JOBS
The last two (working with hydraulics and electrical systems)
are very tough positions to fill. We can’t find anyone with the
experience that we need. So, we’re starting from scratch to build
a workforce. They can earn up to $18 an hour once they complete
the course. We need to get the word out to more companies, and
to parents. I think parents, in particular, need to be told about the
advantages of an apprenticeship program, especially on-the-job
paid training. They can earn while they learn.”
Larry Hawes, general manager, Lenco Marine, Stuart
This company, part of the Mercury/Brunswick Corporation,
manufactures actuators for boat trim tabs, hatch lifts and associated
THE HOTTEST JOBS ON THE TREASURE COAST
According to CareerSource Research Coast, the most in-demand
employment openings in our area are:
Healthcare
Manufacturing
Hospitality
Warehousing and distribution
Skilled trades
Financial services
There is potential for apprenticeship programs
in many of those areas.
DID YOU KNOW?
• 97 percent of Florida employers recommend
apprenticeships as a training model.
• 91 percent of apprentices are still employed
nine months after completing programs.
TCBusiness.com 23
control switches for the marine industry.
Lenco has hired four apprentices through a partnership with
CareerSource Research Coast and the Treasure Coast Manufacturers
Association.
“We feel very fortunate to have discovered this program. It is a
very good program that needs to be expanded and supported. It
helps identify individuals that are focused on learning and acquiring
skills in the manufacturing trades. This keeps all parties vested
in the outcome and expands a sustainable workforce.
“We are always trying to improve the quality of our workforce
and to create growth opportunities for our employees. The low
unemployment rate has been an impact, but the greater issue is
to highlight trade skills as a viable alternative to college.
“We concluded very quickly that we did not have the bandwidth
or expertise to create a sustainable program. The work
done by CareerSource Research Coast, TCMA and the (economic)
development corporations on the Treasure Coast has been
groundbreaking and collaborative. Why would we not leverage
these resources?”
Treasure Coast manufacturers who have partnered with CareerSource
Research Coast value the caliber and enthusiasm of
apprentices in their programs and are focused on enhancing their
specialized workforces for the future through training programs.
“Work-based learning combined with academic and technical
skills brings tremendous value to both the employee and
employer,” says Marcelo Dossantos, vice president, strategic initiatives,
at CareerSource Research Coast. “That is why investing in
talent development through apprenticeships is the right strategy
for area employers to gain a pipeline of dependable skilled workers
to boost their productivity and improve the bottom line.”
If you’d like more information about the many advantages of
apprenticeship programs, contact: Susan Haggard, sector strategy
coordinator at CareerSource Research Coast, 866.482.4473, ext.
415, or shaggard@careersourcerc.com v
CareerSource Research
Coast operates from its
St. Lucie County Career
Center located in Port
St. Lucie.
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