connects employers to highly skilled employees.”
“Valencia College’s Accelerated Skills Training programs have enjoyed a long history of support from Osceola County and this is just one more example. What is so powerful about our partnership is the alignment in helping to make the residents of Osceola County lives better,” said Carolyn McMorran, Valencia College’s assistant vice president of professional and continuing education.
Orange County
Meanwhile, Orange County government has provided CareerSource Central Florida with $7 million in CARES Act funds to provide unemployed residents with career counseling, job-seeking assistance and job training. Valencia College’s Accelerated Skills Training program is one of the county-approved providers of job training, with training available in high-growth industries such as construction, healthcare, and information technology. For those who qualify, CareerSource will pay for tuition and books for retraining.
“Orange County recognizes the need of our residents to get back on their feet as quickly as possible having been impacted enormously by this pandemic. Employment and workforce development are key to getting back in the job market, and we thank CareerSource Central Florida for their capabilities, services and dedication to help our residents re-enter the job market and achieve stability,” said Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings.
For more information about Valencia College’s Accelerated Skills Training programs and whether you qualify for assistance, please call 407-582-6688 or visit https://net1.valenciacollege.edu/continuing-education/accelerated-skills-training-programs/