WORKFORCE plus Press Release:

Tallahassee, Fla. –

WORKFORCE plus has been awarded a $300,000 grant from Workforce Florida Inc. to address the needs of the health care industry in Tallahassee.

Through a partnership with Tallahassee Community College, Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare, Capital Regional Medical Center and the Tallahassee/Leon Economic Development Council, 100 individuals will receive training to become pharmacy technicians or health information technicians. Additionally, 50 specialized nurses will receive skills upgrades. Training will be conducted by Tallahassee Community College and will begin in January.

During the 2008 Legislative session Senate Bill 1360 was passed requiring all pharmacy technicians to register with the pharmacy board by 2010 and by 2011 requires pharmacy technicians to have completed an approved pharmacy technician training program.

“A collaboration between Tallahassee Community College and WORKFORCE plus that includes our health care partners will be a model for quickly responding to regional workforce needs,” stated John Chapin, Vice President for Economic & Workforce Development at Tallahassee Community College. “This grant presents an opportunity to do this. The same model will be applicable to future workforce needs.”

Informational sessions on how to take advantage of the pharmacy tech/health information tech opportunities available through WORKFORCE plus will be held. The first session will be held on December 15th at the WORKFORCE plus Leon Office, 2525 South Monroe Street, Tallahassee. The second session will be held on December 16th at Tallahassee Community College, 444 Apple yard Drive, Tallahassee. Each session will begin at 6 pm. Attendees are encouraged to attend and bring an ID, social security card, copy of HS Diploma/GED, proof of residency and proof of income from the last six months.

“Under the collaborative partnership, we have been afforded a unique opportunity to develop curriculum and provide training in high demand areas that align with the current trends seen in health care, “stated Kimberly A. Moore, chief executive officer of WORKFORCE plus. “Further, we will be able to address a current employer need to deliver continuing training to nurses in specialized areas that will allow our health care providers to remain competitive and meet staff training needs.”

On November 20, 2009, Florida’s October Employment figures released indicated that health care has been the only growth sector in Florida over the year. Florida saw an increase of over 11,500 jobs since October 2008.

“Capital Regional Medical Center is very proud to be part of this project with WORKFORCE plus, Tallahassee Community College and Tallahassee Memorial,” Stated Capital Regional Medical Center CEO, Bud Wethington. “This is a fabulous opportunity for the health care community to work together with the educational community for the improvement of health services by educating our own citizens to establish careers right here at home.”

Funding for these short-term training opportunities is provided through the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act signed by President Obama in February 2009. The Act has a number of strategic elements that are designed to help stimulate the economy and create or sustain jobs.

For more information, contact WORKFORCE plus at (866) WFP-JOB1.