Workforce Recovery Training Program Grant

For Building Construction, Electricity, HVAC/R, Plumbing, Basic Welding, and Advanced Welding

All training program tuition, books, and fees are covered by the WRTP grant. (The WRTP grant will be available through the Summer 2025 Semester.)

 
Chipola College Students Touring Potential Employer Site at Central Moloney Inc. in Panama City, FL

 

 

 What is the goal of the WRTP?

On October 10, 2018, Hurricane Michael made landfall near Mexico Beach in Bay County as a Category 5 storm. The hurricane then moved northeast across several Florida counties before traveling into Georgia and across the southeastern United States. As one of the strongest hurricanes on record, Hurricane Michael caused unprecedented damage to housing, businesses, and infrastructure in Florida’s Panhandle. The increased demand for construction activities created or increased the supply gap in many construction occupations. Most issues related to construction and repair delays were due to the skilled worker shortage in the region.  The goal of this program is to provide training in the construction trades in order to increase skilled workers in our region.

What training is offered through the WRTP?                      Chipola College students participating at the Habitat Day of Service.

  • Building Construction 
  • Electricity
  • Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditiong/Refrigeration (HVAC/R)
  • Plumbing
  • Basic Welding
  • Advanced Welding
  • Safety Training
  • And appropriate industry certifications

Am I eligible for tuition assistance through the WRTP?

  • Authorized to work in the United States
  • At least 18 years of age 
  • Provide proof of identity

Individuals are not guaranteed assistance, but will be served based on availability of funds and qualifications for benefits.

 

How do I apply for the WRTP?

For individuals seeking to receive training, career services, or other benefits through the WRTP, you must complete an application by:

  • Contacting Joli Hartzog, WRTP Program Manager at Chipola College at hartzogj@chipola.edu; or 
  • Visiting Joli Hartzog at the Chipola College campus.


Your application will be reviewed to ensure accuracy, to verify no questions were missed, and to verify your eligibility.  Use the Application Checklist (Spanish/Haitian Creole) to make sure you have all required documents.  

Services Offered

Career services:
To provide job readiness and job search services for obtaining employment.  Services may include, but are not limited to:
  • Resume assistance
  • Interview preparation
  • Employability skills
  • Provision of information on market demand, vacancy listings, job skills requirements for vacancy listings, and wage information
  • Job search assistance
  • Career counseling
  • Individual employment plans
  • Referral and direct employment opportunity assistance
Support services:
To provide support and ensure successful program completion.  Support services include, but are not limited to: 
  • Paid tuition and program fees
  • Paid textbook costs
  • Paid training supplies and protective gear
  • Paid industry certication test fees
  • Identifying barriers to program participation and recommending ways to remove such barriers, including provision of support services or referral to other support services providers
  • Tutoring
  • Language translation for limited English speakers

Manuals

Policies and Procedures Manual

Class Schedules

 

Contact Information

Program Manager
Joli Hartzog 
(850) 718-2457
Chipola College
3094 Indian Circle
Marianna, FL  32446
HartzogJ@chipola.edu 

 

This training is made available through the FloridaCommerce’s Rebuild Florida Workforce Recovery Training Program. Launched with federal Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery funding to assist communities affected by Hurricane Michael, the Rebuild Florida Workforce Recovery Training Program trains Floridians in the construction trades necessary to support disaster recovery efforts. For more information visit www.RebuildFlorida.gov.