Career Source Northeast Florida training
Training Youth with Disabilities for Florida ’ s Workforce
Another example of how training alternative workforces can help the businesses in our region is the Transition Youth Program sponsored by the nonprofit employment service for people with disabilities , EmployU . The organization , headquartered in Casselberry , serves 50 counties across the state , including those in the First Coast Region .
The Transition Youth Program aids students aged 14-21 who either have an Individual Education Plan ( IEP ) or 504
Plan . These students range from those with specific learning disabilities to those with autism or an intellectual disability .
The program places them in jobs with companies in their local communities in industries such as construction , hospitality , healthcare , industry and more .
Lindy Madden- Sinka
“ The businesses actually benefit as well because they are helping to create that future workforce . They also have access to additional hands onsite to help them , especially now when everyone is in such dire straits in terms of finding staff ,” says Transitions Program Director Lindy Madden-Sinka .
The Transition Youth program also provides work training , self-advocacy , and career exploration classes . They even provide industryspecific programs for in-demand Florida jobs .
“ Individuals with disabilities are amazing workers ,” says Madden- Sinka . “ They ’ re motivated . They want to work , and they want to participate . They have less incidence of absenteeism and tardiness , and they actually tend to stay employed with the same company for longer periods .”
Students in the programs tend to stay for three to five years and many transition to college or full-time careers . Businesses can participate at no cost or obligation by contacting the organization at
employu . com .
Building Tomorrow ’ s Businesses
PS27 Ventures is an early-stage venture capital fund dedicated to helping innovative entrepreneurs in Florida scale their businesses through coaching and training . The Jacksonville-based firm invests in companies from all over the state in five verticals : software as a service , e-commerce , health tech , financial tech and sustainability .
| 10 | EVOLVE BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEUR MAGAZINE