ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.–(April 16, 2019)— The Greater St. Petersburg Area Economic Development Corporation (EDC) released the 2.0 version of its digital workforce platform, Workforce Resource Map with significant enhancements to better meet the needs of growing businesses in St. Petersburg. The platform, created in partnership with CareerEdge in December 2018, showcases a comprehensive listing of workforce-related resources and programs available to employers in the greater St. Petersburg area.
“We wanted to create a place where local employers could quickly and easily navigate through the many resources available to them that will ultimately grow jobs in our community,” J.P. DuBuque, President of the Greater St. Petersburg Area EDC said. “It remains a top priority for the EDC to not only bring new businesses to the area, but to also ensure we are supporting the growth and success of the companies already here.”
The EDC convened an extensive review session of the site with community members and human resource professionals who provided feedback for site improvements, that have since been incorporated in the Workforce Resource Map 2.0. New features include:
- - Improved navigation
- - Search functionality
- - Filterable skill set options
- - Case studies and testimonials from local employers
- - Additional programs and resources
The site which lives on StPeteWorkforce.org, spotlights local programs and resources related to five categories: Recruiting, Training & Development, Incentives & Grants, Internships & Apprenticeships, and Diversity & Inclusion. As a result of new improvements, employers can now filter resources by industry, experience level, and proximity. All entities listed on the site are not-for-profit.
"Mapping the various resources available in the region around workforce development is a great benefit to all employers, especially prospective employers," Dr. Sri Sundaram, Dean of USF-St. Petersburg Kate Tiedemann College of Business said. "The work by the EDC and CareerEdge is a great benefit to the economic development efforts of the Grow Smarter Initiative."
CareerSource Pinellas, St. Pete Works, and Launch Code are among the more than fifty resource providers listed on the platform. Incentive and grant information covers programs from the City of St. Petersburg’s Grow Smarter Job Creation and Talent Attraction Program to the U.S. Department of Labor’s H-1B Technical Skills Training Grant Program.
“As we rapidly expand and source talent in the St. Petersburg market, we are constantly seeking alternate resources to aid our hiring efforts,” Alycia Weigley, Human Resources Director for UPC Insurance said. “The Workforce Resource Map will also prove to be beneficial as we source internship candidates and training programs for current employees.”
The Greater St. Petersburg Area EDC is encouraging community members to share the Workforce Resource Map and advise of any respective organizational updates or new contacts. The platform will be reviewed and evaluated every six months.
Please direct all Workforce Resource Map inquiries to Mallory McClellan, mmcclellan@stpeteedc.com.
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About the Greater St. Petersburg Economic Development Corporation
The Greater St. Petersburg Area Economic Development Corporation is a partner in the Grow Smarter Strategy to create awareness of the business climate in the St. Petersburg area and to invigorate the growth of jobs in the target sectors of marine and life sciences, data analytics, financial and business services, specialized manufacturing and creative arts and design. For more information, visit StPeteEDC.com or call (727) 767-0209.
