Metro Orlando boasts a population that is young, well-educated and diverse. Not coincidentally, the region is at, or near, the top of national charts in several demographic and labor-related categories.

Consider that Metro Orlando, already with a population of 1.6 million, is among the nation's fastest-growing population and employment markets. A labor force exceeding 950,000 ensures a strong and stable labor pool for a community that is expected to remain among the nation's top 10 metropolitan areas well into the new millennium.

During the past year, four companies in Seminole County received $41,000 in worker training assistance which represented 49% of all training awards granted in the Orlando MSA. The companies who received the assistance were Metal Essence, ABB Inc., Cyber-Test, and Land-Tech Surveying and mapping.

Florida One-Stop Career Centers
Florida's One-Stop System is part of a national labor exchange network that links employers to qualified applicants and also provides employment, education and training services for job seekers and employers. They link employers to qualified applicants and job seekers to employment opportunities. To obtain these services, employers can call and discuss their employment needs with a local One-Stop liaison (407-262-7422). The One-Stop will then recruit, pre-screen, and assess qualified applicants for you. Companies can save on the cost of advertising for job openings and it reduces the time spent interviewing applicants and reviewing resumes. Business owners may also benefit from tax credits, reductions, or refunds when they either hire from or create jobs for designated target groups. In some cases, employers may receive direct cash assistance to offset training.

In the event of company restructuring, downsizing or layoffs, the One-Stop Centers can assist businesses and their employees by conducting on-site presentations on the services and tools available to them. The dislocated workers receive brochures and information on programs, workshops, training and all the job placement services offered through Florida's One Stop Career Center System, as well as potential job openings with employers.

Employed Worker Training Grant (PDF) [72KB]
The Employed Worker Training grant allows you to apply for thousands of dollars to train your current employees. You choose the training that meets your needs, build your workforce’s skills and impact your bottom line by receiving up to 50% of the training costs reimbursed.

Incumbent Worker Training Program (PDF) [39KB]
Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) is a program provides training to currently employed workers to keep Florida’s workforce competitive in a global economy and to retain existing businesses. The program is available to all Florida businesses that have been in operation for at least one year prior to application and require training for existing employees.

Quick Response Training Program (PDF) [95KB]
Quick Response Training (QRT) is a customer-driven training program designed to assist new value-added businesses and provide existing Florida businesses the necessary training for expansion. This program is customized, flexible and responsive to individual company needs. Workforce Florida Inc. is Florida’s innovative private-public partnership for competitive workforce incentives.