What's Working With Tampa Bay!

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(--header-height)" dir="auto" data-turn-id="8257e16f-3382-430d-b87c-e139de8dfcf0" data-testid="conversation-turn-17" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="user"> *]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:198e03b2-2395-49d4-843d-8326cfc28289-8" data-testid= "conversation-turn-18" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn= "assistant"> This episode highlights the impact and importance of National Apprenticeship Week, a nationwide effort to showcase how registered apprenticeships are creating meaningful pathways into in-demand careers. Through a conversation with a local apprenticeship navigator, listeners will learn how these programs allow individuals to earn while they learn, gain hands-on experience, and build skills that directly meet industry needs—often without requiring a traditional college degree. The discussion also explores how employers, educators, and workforce leaders are coming together to strengthen regional talent pipelines, close skill gaps, and expand access to high-quality career opportunities for job seekers across the Tampa Bay area.

This episode explores how the innovative Career Clarity Pod is transforming the way people discover and choose their career paths. By combining virtual reality experiences with real-time labor market data and guided research tools, this cutting-edge resource allows individuals to "try on" different careers before committing to training or education. Listeners will learn how immersive simulations, hands-on exploration, and up-to-date local job insights help remove the guesswork from career decisions—empowering job seekers to make more confident, informed choices about their future.

This episode explores how the Ticket to Work program is helping individuals with disabilities take meaningful steps toward employment, independence, and long-term career success. Designed for adults ages 18 to 64 receiving SSI or SSDI benefits, the program offers free, personalized support—including career counseling, resume assistance, job search guidance, and access to training and hiring opportunities. Listeners will learn how participants can pursue their professional goals without risking the benefits they rely on, while gaining confidence, skills, and a clear path forward. At its core, this conversation highlights the power of choice, guidance, and support in helping people build sustainable careers and greater financial independence.

This episode explores how innovative youth programs are helping young people take meaningful steps toward their futures by connecting them with career pathways, education, and real-world work experience. Through a conversation on initiatives like Youth Connections and the newly launched Summer Pays program, listeners will discover how young adults ages 15 to 24—especially those facing barriers to employment—can access mentorship, financial literacy, and hands-on opportunities that build confidence and direction. From navigating early career decisions to gaining paid experience and leadership skills, this discussion highlights the power of early support systems in shaping long-term success and creating brighter possibilities for the next generation.

In this episode we are joined by Keidrian Kunkel, President and CEO of CareerSource Tampa Bay, to reflect on her first year of leadership and her vision for the future of Florida's workforce. Keidrian shares insights on navigating a post-merger organization, strengthening community and business partnerships, and advancing equity through high-wage, high-demand career pathways. She also discusses the importance of transparency, communication, and trust in building a strong organizational culture, while highlighting innovative strategies for diversifying funding and sustaining impact in a changing economic landscape.

In this episode, we dive into the world of WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) and explore how it can help individuals access funding for education, job training, and upskilling. The Program Director for WIOA and Adult Dislocated Workers at CareerSource Tampa Bay explains the eligibility requirements for WIOA services, which can benefit a wide range of people, including dislocated workers, low-income adults, and even those currently employed but seeking to improve their skills. The discussion highlights the life-changing impact WIOA programs can have, with participants going from receiving food stamps to securing six-figure jobs. CareerSource Tampa Bay is looking to enroll 125-175 participants in the next two months, and the Program Director encourages anyone interested to attend an information session to learn more about the program and how it can help them move forward in their careers.

In this episode, we explore the Get There Faster grant, an initiative aimed at helping veterans, military spouses, and transitioning service members in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties to quickly access training and certifications needed for civilian careers. The grant provides funding for classroom training, on-the-job experience, and supportive services to help veterans overcome barriers and transition into the civilian workforce. We discuss the unique challenges veterans face when transitioning to civilian employment, as well as the valuable skills and strengths they bring to the table. The episode also highlights the importance of supporting veterans in their journey back to civilian life and the resources available through CareerSource Tampa Bay to assist them in this process.

