Brian Lamar Brady Workforce Readiness Center
Preparing Teens for Real-World Success PartnerGet In TouchThe Brian Lamar Brady Teen Workforce Readiness Center is Polk County’s first dedicated space designed to help teens gain life and career skills that go far beyond the classroom. Located in Mulberry, Florida, this innovative facility offers hands-on training, workforce certifications, and mentorship. All in a safe, teen-focused environment built for exploration, confidence, and opportunity.
Backed by a $3 million state investment and the generosity of local donors, the Workforce Readiness Center is built to inspire and prepare teens for life after high school.
A Facility Built For The Future
Our new 10,000+ sq. ft. facility is thoughtfully designed to meet the evolving needs of teens and employers alike.
Features include:
Two retail storefronts for real-world job training and youth-led entrepreneurship
A fully equipped commercial teaching kitchen
An outdoor dining patio for events, community meals, and social gatherings
Digital learning classrooms for certifications, career exploration, and academic support
Open gathering spaces for after-school activities, leadership development, and recreation
This space empowers teens to not just dream—but to do.
Workforce Readiness Programming
We’re building out a bold lineup of hands-on workforce development programs designed to give teens the tools they need to thrive:
Forklift Operation Certification
Drone School and Drone Safety Training
Skilled Trades Exploration (Electrical, HVAC, Carpentry, Welding, Plumbing)
ServSafe® Certification and Culinary Arts
Digital Literacy & Career Planning
Entrepreneurship Workshops and Retail Training
All programming is designed to be accessible, engaging, and practical, helping students discover new possibilities and walk away with certifications, real skills, and confidence.
Get Involved
We’re building more than a workforce program. We’re building a movement.
We Need:
Corporate Partners willing to mentor youth, lead workshops, or provide internship and apprenticeship opportunities
Business Leaders who want to invest in growing a local talent pipeline
Community Champions who want to make a lasting difference for the next generation
Whether you’re ready to sponsor a program, host a tour, or collaborate on curriculum, we want to hear from you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Workforce Development?
The Workforce Development program is meticulously designed to nurture essential employment skills among our youth. By embracing research-backed strategies in youth development, offering comprehensive training, and providing hands-on learning chances, the program aims to foster readiness for first jobs while setting a clear course towards achieving meaningful careers.
How can businesses & professionals get involved?
We’re actively seeking corporate partners, skilled professionals, and business owners to:
Mentor teens and lead hands-on workshops
Offer job-shadowing or internship opportunities
Sponsor programs or equipment
Help shape curriculum and training tracks aligned to workforce needs
If you’re ready to help develop Polk County’s future talent pipeline, we want to connect with you!
What is the Brian Lamar Brady WRC?
The Teen Workforce Readiness Center is a state-of-the-art, teen-focused facility located in Mulberry, Florida, created by Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County. The center offers hands-on career exploration, certifications, mentorship, and skills training to help teens prepare for life after high school. It includes retail storefronts, a commercial kitchen, digital learning classrooms, and welcoming open spaces for after-school programs and recreation.
What types of workforce programs are offered for teens?
Teens can access a wide variety of real-world, career-building programs including:
Forklift operation
Drone training
Skilled trades (HVAC, plumbing, carpentry, etc.)
ServSafe® certification and culinary arts
Retail training and entrepreneurship
Soft skills development like communication, time management, and leadership
Programs are designed to build employability, confidence, and access to career pathways
Who can participate in Workforce Readiness Programs?
Workforce Readiness programs are open to students in grades 7–12 who are members of Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County. Teens from Mulberry and across Polk County are encouraged to register. Programs are offered after school and during the summer, with opportunities for certifications, mentorship, and paid training experiences in select pathways.
How can I donate to support teen workforce programs?
Every dollar makes a difference. Donate at bgcpolk.org/donate. Your gift helps us provide certifications, supplies, staffing, and mentorship opportunities that prepare local teens for real jobs and successful futures.
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