ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — St. Pete College is set to receive an almost $200,000 grant that could help some of those currently out of work due to the pandemic get on a new career path.
- Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant going to several Florida schools
- Funding to create apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs
- More Pinellas County stories
SPC is one of several Florida schools receiving a portion of a $2.8 million grant from the state of Florida called the Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant.
That grant provides funding for schools like SPC to create new or expand existing apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs.
SPC plans to provide participants accepted into a new health care pre-apprenticeship program classroom experience that they will then take with them to on-the-job training as clinical medical assistant pre-apprentices.
According to the college, anyone can apply and applicants only have to have a high school diploma. If chosen, participants will work as a pre-apprentice at Community Health Centers of Pinellas or one of SPC’s other health care industry partners.
It’s a potentially life-changing opportunity, according to SPC Dean of Workforce Development Michael Ramsey.
“Let's say you were displaced by COVID-19. You were a service worker in a restaurant or hotel industry and you got laid off from your career path," Ramsey explained. "This would be an excellent way to get into the health care community in order to make a difference in the COVID-19 crisis as that curve begins to flatten or if you just want to get into the field.”
The pre-apprentice program is set to begin in August. Only a certain number of applicants will be chosen, so if you’re interested, apply now by calling the St. Petersburg College Workforce Institute at 727-341-4445 or email at workforce@spcollege.edu.