CareerSource Heartland (CSH) offers job placement assistance, resume and interview development, and funding for work-based training for South Florida State College students. CSH also supports academic and training programs through grant funding.
Free Career Training for Eligible Adults
If you’re 18 or older, reside in Highlands, Hardee, DeSoto, or Okeechobee counties, and your household income meets program requirements, you may qualify for free tuition in high-demand vocational programs through CareerSource Heartland. These opportunities are made possible via the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which can cover costs such as tuition, books, supplies, uniforms, and certification fees.
Available Training Programs Include:
- Commercial Vehicle Driving (CDL) – 160 hours
- Nursing Assistant – 165 hours
- Welding – 700-hour AWS Basic Welder Certificate
- Carpentry and Roofing – 320 hours NCCER Certificate
- Electrical – 320 hours NCCER Certificate
How to Apply:
- Contact a Career Specialist: Call 863-385-3672, ext. 1340, to discuss your eligibility
- Assessment: You’ll undergo an assessment to determine suitability for training
- Enrollment: If eligible, you’ll be guided through the enrollment process to begin your training
Business Training Support and Workforce Development
CareerSource Heartland also offers robust support for businesses aiming to enhance their workforce through various training grants and programs:
Employer Training Programs
- On-the-Job Training (OJT): Reimburses up to 50% of wages paid to new hires during their training period
- Customized Training: Customized training to help current employees acquire new skills for career advancement
- Incumbent Worker Training: Provides funding for training existing employees to keep businesses competitive
- Quick Response Training: Grant funding offered through CareerSource Florida for customized training for new or expanding businesses
Additional Employer Services
- Recruitment Assistance: Help with job postings, candidate screening, and interview scheduling
- Labor Market Information: Access to data to inform business decisions
- Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC): Assistance in applying for federal tax credits for hiring individuals from targeted groups
- Federal Bonding: An incentive program that provides a federal bond that limits liability for employers who hire at-risk job applicants
You can visit CareerSource Heartland (CSH) to learn more about these opportunities or call your local CHS Career Center.
DeSoto County: 863-993-1008
Hardee County: 863-773-3474
Highlands County: 863-385-3672
Okeechobee County: 863-610-6000
