Brad Stager

Brad Stager's Latest Articles

State College Of Florida In Bradenton Seeks Adjunct Professors, Teachers

By Brad Stager

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Higher Education

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April 13, 2010

As Manatee County's population grows and its business environment develops, State College of Florida in Bradenton is playing an important role in training the local workforce and providing employment opportunities for people who want to work in an academic setting. The school began as Manatee Junior College in 1957 and initially provided college-bound students an economical way to complete the first two years of a four-year degree. By the time it became Manatee Community College in 1985, its mission expanded to providing two-year degrees that enabled students to fill the needs of the local business community. That aspect of the college has expanded to the point where it now provides Baccalaureate degrees in nursing, health sciences, public safety and early childhood education. SCF also provides specific workforce training for companies that want to improve employee business and computer skills on a contract basis. Providing that range of educational options requires staff employees and faculty members who have a passion for knowledge. The school's educational team also includes part-time, or adjunct, instructors to teach its students. A review of the SCF website shows numerous openings for instructors to teach a variety of classes, from core academic subjects to workforce-oriented courses in health and business programs. Drawing upon the experience and expertise within the community is one of the school's strengths, according to Katherine Walker, SCF's director of public affairs and marketing. She cites demonstrable accomplishment in a field or subject matter as an important qualification for an adjunct instructor, but the school looks for more than that. "Here, probably more than at some institutions, an open-mindedness and willingness to think outside the box is an approach that we would want in people who join us," she says. You can check State College of Florida's employment opportunities by clicking here.Writer: Brad StagerSource: Katherine Walker, State College of Florida

Coastal Caisson In Pasco County Seeks Construction Workers, Engineers

By Brad Stager

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General

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April 13, 2010

What you can see above ground in a major construction project, such as a shopping center, apartment building or a bridge, reveals only part of a builder's concerns. That's because differences in soil composition, water saturation and the potential for hazards like sinkholes and underground swamps can make the quest for a solid base to build upon an arduous one. Likewise, for Coastal Caisson, a Pasco County company situated north of Tampa that seeks skilled workers to serve the deep foundation construction market in the southeastern United States.The company employs a wide range of workers, including engineers and skilled technicians, to help provide foundation solutions for industrial, commercial, residential and government construction projects. "We're always looking for mechanics and laborers, but we're also looking to fill some skilled and professional positions like engineers and project managers," says Tiffany Wind, human resources manager. Qualified individuals include site safety officers, site superintendents and project estimators. The abilities to read schematics and to multitask are particularly valued, she says. The company normally employs about 150 people, depending on the workload. Wind says Coastal Caisson stays busy with projects in the Tampa Bay region and elsewhere, such as installing ductile-driven piles at the Bella Sol condominiums in Apollo Beach and helping widen Interstate 95 in Brunswick, GA. "We hire locally and travel with our workers so the jobs stay in Pasco County," says Wind. She also says Coastal Caisson likes to promote from within as a way to help the company grow and keep expertise. Writer: Brad StagerSource: Tiffany Wind, Coastal Caisson

German Solar Company Moves To Lakeland, Adds Jobs, Eyes Expansion

By Brad Stager

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Innovation News

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April 6, 2010

The growing interest in renewable energy sources and demand for products that can help power homes and businesses is energizing Sybac Solar's presence in the Tampa Bay region. The company, the U.S. subsidiary of Sybac Germany, is a design, engineering and installation company for solar energy systems. Sybac Solar moved into a new 10,000-square-foot facility in Polk County earlier this year to support its installation efforts in Central Florida. The company opened an office in Lakeland in November and is already looking to expand. "We will build a production plant to produce solar modules right here in Florida and so therefore, we are looking for the right location," says Marcus Falz, sales and marketing director. Business is brisk and Sybac is planning an expansion from working with local contractors to install solar systems to producing them. Falz says company leaders want to build the plant in the Tampa Bay region and expect to open that portion of their business in the next three to six months, creating about 40 new jobs, in addition to a current need for 10 new employees to help staff its distribution facility. Engineers, supervisors and sales people will make up many of the new hires. "We need people with higher qualifications," says Falz. Besides increasing the company payroll, Sybac Solar is pursuing business relationships with local companies and is particularly interested in connecting with architects, electrical engineers and existing companies in the solar industry. Writer: Brad Stager Source: Marcus Falz, Sybac Solar

