The Pinellas County Park Department manages two job-training programs that graduate about 20 people every month. Both programs emphasize soft skills, work ethic and reinforce positive attitudes toward work. All applicants must submit to a drug test to be eligible for enrollment in either program. At the end of the training, our graduates seek entry level employment within areas such as but not limited to manufacturing, hospitality, medical, customer service and general office.
Applicants are eligible for continued support for a period of two years.
Participants are enrolled and assigned to various parks within the county park system. They work along side park employees providing maintenance support and receive additional classroom instruction. It uses a unique approach to employment training and placement, and is recognized nationally as an effective method to move the inexperienced, unemployed or underemployed people to successfully enter the work force. Participants complete an intensive three-week workshop that focuses on improving negative behavior that hinders success. Through a series of intensive and dynamic activities, participants become actively involved in their own growth process and develop a heightened sense of self-esteem and empowerment.