PINELLAS COUNTY — If you missed out on the first round of free and fast credentialing programs at St. Petersburg College, you’ve got another chance. Scholarships are back, and new programs are included.
SPC’s Rapid Credentialing program, which prepares students to work in secure, high-demand jobs in only weeks, now offers scholarships for eight programs. All starting with great salaries.
“Even before COVID, many workers could not meet the rising industry demand for a more skilled and technically competent workforce,” said Michael Ramsey, SPC’s dean of Workforce Development. “This program helps to bridge the gap between the skills the people in our community have and those that are in demand by employers.”
SPC’s Career Connections Director Jason Krupp said the job opportunities are, indeed, plentiful
“There are hundreds of local manufacturing jobs that require workers for assembly, soldering and building circuit boards,” Krupp said. “These jobs lead to long-term career opportunities.”
Due to a generous $2.2 million grant awarded to SPC through the Florida Department of Education’s Rapid Credentialing Economic Recovery and Prosperity Initiative, any Pinellas County resident who is unemployed, furloughed or making less than $25,500 per year could qualify for a full scholarship for one of these programs.
With such a wide variety of programs, there is something for everyone. Some of the new programs added are a Public Safety Telecommunications Certificate that can be earned in only eight weeks, with four of those online, a 60-hour Certified Production Technician program and a 10-week Electrical Lineworker program. All opportunities are listed on the college’s Job Training webpage.
Krupp said these programs not only get people back to work quickly but are stepping stones to stable careers.
“These are great opportunities for quick trainings,” he said. “And these jobs are immune to COVID, so they’re more secure than other occupations.”
Act quickly, as scholarship funds are limited. More information, including eligibility requirements and application information, is available at spc.edu/jobtraining.