This episode features a follow-up conversation with William (Bill) Farnand, Veteran Program Manager for CareerSource Tampa Bay. Discover the accomplishments and services provided by CareerSource Tampa Bay to help veterans transition to civilian employment. Bill discusses the challenges veterans face and provides an overview of the resources available such as assistance with resume writing and mock interviews. He also shares success stories of veterans who have been placed into new careers. For more information, visit: https://careersourcetampabay.com/veteran-services/

Dr. Byron Clayton, Senior Vice President and Chief of Sector Partnerships for CareerSource Tampa Bay, returns to the program to discuss the Career Pathways Portal. Dr. Clayton reveals details about the portal and how it helps individuals explore career options and pathways for high-demand sectors in Hillsborough County. You'll also hear about how the portal helps job seekers navigate top career sectors and tracks to view information and videos about specific occupations. 

Leondra Foster, Tampa Bay Hires Program Director, returns to the program and provides an overview of the Summer Hires Program, and reveals details about this year's program. Discover how to connect and sign up for the 2023 Summer Hires Program. For more information, visit www.TampaBayHires.com

Tune in for part two of a conversation about the Career Clarity Pod. Discover how a virtual reality (VR) tool will provide career seekers with hands-on simulations showcasing different career paths and allow them to understand their career options through an interactive experience. 

In this episode, you'll learn about CareerSource Tampa Bay's new Career Clarity Pod and how it will allow individuals to explore different careers, identify the career path they want to take, help them increase their marketability, and connect them to employers.

In this follow up episode, Saleema Bennett, Director of Programs for CareerSource Tampa Bay, joins the program to discuss exciting updates about the ACE program. Saleema discusses the expansion of age requirements for the program and the various career tracks available. 

In this episode, Saleema Bennett, Director of Programs for CareerSource Tampa Bay, joins the program to discuss the details of the ACE (Apprenticeship-to-Career Empowerment) program. You'll learn about the impact of the ACE program so far, and how the program helps young people earn while they learn and start a new career.     

This episode features an interview with Leondra Foster, Tampa Bay Hires Program Coordinator, as she provides an overview of the Summer Hires Program, and reveals details about this year's program. Discover how to connect and sign up for the 2023 Summer Hires Program. For more information, visit www.TampaBayHires.com  

In this episode, you'll hear from Doug Earle, Veteran and Military Family Representative and Business Development Manager for CareerSource Tampa Bay as he discusses the Get There Faster Grant, which helps spouses of veterans. For more information, visit https://careersourcetampabay.com/veteran-services/

In this episode, you'll hear from Doug Earle, Veteran and Military Family Representative and Business Development Manager for CareerSource Tampa Bay. Doug shares some of his favorite success stories of helping veterans. For more information about veteran services, visit: https://careersourcetampabay.com/veteran-services/    

In this episode, you'll hear details about the aircraft maintenance tech certification program, and how it provides an evolutionary pathway for veterans and transitioning service members towards a rewarding career as an aviation maintenance technician.   

In this episode, you'll hear details about the "Get There Faster" grant, which helps veterans, transitioning military members and veteran spouses to gain access to high demand positions in the aviation and IT sectors of the workforce. 

In this episode, you'll learn about the services that are available through CareerSource Tampa Bay for veteran spouses. 

John Flanagan, CEO of CareerSource Tampa Bay, joins the program to share reflections and thoughts from Q1 of 2022, and discuss how CareerSource Tampa Bay is meeting the current workforce challenges.  

Chef Jeff Henderson, award-winning chef, New York Times bestselling author, entrepreneur and television personality, joins the program to discuss his own background and how he came to his current work. Chef Jeff reveals the importance of creating opportunities in workforce, the important of having a reentry program, and the work that he is doing to help create a culinary apprenticeship in Tampa Bay.     

Tune in to this 2-part episode with CareerSource Tampa Bay's Chief Impact Officer, Michelle Zieziula, as she discusses what CSTB is doing to improve the job market by developing ecosystems. 

Tune in to this 2-part episode with CareerSource Tampa Bay's Chief Impact Officer, Michelle Zieziula, as she discusses what CSTB is doing to improve the job market by developing ecosystems. 

This episode features an interview with Thaddeus Bullard, aka WWE Superstar Titus O'Neil, as he discusses his partnership with CareerSource Tampa Bay, his own career journey, and why he is passionate about helping youth find employment and overcome life and career obstacles. 

In this episode, you'll meet Byron Clayton, as he discusses his role with CareerSource Tampa Bay, and how he is helping to develop a worker talent pipeline in the region. Discover the resources that are available to support both businesses and job seekers. 

