Last week (Aug. 10) Senator Marco Rubio sat down with Tampa Bay manufacturing leaders to discuss the challenges impacting the manufacturing industry. Tom Mudano, President & CEO with AmSkills was one of those leaders.
One of the biggest issues facing the manufacturing industry is finding skilled job applicants to fill the enormous number of open positions. According to National Association of Manufacturers, there were 856,000 manufacturing job openings in December 2021.
AmSkills, a nonprofit headquartered in Holiday, developed a free, 2-week manufacturing bootcamp to help deal specifically with this problem. The 2-week, free Career Discovery bootcamp consists of multiple hands-on projects, blueprint and measurement reading, intro to soldering, attending tours of local manufacturers and obtaining an OSHA Safety Certificate. During the program, participants will also receive guidance in preparation for a job interview. All participants who successfully complete the bootcamp will receive a Certificate of Completion and will be guaranteed several job interviews on the last day.
“Most people have no idea how many manufacturing opportunities are available within their community because they aren’t familiar with the industry or don’t believe they have the necessary skills to seek employment. This program provides participants with the information, skills, and opportunity they need to launch a career at the end of the bootcamp,” said Tom Mudano, President & CEO of AmSkills.
AmSkills manufacturing bootcamps have been going on for several years. And they are successful. In 2021, 89% of the people that participated in bootcamps were hired by a local manufacturer. What’s even more exciting is that 80% of those hired ARE STILL WORKING.
The next bootcamp will take place September 19-30 at the University Area CDC in North Tampa (14013 N 22nd St, Tampa, FL 33613) A Career Discovery Workshop will take place the Saturday prior, September 10, in the same location.
If you are interested in attending an upcoming workshop, visit http://www.amskills.org or call (727) 301-1282 ext. 126 to register. Seats are limited, but reservations will be accepted until all available spots are filled.
About AmSkills
AmSkills is a 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to “transform lives through workforce training and apprenticeships.” AmSkills teaches high school students and adults the foundational skills needed for a career in the manufacturing industry using hands-on training. It also gives these students the chance to explore multiple career paths in the manufacturing field. Once completed, candidates are eligible for paid, semi-skilled jobs or skilled apprenticeship opportunities.
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