TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) announced $750,000 in workforce training funds that are available for Floridians interested in pursuing nonagricultural occupations in rural areas through the Everglades Restoration Agricultural Community Employment Training Program. Created and funded by the Florida Legislature, and administered by DEO, the Everglades Training Program is designed to meet the changing workforce needs of the Everglades region. This program allows eligible schools and businesses to deliver nonagricultural occupational training to Floridians in Collier, Glades, Hendry, Highlands, Palm Beach and Okeechobee counties. Eligible employers and educational institutions may apply for funding to cover the cost of training or tuition on behalf of eligible applicants.

“From my first day in office, I have focused on protecting and restoring the Everglades, while also making sure that Floridians have every opportunity to be successful and competitive in today’s workforce,” said Governor DeSantis. “This funding will be used to advance both of these priorities and will have a significant impact in the region.”

Funding for the Everglades Restoration Agricultural Community Employment Training Program was allocated by the Florida Legislature and will be distributed by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) to:

• Provide grants to public or private technical or vocational programs for tuition on behalf of eligible students;
• Provide matching grants to employers to conduct employer-based training for non-agricultural occupational training; and
• Purchase equipment or hire instructors for training purposes.

“Governor DeSantis continues to provide opportunities to enhance our state’s workforce,” said Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Secretary Dane Eagle. “Workforce training is crucial to fueling economic growth, making sure Floridians have the skills they need to succeed, and is vital to the continued growth of our state. We encourage interested employers and education institutions to apply and take advantage of this program to offer opportunities for workforce training within their communities.”

The application cycle continues now through September 16, 2021. For more information and to apply for the Everglades Restoration Agricultural Community Employment Training Program visit our website, here. Applications may be submitted to DEO through e-mail at ERACETP@deo.myflorida.com or by mail to:
Florida Department of Economic Opportunity,

Everglades Agricultural Community Employment Training Program,
107 East Madison Street,
Caldwell Building, MSC G-229,
Tallahassee, Florida 32399. 

About DEO

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity combines the state’s economic, workforce and community development efforts, expediting economic development projects to fuel job creation in competitive communities and promote economic resiliency. For more information, including valuable resources for employers and job seekers, please visit www.FloridaJobs.org.

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