Humana Cares Adds 140 Jobs In St. Petersburg, Managers Wanted

By Brad Stager

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Health

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April 6, 2010

As the health care industry continues to lead the nation's economic rebound, Humana Cares is adding 140 jobs at its St. Petersburg facility. The jobs will be added between now and July, according to Mitch Lubitz of Humana's corporate communications office. Positions to be staffed include health care managers, community health educators, field care managers and health coaches. The increase will bring the number of employees working at Humana Cares' national operations and service center in Carillon Business Park office, which opened in February 2009, to about 500."Humana Cares is quickly becoming one of the fastest-growing health care employers in the Tampa Bay area, doubling its St. Petersburg workforce in the past year," he says.Humana Cares provides telephonic health care management and support to chronically ill Humana members nationwide and in-person services to members in 24 states. Its health professionals work with patients suffering from medical conditions such as diabetes, congestive heart failure, cancer and Alzheimer's. Services provided include health care education and support, medication education, physician care coordination and end of life planning as well as depression screening.Lubitz says Humana Cares uses a holistic approach requiring health care professionals who deliver services to possess "seasoned communication skills, including verbal, interpersonal, written and negotiation. " Nursing experience and the ability to collaborate and coordinate patient care with multiple health care disciplines are also important attributes the company will be looking for in applicants. Visit Humana's employment web page to find out more information. Writer: Brad StagerSource: Mitch Lubitz, Humana Cares

AAR Composites Of Clearwater Trains 40 Employees Through State Program

By Brad Stager

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Innovation News

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April 6, 2010

Forty workers at AAR Composites' Clearwater facility will gain new skills and improved advancement potential as a result of the company receiving $42,000 from Florida's Incumbent Worker Training program. AAR Composites develops, manufactures and markets composite-material products for the aerospace industry, including parts for the U.S. Air Force's F-22 advanced tactical fighter and other Department of Defense and commercial aviation projects. The funds will be used to create a certification program that will include reviews and testing of workers' knowledge and skill level in the field of composite manufacturing. AAR spokesperson Chris Mason says the program will enhance advancement opportunities for employees and help the company meet customer needs."The goal is to implement a road map for promotions based on knowledge, skill set, and objective, standardized testing that fosters ongoing professional development."says AAR spokesperson Chris Mason. "The Incumbent Worker Training program demonstrates the state's commitment to provide support for the businesses that operate in Florida and to the advancement of its resident employees."The program is administered by Workforce Florida. Companies applying for IWT funds must have been operating for at least one year and be current on all state tax obligations. Funding priority is given to what Workforce Florida refers to as "qualified targeted industries," including manufacturing, information, management and financial industries, among others. Reimbursable training expenses include instructors' salaries, tuition, textbooks and curriculum development. A complete explanation of the IWT program can be found at Workforce Florida's website.Writer: Brad StagerSource: Chris Mason, AAR Composites

Urban Charrette Helps Nurture Life In Downtown Tampa

By Brad Stager

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General

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March 2, 2010

The Urban Charrette, a nonprofit organization created by a small but highly energized group of visionary people, aims to help transform Downtown Tampa into a place to call home for transplants as well as natives while attracting talented new residents. The founders bring a mix of architectural, design, artistic, political and progressive thinking credentials to the task.

Photo Slideshow: Boba Cafe, North Tampa

By Brad Stager

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Arts

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February 16, 2010

The Art of Boba beckons. Sometimes you're thirsty, sometimes you're hungry. A beverage with sweet nuggets of tapioca within will satisfy both needs in one draw of an oversized straw. But people flock to the International Boba House and Internet Cafe in north Tampa for more than a taste of the Far East (boba drinks originated in Taiwan). Music, art and conversation make it sometimes seem as if the cozy boba den is levitating.

Photo Slideshow: Cafe Kili, Temple Terrace

By Brad Stager

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Arts

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December 1, 2009

Have a yearning for live music and a taste for exotic blends of coffee? Neighborhood coffee shops all over the Tampa Bay region are serving up both. Cafe Kili in Temple Terrace, for instance, offers a chance to enjoy (or discover) all kinds of music in the comfort of a living room-like setting. Here's a taste, courtesy of The Jazz Artet.