Workforce Training Incentives

Quick Response Training Program (QRT)

Quick Response Training (QRT) – an employer-driven training program designed to assist new value-added businesses and provide existing Florida businesses the necessary training for expansion. A state educational facility – community college, area technical center, school district or university – is available to assist with application and program development or delivery. The educational facility will also serve as fiscal agent for the project. The company may use in-house training, outside vendor training programs or the local educational entity to provide training. Reimbursable training expenses include: instructors’/trainers’ wages, curriculum development, and textbooks/manuals. This program is customized, flexible, and responsive to individual company needs. To learn more about the QRT program, visit Workforce Florida.

Incumbent Worker Training Program (IWT)

Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) – a program that 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 skills upgrade training for existing employees. Priority is given to businesses in targeted industries, Enterprise Zones, HUB Zones, Inner City Distressed areas, Rural Counties and areas, and Brownfield areas. For additional information on the IWT program, visit Workforce Florida.

iTECH Glades

Collier County Public Schools (CCPS) has an agreement with Florida’s Department of Economic Opportunity to seed the opening and operation of iTECH Glades for five years. This is the first technical college in Florida to be operated by a school board outside its county borders. In the application, CCPS pointed to a proven record of accomplishment in providing post-secondary education, with the capacity and expertise to fill critical workforce needs.

This unique approach to education allows high school dual-enrolled students to enroll from Glades, Hendry, Highlands, and Okeechobee counties, along with adult students who want career training. Students will be able to complete most of the training programs in less than a year. This workforce initiative connects five counties and is possible thanks to the hard work and innovative thinking by many public and private organizations who are committed to laying a solid foundation for generations of economic development. Up to date program information can be found on the school website at https://www.collierschools.com/Page/16936.