Attendees at the HIRE program launch event in St. Petersburg, eager to learn about new workforce development opportunities.
The St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce has launched the HIRE program, aiming to enhance workforce development through education and private partnerships. This initiative will help job seekers, businesses, and residents reskill for in-demand jobs. With a focus on collaboration and community engagement, HIRE aims to connect education directly with valuable employment opportunities, ultimately transforming the local workforce landscape.
St. Petersburg is buzzing with excitement following the launch of a new workforce development program called HIRE, which stands for Hiring, Interning, Reskilling, and Empowering. The St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce kicked off this innovative initiative during their 126th annual meeting at the beautiful Mahaffey Theater.
HIRE aims to be a game-changer for our local workforce, and the Chamber of Commerce couldn’t be more enthusiastic. It’s designed to create a strong connection between education and employment, making sure that everyone in the area has a shot at discovering valuable opportunities. Whether you’re a job seeker, a business owner, or someone looking to reskill, HIRE has something for you!
The program will take a holistic approach to workforce development, tapping into public-private partnerships for better results. The City of St. Petersburg has recognized the importance of HIRE and has decided to invest in it, helping create a bridge between the local workforce and the educational ecosystem.
The groundwork for HIRE was laid by the Chamber’s “future of work” committee, led by experts from the University of South Florida St. Petersburg. This committee started developing the framework back in June 2023. In March 2024, a comprehensive workforce study was released, funded jointly by the city, Pinellas County Schools, and a prominent national design-build contractor based right here in St. Petersburg.
The HIRE program doesn’t just cater to Chamber members; it’s open to all area businesses! Its primary focus will be identifying the in-demand skills that jobseekers need to fill gaps in the local workforce. By doing so, it aims to empower everyone looking to land a meaningful job.
To make HIRE effective, data collection and the establishment of business-led focus groups will play an essential role. These focus groups will help shape the local industry based on the unique needs of businesses and jobseekers alike. Local consultancy firm Meshem will be leading the charge to create a detailed and actionable roadmap for community growth, ensuring that everyone has a voice in this initiative.
One of the standout features of HIRE is its emphasis on reskilling. As many in our community are looking to switch careers, this program is critical for helping both existing residents and newcomers find their place within the local workforce. Together, we can ensure that everyone feels equipped to thrive.
Starting February 12, 2024, Meshem will conduct focus groups with stakeholders, and participation is highly encouraged for all businesses. If you’re a business owner in St. Petersburg, don’t miss out on this chance to have your voice heard and contribute to the community!
St. Petersburg’s economic landscape is only getting brighter, with a record $1.4 billion in new construction reported during fiscal year 2024. The city also issued a staggering 34,761 permits! This boom sets a perfect stage for the HIRE program to flourish as it aligns with the city’s ongoing growth.
During the annual meeting, while highlighting the incredible work being done through HIRE, attendees also took a moment to recognize the community heroes and the victims of recent storms at the 2024 Good ‘Burger Awards. Additionally, a local businessman inspired generosity by raising $50,000 for repair efforts at the Mahaffey Theater and encouraged others to match his donation.
All in all, St. Petersburg is on the verge of something beautiful with the launch of HIRE! With a focus on community engagement and collective growth, this program promises to connect education with valuable employment opportunities for everyone in our vibrant city.
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