Workforce
With a climate and lifestyle enviable by any standard, Sarasota County’s ability to attract and retain a workforce is key to the successful expansion and start-up of area businesses. Almost half of the county’s population is in the prime working age of 25-64 and have attained an overall college educational rate higher than the U.S. average. The regional workforce numbers over 400,000 and the diverse and creative pool of talent available to employers makes the region a hot spot for supporting business growth.
An impressive list of nationally and internationally recognized educational facilities support the training and development needs of employers and offer unique opportunities for learning in new technology and innovation. The fastest growing employment areas of professional, management, education, health care, construction, real estate, and performing arts are supported by institutions such as University of South Florida, New College of Florida, Florida State University Medical School regional campus, State College of Florida, and the Sarasota County Technical Institute.
Sarasota Polytechnic
High School
A growing base of creative services businesses enjoy workforce development through the expertise of internationally renowned Ringling College of Art and Design which specializes in computer animation, fine arts, graphic and interactive communication, illustration, interior design, photography and digital imaging.
Training grants are available to Sarasota County businesses that meet certain criteria, including creating new, high-quality jobs and producing products for export out of the county. Customized training programs are also available through Sarasota County that provide in-class and on the job training tailored to a company’s specific employee needs.
