The Able Trust and FloridaMakes, Inc. have formalized a strategic partnership to cross-promote and leverage each organization’s programs and services. This partnership is designed to raise awareness of workers with disabilities among Florida manufacturers while promoting FloridaMakes, Inc. among The Able Trust’s network of organizations committed to making Florida inclusive.
In recent surveys on hiring persons with disabilities, 87 percent of respondents identified disability inclusion as important to their hiring practices, yet an employment gap continues to exist.
The Able Trust President & CEO Allison Chase stated “When the employment rate of persons with disabilities is half that of persons without disabilities, it’s crucial that we work with employers and industries across Florida to raise awareness of these talented workers and increase their participation in our workforce. The agreement with FloridaMakes, Inc. will ensure Florida’s manufacturing sector is aware of an innovative and hardworking population of workers with disabilities who are ready and able to fill positions within their companies.”
Florida is home to more than 22,000 manufacturing companies and accounts for 4.95 percent of Florida’s Gross State Product. Establishing and maintaining a strong workforce is key to growing this important industry and continuing to diversify Florida’s economy.
“The manufacturing industry offers incredible opportunities and career pathways for Floridians of all abilities,” stated Zoraida Velasco, FloridaMakes Executive Vice President. “Our partnership with The Able Trust presents an opportunity to tap into a valuable talent pool that will help Florida manufacturers meet workforce needs that are vital to their growth and success.”
An announcement was made about the Memorandum of Understanding between The Able Trust and FloridaMakes, Inc. during the FloridaMakes Make More Summit in Orlando.
Click here to view the Memorandum of Understanding.
About FloridaMakes
FloridaMakes a statewide, industry-led, public-private partnership operated by an alliance of Florida’s regional manufacturers associations with the sole mission of strengthening and advancing Florida’s economy by improving the competitiveness, productivity and technological performance of its manufacturing sector, with an emphasis on small- and medium-sized firms. It accomplishes this by providing services focused on three principle value streams: technology adoption, talent development, and business growth. FloridaMakes is the representative of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) National Network in the state of Florida, a program of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Information is available at www.floridamakes.com.