The City of Jacksonville, The Arc Jacksonville, and Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) have announced the launch of the Professional Animal Workers Certificate (PAWS) program, an initiative providing individuals with intellectual and developmental differences (IDD) with education and hands-on experience in animal care. The program was introduced at a press event on January 28 at Animal Care and Protective Services (ACPS).
“This is the kind of vital vocational training that will really make a difference in our city’s workforce development efforts,” said Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan. “The partnership we’ve forged between The Arc Jacksonville, FSCJ, and our city’s Animal Care and Protective Services is a testament to what can happen when we come together with a shared goal of empowering individuals and fostering inclusion.”
The PAWS program is a 12-week course preparing participants for careers in kennels, animal daycare centers, and other pet-related businesses. Students will take FSCJ coursework at The Arc Jacksonville’s campus, learning about animal safety, behavior, nutrition, emergency response, and first aid. They will also develop soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving before gaining hands-on experience through an internship at ACPS.
“We are committed to expanding opportunities for students of all abilities,” said FSCJ President John Avendano, Ph.D. “This partnership will help propel them into a successful, professionally and personally fulfilling future.”
The program builds on The Arc Jacksonville and FSCJ’s Career Campus initiative, which launched in 2023 to provide work readiness and training certifications for individuals with IDD.
“This program represents a significant step forward in workforce development,” said The Arc Jacksonville President and CEO Kari Bates. “Vocational training is essential in addressing the 91% unemployment rate among adults with IDD in Florida.”
For more information or to enroll, individuals can contact 904-355-0155 or careercampus@arcjacksonville.org.
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