Approve Quick Response Training Application to Workforce Florida, Inc., and if Approved, Accept Funds for PROJECT LAB for Aparicio-Levy Technical Center, $165,000 (Adult Technical Education)

We request approval to submit a Quick Response Training grant application for PROJECT LAB to Workforce Florida, Inc. in concert with the Committee of 100 of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, for Aparicio-Levy Technical Center to provide training services. PROJECT LAB, as identified by Enterprise Florida, Inc. for the purpose of confidentiality, is a corporate headquarters relocation of a biomedical manufacturing firm which will consolidate its current workforce from other locations in the country to Tampa. Additionally, 65 new jobs, with an average wage of $54,000, will be created during the first year and will be filled by local hires.

The involvement of Aparicio-Levy Technical Center with this project is significant; as the school’s new manufacturing program will provide a trained applicant pool for the new jobs at PROJECT LAB. Student internship opportunities will be available for postsecondary students, as well as secondary students who are dually enrolled in the manufacturing program.

Florida Statute 288.047 (3) established the Quick Response Training Program in 1993 to meet the workforce skill needs of new or expanding businesses. Florida’s Quick Response Training Grant is a three-party partnership among Workforce Florida, Inc., the company, and the designated local education agency (LEA) which serves as a fiscal agent. Since Aparicio-Levy Technical Center will serve as the training provider, Hillsborough County Public Schools is the appropriate LEA.

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If approved, funds of $165,000 will be included in the divisional special revenue/federal programs budget. Quick Response industry training programs are fully supported by funds available through grant awards from Workforce Florida, Inc.

Performance evaluation measures are determined by Workforce Florida, Inc. The results of the evaluation will be shared with all stakeholders.