Pasco-Hernando State College Volume XV, Issue I SPRING 2021 | Page 13

COLLEGE
NEWS

PHSC HELPS BRIDGE UNEMPLOYMENT GAP THROUGH JOB TRAINING

Last fall , local residents had an opportunity

to receive crucial training needed to return to the workforce . They participated in a free virtual event focused on changing the lives of those seeking to return to work during this challenging time . In response to the pandemic , PHSC positioned itself to fulfill the critical workforce and career needs of the citizens of Pasco and Hernando counties .
PHSC partnered with a rapid learning program called Workforce Entrepreneurship Research and Community ( WERC ), a national community and workforce activation platform that integrates personal growth and skills training . The program aims to help community members build the future they want through a series of online and offline training , community events , and mentorships from local and national experts .
“ Community workforce development is a highpriority component of PHSC ’ s strategic plan and mission and we are very pleased to be at the forefront of this collaboration , which brings exciting and creative programming to our service district . Our current economic climate demands immediate training opportunities that yield meaningful employability and this partnership provides a solid foundation toward this path ," said Stanley Giannet , Ph . D ., PHSC ’ s Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer / College Provost .
The workforce program is a partnership that has been established between the University of Florida Cooperative Extension , PHSC , Hernando County , the Let ’ s Grow Hernando Foundation and Innovation Collective , which is an organization supported by national programs like Grow with Google ’ s IT Professionals . Upon completion , graduates will have their credentials automatically sent to more than 50 companies that hire individuals with the certificate and they can receive the equivalent of four years of college credit through the American College of Education ( ACE ) Certification program .
As a College for the community , partnerships with the Innovation Collective organization have brought significant opportunities to the district . PHSC hosted an event for the “ Think Big Festival ” to spark the entrepreneurial mindset and interest in technology and the future of work .
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