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CareerSource Central Florida reports Level Up Orange outcomes; 1,887 hires as of June, many at $26+/hour
Summary
CareerSource Central Florida told the Orange County commission Oct. 28 that its Level Up Orange workforce initiative has enrolled thousands and led to nearly 1,900 hires as of June, with a growing share of placements at wages above $26 per hour.
CareerSource Central Florida delivered its annual update to the Orange County Board of County Commissioners on Oct. 28, reporting results from the Lehi/Level Up Orange workforce initiative and other regional programs.
Key outcomes: CareerSource said it serves roughly 36,000 residents annually across five counties. Under the Level Up Orange initiative (federal ARPA resources administered locally), CareerSource reported 3,351 residents served through mid‑2025, 957 participants completing training, and 1,887 residents placed in jobs at an average wage of $18.81; about one quarter of those hires exceeded $26 per hour.
Programs and priorities: Staff highlighted career coaching, skills development (scholarships, on‑the‑job training, apprenticeships), and employer partnerships for hiring. CareerSource described neighborhood navigators, community hub career centers, and targeted programs for veterans, people with disabilities, encore (older) workers and justice‑involved residents. The High School Career Express program — employer‑led workplace visits for juniors and seniors — has served several hundred students and is being expanded.
Why it matters: Commissioners and staff said workforce training connects residents to local, high‑demand industries (healthcare, construction, logistics, advanced manufacturing) and supports local economic resiliency. CareerSource said it would pursue additional funding sources as federal allocations fluctuate.
Anecdote: The presentation included participant testimonials. One cited participant, Gregory, described moving from self‑employment in the entertainment industry to a security officer position at $20/hour after participating in Level Up and the encore program.
Next steps: CareerSource and county staff said they will expand youth offerings, retain apprenticeship investments, and seek funding to sustain programs after ARPA funds end; commissioners discussed opportunities to coordinate with county human resources to recruit for public‑sector positions.
Quote: "We look forward to continuing to engage with you," CareerSource said; the board thanked staff for the update.
