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United Way Miami has announced a significant expansion to UpSkill Miami, a transformative fund designed to create targeted workforce development initiatives and catalyze economic mobility within the community.
The new partnership establishes a commitment with Florida International University (FIU), Florida Memorial University (FMU) and Florida Power & Light (FPL) to assist more than 250 individuals with construction and energy training.
United Way is the driving force behind UpSkill Miami and is leading the charge by forging powerful partnerships with some of the largest employers in our region. The expansion in construction trades with FIU and FMU will train participants enrolled in the 16-week construction and electrical training programs, equipping them with the essential skills necessary to secure entry-level construction jobs and prepare them for promising career paths. FIU also offers a six-month electrical pre-apprenticeship certificate program.
The UpSkill Miami expansion into the energy industry with FPL offers a six-month pre-apprenticeship program for individuals interested in a career as a skilled lineworker. This program comprises six months of formal training, which includes two weeks of on-the-job training.
“In our community, we are taking a crucial step to meet the increasing demand for skilled professionals in construction trades and energy,” said Symeria Hudson, president and CEO of United Way Miami. “Our collaboration with FIU, FMU and FPL directly addresses the pressing issue of connecting available jobs with unskilled workers, ultimately providing residents with the opportunity to secure employment and support their families.”
According to the 2023 ALICE Report (https://unitedwaymiami.org/alice/), the number of Miami-Dade County households unable to afford the basics has grown to nearly half a million. The report also establishes the Household Survival Budget at $76,284, the estimated minimum cost for a family of four to live and work in Miami-Dade County. However, the current median household income in the county is $59,044, highlighting the disparity between living expenses and actual earnings.
“We are proud to partner with United Way Miami on our new pre-apprenticeship program, which allows aspiring lineworkers to jumpstart their careers through valuable on-the-job training and experience,” said Christina Lopez, FPL executive director of employee and customer programs. “At FPL, we’re working every day to make a difference in the communities we serve – and we are excited to do just that in Miami-Dade County by providing unique career development opportunities to individuals across the area.”
In Florida, there are more than 140,000 construction jobs with average salaries of $52,000. UpSkill Miami is expected to have a wide-ranging impact that will set many local families on an upward trajectory that will last for future generations.
“FIU’s Construction Trade Program is a direct response to the construction industry’s needs, as expressed to us by our alumni, faculty, local agencies and partners,” said Jose Faria, endowed chair of FIU’s Moss Department of Construction Management.
“Partnering with United Way Miami will help us further cultivate a knowledgeable construction workforce for our community while addressing local economic challenges through workforce development,” he added.
“Here at Florida Memorial University, we are committed to providing programs in high-demand fields,” said Dr. Jaffus Hardrick, president of FMU. “Through the Construction Trades Program, the first of its kind at a Historically Black College and University in Florida, we are helping to set program participants up for a lifetime of success. FMU established this alternative program in 2021 to provide individuals who do not have the means but who have the desire to obtain the needed skills for a career in the construction trades. FMU is here to put them on that pathway, tuition-free, thanks to our committed partners who are key to building futures and equipping individuals to thrive.”
The phase I launch of UpSkill Miami proved successful through its partnerships with Baptist Health, Jackson Health System, Miami Dade College, The CDL School and United HomeCare. Together, the partners provided comprehensive healthcare and transportation job training, showcasing UpSkill Miami’s effectiveness as a bridge between education and workforce development.
By adding construction and energy training, the fund creates a pathway for more than 750 people to access high-demand jobs over the next 12 months.
“This collaboration is a valuable asset, exemplifying United Way’s commitment to investing in and supporting the community through workforce training and fostering future success,” said Marshall Ames, chairman of the Lennar Foundation. “It’s truly inspiring to witness programs like Upskill Miami addressing the needs of our industry. The construction sector consistently requires well-trained, skilled professionals to meet the county’s infrastructure demands.”
Seed funding for UpSkill Miami comes from a historic investment from MacKenzie Scott’s foundation. Those eligible for the UpSkill Miami program must live or work in Miami-Dade County, earn below $35,000, or be unemployed. UpSkill Miami’s target population is people of color, female heads of household, veterans and youth ages 18-24 or those aging out of foster care.
United Way Miami is committed to conducting thorough research and devising strategic plans to meet the evolving needs of the Miami-Dade community and shaping the future of this innovative workforce fund.
To learn more about UpSkill Miami, visit unitedwaymiami.org/UpSkillMiami.
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