Rapid Credentialing

Get your certificate or license FAST and get to work! SFSC offers programs that can be completed in 18 weeks or less.

Advanced Manufacturing

Image of a robot by Michal Jarmoluk from Pixabay Automation
College Credit Certificate 12 Credits 863-784-7439 Garrett Lee
Description: This program prepares students for engineering technology support positions dealing with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), automation, and control systems in high-tech production, manufacturing, distribution, and engineering research and development.

 

Two machinists CNC Machinist/Fabricator
College Credit Certificate 12 Credits 863-784-7439 Garrett Lee
Description: This program is for students who have an interest in manufacturing and machining as well as professionals who are working in the field and want to become a CNC machinist. It is aligned with the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council Certified Production Technician (MSSC CPT) certification.

 

Person working with computers Engineering Technology Support Specialist
College Credit Certificate 18 Credits 863-784-7439 Garrett Lee
Description: This program prepares students for entry-level technical positions in high-tech production, manufacturing, distribution, and engineering research and development. It is aligned with MSSC CPT certification.

 

Manufacturing Lean Manufacturing
College Credit Certificate 12 Credits 863-784-7439 Garrett Lee
Description: This program prepares students for engineering support positions with quality systems and their implementation in high-tech production, manufacturing, distribution, and engineering research and development. It is aligned with MSSC CPT certification.

 

Automotive

Automotive service technician Automotive Service Technology
Career Certificate 420 Hours 863-784-7144 Dan Keller
Description: This program prepares you to enter the automotive service industry as a technician. Course content includes, but is not limited to, brake systems, steering, suspension, manual and automatic transmissions, automotive heating and air-conditioning, electrical systems, and engine repair.

 

Commercial truck driver Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
Class A or B CDL 160 Hours 863-784-7033 Debbie Gutierrez
Description: This course provides extensive, hands-on truck driving instruction to help you receive the knowledge and experience sought by employers. SFSC also provides job placement assistance. 

 

Construction Trades

Carpenter sawing wood Carpentry/Roofing
HBI Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate 8 Weeks 863-201-7195 Fred Hayes
Description: This course combines classroom instruction with hands-on training experience to teach the student the basic fundamentals of carpentry and roofing while learning employability skills. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to install roof shingles, frame walls, repair, and install drywall.

 

A pair of hands using a screwdriver to install an electrical outlet Electrical
HBI Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate 8 Weeks 863-201-7195 Fred Hayes
Description: This course combines classroom instruction with hands-on training experience to teach the student the basic fundamentals of electric work, while learning employability skills. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to use a multi-meter, replace switches, and outlets, run basic circuits, change circuit breakers. 

 

Welder Welding
AWS Basic Welder Certificate 500 Hours 863-201-7195 Fred Hayes
Description: This program offers classroom instruction with hands-on laboratory experiences to teach students to weld. The course is designed so welders will be able to work and be successful in several different areas of welding such as construction, shop manufacturing, and fabrication using SMAW (stick) and gas welding. Upon completion, students have the opportunity to become a Certified Welder by the American Welding Society (AWS).

 

Health Services

Portrait of a happy paramedica carrying a portable oxygen unit Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
College Credit Certificate 300 Hours 863-784-7272 Steve Ashworth
Description: The Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program trains and prepares students for an entry level career in Emergency Medical Services. Program content includes, but is not limited to, anatomy, cardiac care, medical emergencies, emergency childbirth, poisoning, shock, respiratory emergencies, and psychological emergencies.

 

Phlebotomist and patients Phlebotomy
Career Certificate 165 Hours 863-784-7027 Danielle Ochoa
Description: This program prepares you for employment as a phlebotomist through hands-on training in standard phlebotomy equipment. Students learn to prepare a patient and draw blood, and will also acquire skills in communication, leadership, human relations, and employment.

 

Nursing assistant Nursing Assistant
State License 10 Weeks 863-784-7032 Debbie Gutierrez
Description: This program will prepare you to work under the supervision of a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN) to assist patients with personal care, mobility, nutrition, hydration, maintaining a safe environment, and collecting basic patient data.

 

Public Safety

Police officer Correctional Officer
Career Certificate 420 Hours 863-784-7282 Mike Austin 
Description: This program trains you for employment as a correctional officer in the state of Florida. Upon successful completion, you will be eligible to take the state certification examination to become a certified officer.

 

Firefighter putting out a fire Firefighter I/II
Career Certificate 206/192 Hours 863-784-7272 Steve Ashworth
Description: Firefighter I is for those who want to pursue a career in fire service but have limited fire training and experience. Firefighter II is for experienced volunteer firefighters who have completed Firefighter I training. These applicants wish to continue training in order to obtain state certification and/or employment.

 

Other Options

Professional Gardener Picking Flowers Landscape and Horticulture Professional 
College Credit Certificate 18 Credits 863-784-7117 Tom Bush
Description: This program prepares you for employment in the horticulture and landscape industries as nursery workers, landscape and ground keeping workers, landscape or horticulture specialists, and farm, ranch, and other agricultural workers.  

 

Real Estate Agent Real Estate
State License 63 Hours 863-784-7466 Tina Gottus
Description: This course is the most comprehensive pre-licensing program that keeps up with the most recent legislative changes in Florida. The content aligns with the Florida Division of Real Estate’s course syllabus.

 

Scholarships

Visit CareerSource Heartland (CSH) to learn more about scholarships that may be available or call your local CHS Career Center.

CareerSource Heartland Logo

DeSoto County: 863-993-1008

Hardee County: 863-773-3474

Highlands County: 863-385-3672

Okeechobee County: 863-610-6000

 

Veterans

Veteran students may be eligible for VA benefits to enroll in Rapid Credentialing programs. To find out about VA benefits, contact:

Rob Hampton
Director, Career Center Development
863-784-7128
robert.hampton@southflorida.edu

 

Get There Florida Workforce Education

Career and Technical Education (CTE) is an exciting and affordable option to the traditional university pathway. Powered by the Florida Department of Education, Get There connects your interests to your local college to help you get to work faster, affordably, and with an in-demand credential. Visit GetThereFL.com for more information on Florida’s Workforce Education Initiative.