OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Businesses in the 352 are constantly trying to maintain an above-par workforce. CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion (CLM) works with potential employees and with businesses offering human resources (HR) expertise that can help engage, empower and retain current and future workers.
CareerSource CLM says they are dedicated to aligning businesses with top talent and paving the way for job seekers through strategically curated career development pathways. They do this at no charge, reinforcing their commitment to strengthening the local workforce.
As existing businesses flourish and new businesses open, the challenges in recruiting and nurturing skilled talent increase.
North Central Florida’s workforce is diverse with U.S. veterans, seniors, youth, individuals with disabilities, and people encountering employment barriers.
Laura Byrnes, Director of Communications for CareerSource CLM, says they offer a variety of services to help HR managers address the wide spectrum of employment needs. Businesses can receive comprehensive HR management assistance, including crafting job descriptions, executing skill tests, and devising competitive compensation plans. They can streamline the hiring process with online job posting and vetted candidate referrals, while customized training options ensure that existing staff are always at the top of their game.
How CareerSource CLM helps job seekers
For job seekers, CareerSource CLM offers assistance in resume writing, practice interviews, and career consultations. Byrnes says their reach extends beyond their brick-and-mortar offices. They have mobile resources equipped with essential technology so that they can be more accessible.
Byrnes says they also have an online learning platform called Metrix Learning which has over 7,000 courses that teach essential soft skills to advanced certifications in programs like CompTIA and Microsoft. These resources are all free, allowing individuals to improve their professional capabilities.
The collaborative efforts of CareerSource CLM with educational institutions such as the College of Central Florida (CF), the University of Florida (UF), and technical colleges, as well as Chambers of Commerce, bring a combined approach to meeting the regional workforce needs.
The “Creating Connections” project brings web service to what Byrnes calls “technology deserts.”
“There are 22 technology deserts; rural communities and counties in Florida,” said Byrnes. “And 11 of them happen to be in our area, including Levy County which does not have universal broadband. I don’t know how anyone can do what they need to do without access to high-speed internet.”
Byrnes says that those “technology deserts” have been identified and there is now a grant to train individuals in installation and maintenance of these areas through a partnership with CF.
“[They’re trained] to get their certifications in broadband infrastructure installation and maintenance. One week boot camps, you can earn three stackable industry certifications that are very portable. You can take them anywhere, but please keep them here because we need you.”
Byrnes also adds that starting pay for these positions is $45,000 annually.
Why the Heart of HR Conference is a must for HR professionals in the 352
Byrnes says that the Heart of HR Conference co-hosted with the Ocala Human Resource Management Association (OHRMA) is helpful to HR professionals facing the complexities of the modern workforce. Byrnes says that this year’s theme is focused on resilience, adaptability, and innovation, adding that the Heart of HR conference tackles key issues such as artificial intelligence, employee engagement, workplace mental health, and more.
This event is slated for Friday, April 19, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the World Equestrian Center on NW 80th Ave. in Ocala.
“The conference will feature leading experts on topics that matter to businesses of every size and industry sector,” Byrnes said. “If you are a business owner, maybe in the C-Suite, an HR manager, it doesn’t matter. You need to be at this conference because this is how you’re going to get some tools and inspiration and contacts to help you do what needs to be done to grow your business.”
What to expect at the Heart of HR Conference
Byrnes is excited to share that internationally acclaimed workplace motivational humorist, best-selling author, and world-class magician, Jon Petz, is returning as this year’s keynote speaker. “If you come for no other reason,” come for Jon Petz,” said Byrnes. “He’s amazing. He will not disappoint.”
Other speakers include Monique Akanbi, who is a Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) certified professional with more than 15 years of broad-based experience in senior leadership and all aspects of HR in both the public and private sectors.
Lisa Lombardo will also be speaking. Lombardo is the daughter of retired long-time Marion County Clerk of Court David Ellspermann and his wife, Jane, a school leadership development consultant who has been in education for over 40 years here in the 352. Lombardo is the president of ARK Holdings Group and started her career in fund development for nonprofits and then launched a nonprofit consulting business which has helped several local organizations elevate their single largest gifts to much more.
“She believes the first step toward progress is having clarity of purpose and is a self-professed serial connector,” said Byrnes. “She’s going to talk about employee engagement and how you can keep everything fresh and how you can keep your employee morale up.”
Joel Davis, a clinical professor in the Warrington College of Business at UF, as well as the executive director of the David F. Miller Retail Center at Warrington, will be talking about integrating analytics and artificial intelligence solutions into business decision making and effective AI solutions.
Co-Founder and Vice President/Executive Director Cheryl Brown-Merriweather for the International Center for Addiction and Recovery Education (ICARE) will also be a presenter.
Byrnes says a silent auction during the conference will benefit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
Byrnes reinforced that CareerSource CLM is deeply committed to ensuring that all individuals, regardless of physical limitations or language barriers, have access to their services. She says that as an approved employment network in the Ticket to Work program, the initiative fosters an inclusive environment where every person is given an equitable opportunity to participate in the workforce.
Tickets to the Heart of HR conference cost $200. Register here. If you have questions about the services CareerSource CLM provides, send an email or call 352-291-9559.