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All Departments Administration Corrections Development Services Facilities Management Human Resources Information Technology Library Services Management and Budget Services Natural Resources Management Neighborhood and Human Services Parks and Recreation Public Safety Public Works Veterans Services Waste ServicesEscambia County was proud to recognize graduates from the Neighborhood and Human Services Department Block-By-Block Workforce Development Program last week, highlighting a significant milestone for these young adults as they begin their careers in HVAC.
The graduates were recognized by District 3 Commissioner Lumon May and NHS Block-By-Block Program Coordinator Joe Glover during a ceremony Tuesday, June 10 at the Brownsville Community Center, joined by family, friends and Escambia County staff to celebrate their success.
"We're excited we started the Block-By-Block Program, because I believe in order to save a community, you go house-by-house, block-by-block, community-by-community," District 3 Commissioner Lumon May said. "All it takes is a few dedicated men, a few dedicated women, a few dedicated people, who want to make a difference, who want to be gainfully employed, who want a skillset to be trained in. To the graduates: Job well done. It's just begun. You are on the journey to a great career. On behalf of Escambia County and District 3, I want to say that I'm so proud of you."
The Escambia County Block-by-Block Workforce Development Program was designed specifically to provide entry-level training opportunities for young adults in underserved communities within Escambia County. The Block-by-Block Workforce Development Program is a career-focused initiative designed to equip students with the skills and credentials needed to succeed in the construction industry.
Through this program, participants receive hands-on training in various construction trades, such as carpentry, electrical, HVAC-R (heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration), masonry, plumbing, and welding. Each construction trade is provided through Pensacola State College, where students enrolled in an eight-week comprehensive course to obtain on-the-job training skills and extensive textbook knowledge. Additional training includes Florida Ready to Work Soft Skills Training, which is provided through CareerSource Escarosa.
"Strong communities hinge upon youth having the skills they need to secure meaningful, well-paid employment," said Joe Glover, who manages the Block-By-Block Program through the Escambia County Neighborhood and Human Services Department. "We strive to assist young people within our community in obtaining skills most desired by employers in an accelerated learning environment. Building strong neighborhoods through education, training, and employment, one block at a time. Today, we celebrate the graduates of this Block-By-Block HVAC cohort for 2025, and we look forward to their future success."
A key component of the program is the attainment of NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research) certification, a nationally recognized credential that validates a student's knowledge and skill level in their chosen trade. The curriculum follows NCCER’s standardized training modules, combining classroom instruction with practical, on-site experience. Upon successful completion, students earn industry-recognized certifications that enhance their employability and provide direct pathways into apprenticeships, union programs, and full-time employment in the construction sector. The program is ideal for high school students, recent graduates, or adult learners seeking to enter or advance in the skilled trades workforce.
Escambia County proudly recognizes the following individuals who graduated from the Escambia County Block-by-Block Workforce Development Program Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration (HVAC-R) Cohort:
To learn more about the Escambia County Block-By-Block Program, visit MyEscambia.com/blockbyblock.
District 3 Commissioner Lumon May and NHS Block-By-Block Program CoordinatorJoe Glover recognize Block-By-Block Program graduates Tuesday, June 10 at the Brownsville Community Center.
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