What's Working With Tampa Bay!

Hosted by CareerSource Tampa Bay

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Apr 2026

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About the show

The official podcast of CareerSource Tampa Bay, committed to advancing Florida's workplace and economy. To learn more, visit www.careersourcetampabay.com

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43 recent

April 29, 20264 min

E43: Apprenticeships Work: Building Careers That Last

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(--header-height)" dir="auto" data-turn-id="8257e16f-3382-430d-b87c-e139de8dfcf0" data-testid="conversation-turn-17" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="user"> *]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:198e03b2-2395-49d4-843d-8326cfc28289-8" data-testid= "conversation-turn-18" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn= "assistant"> This episode highlights the impact and importance of National Apprenticeship Week, a nationwide effort to showcase how registered apprenticeships are creating meaningful pathways into in-demand careers. Through a conversation with a local apprenticeship navigator, listeners will learn how these programs allow individuals to earn while they learn, gain hands-on experience, and build skills that directly meet industry needs—often without requiring a traditional college degree. The discussion also explores how employers, educators, and workforce leaders are coming together to strengthen regional talent pipelines, close skill gaps, and expand access to high-quality career opportunities for job seekers across the Tampa Bay area.

April 29, 20265 min

E42: Try Before You Apply: The Power of the Career Clarity Pod

This episode explores how the innovative Career Clarity Pod is transforming the way people discover and choose their career paths. By combining virtual reality experiences with real-time labor market data and guided research tools, this cutting-edge resource allows individuals to "try on" different careers before committing to training or education. Listeners will learn how immersive simulations, hands-on exploration, and up-to-date local job insights help remove the guesswork from career decisions—empowering job seekers to make more confident, informed choices about their future.

April 29, 20264 min

E41: Ticket to Work: Turning Possibility into Employment

This episode explores how the Ticket to Work program is helping individuals with disabilities take meaningful steps toward employment, independence, and long-term career success. Designed for adults ages 18 to 64 receiving SSI or SSDI benefits, the program offers free, personalized support—including career counseling, resume assistance, job search guidance, and access to training and hiring opportunities. Listeners will learn how participants can pursue their professional goals without risking the benefits they rely on, while gaining confidence, skills, and a clear path forward. At its core, this conversation highlights the power of choice, guidance, and support in helping people build sustainable careers and greater financial independence.

April 29, 20263 min

E40: Opening Doors: How Youth Connections Is Changing Futures

This episode explores how innovative youth programs are helping young people take meaningful steps toward their futures by connecting them with career pathways, education, and real-world work experience. Through a conversation on initiatives like Youth Connections and the newly launched Summer Pays program, listeners will discover how young adults ages 15 to 24—especially those facing barriers to employment—can access mentorship, financial literacy, and hands-on opportunities that build confidence and direction. From navigating early career decisions to gaining paid experience and leadership skills, this discussion highlights the power of early support systems in shaping long-term success and creating brighter possibilities for the next generation.

October 27, 202514 min

E39: Leading Through Change: A Conversation with Keidrian Kunkel, CEO of CareerSource Tampa Bay

In this episode we are joined by Keidrian Kunkel, President and CEO of CareerSource Tampa Bay, to reflect on her first year of leadership and her vision for the future of Florida's workforce. Keidrian shares insights on navigating a post-merger organization, strengthening community and business partnerships, and advancing equity through high-wage, high-demand career pathways. She also discusses the importance of transparency, communication, and trust in building a strong organizational culture, while highlighting innovative strategies for diversifying funding and sustaining impact in a changing economic landscape.

April 15, 202411 min

E38: The WIOA Advantage: Accessing Funds for Your Career Transformation

In this episode, we dive into the world of WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) and explore how it can help individuals access funding for education, job training, and upskilling. The Program Director for WIOA and Adult Dislocated Workers at CareerSource Tampa Bay explains the eligibility requirements for WIOA services, which can benefit a wide range of people, including dislocated workers, low-income adults, and even those currently employed but seeking to improve their skills. The discussion highlights the life-changing impact WIOA programs can have, with participants going from receiving food stamps to securing six-figure jobs. CareerSource Tampa Bay is looking to enroll 125-175 participants in the next two months, and the Program Director encourages anyone interested to attend an information session to learn more about the program and how it can help them move forward in their careers.

April 15, 202414 min

E37: The Get There Faster Initiative: Supporting Veterans in Their Career Transitions

In this episode, we explore the Get There Faster grant, an initiative aimed at helping veterans, military spouses, and transitioning service members in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties to quickly access training and certifications needed for civilian careers. The grant provides funding for classroom training, on-the-job experience, and supportive services to help veterans overcome barriers and transition into the civilian workforce. We discuss the unique challenges veterans face when transitioning to civilian employment, as well as the valuable skills and strengths they bring to the table. The episode also highlights the importance of supporting veterans in their journey back to civilian life and the resources available through CareerSource Tampa Bay to assist them in this process.

October 3, 202315 min

E36: From Military Service to Civilian Success: Resources for Veterans

This episode features a follow-up conversation with William (Bill) Farnand, Veteran Program Manager for CareerSource Tampa Bay. Discover the accomplishments and services provided by CareerSource Tampa Bay to help veterans transition to civilian employment. Bill discusses the challenges veterans face and provides an overview of the resources available such as assistance with resume writing and mock interviews. He also shares success stories of veterans who have been placed into new careers. For more information, visit: https://careersourcetampabay.com/veteran-services/

February 24, 202316 min

E35: The Career Pathways Portal

Dr. Byron Clayton, Senior Vice President and Chief of Sector Partnerships for CareerSource Tampa Bay, returns to the program to discuss the Career Pathways Portal. Dr. Clayton reveals details about the portal and how it helps individuals explore career options and pathways for high-demand sectors in Hillsborough County. You'll also hear about how the portal helps job seekers navigate top career sectors and tracks to view information and videos about specific occupations.

January 20, 20238 min

E34: The 2023 Summer Hires Program

Leondra Foster, Tampa Bay Hires Program Director, returns to the program and provides an overview of the Summer Hires Program, and reveals details about this year's program. Discover how to connect and sign up for the 2023 Summer Hires Program. For more information, visit www.TampaBayHires.com