John Flanagan, CEO of CareerSource Tampa Bay, joins the program to discuss the workforce trends and challenges that businesses are facing in 2021, and reveals how CareerSource Tampa Bay is rising to the challenge to continue to connect talent to opportunity. 

Bill Farnand, Jobs and Benefits Supervisor, Veterans Programs at CareerSource Tampa Bay, joins the program to discuss the range of services that are available for veterans, transitioning military members, and their family members.    

The CareerSource Tampa Bay Summer Youth Employment Program, branded Summer Job Connection (SJC) provides a unique opportunity for career exploration to youth in Hillsborough County.  In this episode, you'll hear about how the SJC program introduces youth to the world of work and exposed them to new experiences, ideas, and potential career paths for the future through paid work experience positions in in-demand occupations or targeted industries.

John Flanagan, CEO of CareerSource Tampa Bay, takes a look back at the efforts that were made in 2020 to meet the challenges of the pandemic, and reveals some of the exciting events and efforts that are underway for 2021 to connect talent to opportunity. To learn more, visit https://www.careersourcetampabay.com/ 

John Flanagan, CEO of CareerSource Tampa Bay is joined by Kevin Carr, CEO, Florida Makes as they discuss the importance of manufacturing for the regional economy. Discover some of the exciting events happening in Tampa Bay in celebration of Manufacturing Month, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the manufacturing industry in Tampa Bay. 

In this episode you'll hear from CareerSource Tampa Bay CEO John Flanagan and Benjamin Pratt, Senior Vice President of Government and Public Affairs at Mosaic, as they discuss the importance of manufacturing for the region. Discover some of the exciting events happening during Manufacturing Month, as well as the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the manufacturing industry. 

Dan Schneckenburger the Business Services Director for CareerSource Tampa Bay, joins the program to provide an update on available services for businesses and job seekers. Discover a new virtual platform, a new partnership with the Hillsborough County Public Libraries, learn details about the Information Technology Consortium, and more. 

Doug Tobin, Director of Public Relations/Marketing for CareerSource Tampa Bay, joins the program to discuss the Cares Act Rapid Response Recovery Program. Discover the help that is available for job seekers and businesses, how to know if you qualify, and how to learn more. 

In this episode, you'll discover other benefits that you may be eligible for beyond unemployment benefits, including the SNAP program and cash assistance. You'll also hear about opportunities for training and educational assistance. 

John Flanagan, CEO of CareerSource Tampa Bay and Judy Dorcy, Chief Operating Officer with CSTB, join the program to discuss customer service during COVID-19. Discover how to access services, the most common questions that are being asked, and a new mobile app to help you apply for unemployment.    To learn more about the mobile app, visit www.FloridaJobs.org/RAApplication 

In this episode, you'll hear about the job fairs that CareerSource Tampa Bay provides for job seekers, and the various industries represented. **Note- this episode was recorded prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

This episode features a conversation between Hillsborough County Commissioner Sandra Murman and CareerSource Tampa Bay CEO John Flanagan, talking about how citizens can get help filing unemployment or reemployment benefits in Florida.

This episode features updates from a press conference held on March 24th, 2020, and addresses how CareerSource Tampa Bay is continuing to serve job seekers and employers during the COVID-19 pandemic. You'll hear from John Flanagan, CEO of CareerSource Tampa Bay as he shares his thoughts on the current situation. 

In this episode, you'll learn about CareerSource Tampa Bay's summer youth employment program and Summer Job Connection program that provides a part-time paid work experience to youth, ages 16 to 24 that meet eligibility requirements. Discover the key partners and benefits for youth and employers. 

CareerSource Tampa Bay's Business and Education Summit Conferences have been recognized for their diversity and are key to the collaboration of business and education. In this episode, you'll discover the details about this year's exclusive 1-day conference, and why you should attend. You'll also learn about available sponsorship opportunities.

In this episode you'll discover the various business services offered by CareerSource Tampa Bay to employers in the region. Discover how to access free services including assistance with recruiting candidates, to job fairs and training. 

In this episode, you'll hear from CareerSource Tampa Bay CEO John Flanagan as he discusses new initiatives as well as challenges and opportunities in the region. Discover what is being done to develop the talent pipeline in the Tampa Bay area.