February 27, 2006 11:00 AM CST

Florida Starts $6 Million Program to Train Construction Workers

By Palm Beach Post

After a statewide survey indicated a shortage of over 13,500 construction professionals, the state of Florida has launched a $6 million program to assist in training workers for masonry, carpentry, roofing and other construction industries.

Announced on Dec. 13, the new Florida reBuilds program will not only assist in the state's booming new home market, but also help in rebuilding areas damaged during the past two hurricane seasons. Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor and state workforce money, the program's goal is to recruit, train and place 3,000 workers in the short-term. At the start of next month's legislative session, Gov. Jeb Bush will request funding to cover an additional 10,000 trainees.

At the press conference, Lt. Gov. Toni Jennings stated, "We're not under the impression or the illusion that we are going to bring people in off of the street and immediately turn them into seasoned roofers or seasoned carpenters. That's not going to happen. But we need workers so badly."

Candidates for the reBuilds program can sign up at the state Agency for Workforce Innovation One-stop Centers.

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The Palm Beach Post is a major daily newspaper in Florida, serving Palm Beach County in South Florida, and the Treasure Coast area. Read the Palm Beach Post online at www.palmbeachpost.com.