CAPE Program Aims to Bridge Skills Gap, Get Americans Back to Work
WASHINGTON — While congressional leaders discuss ways to bridge the skills gap and get Americans back to work, the state of Florida is enacting its own program, the Florida Career and Professional Education Act (CAPE).
CAPE will provide $1,000 in new funding per student based upon passing an industry certification. Through industry certifications, Florida wants to demonstrate a graduate has the training and skills necessary for employment.
CareerSource Florida, a business-led workforce investment board, provides the oversight for selecting the certifications. At its recent board of directors meeting, CAPE leaders reviewed and approved a number of certifications including 10 new certifications for the HVACR industry programs.