PGT Innovations received the Workforce Development and Innovation Award for the second time from The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce during this year’s 33rd annual Frank G. Berlin, Sr. Small Business Awards, held June 23. The event honored 27 businesses across nine categories. PGTI was recognized for being an organization that is committed to creating world-class career opportunities in its corporate home region, with company leadership understanding the importance of upskilling workers, creating access points to career pathways, and recruiting through education and outreach. PGTI first received the accolade in 2020.
A team-invested culture
The manufacturer embodies a culture of care, part of which includes investing in team members in a way that encourages them to invest in themselves by offering training programs designed to inspire careers rather than jobs. In 2022, PGTI launched Coopey World, an on-site training center to help new team members acclimate to manufacturing roles, improve retention rates, and create partnerships with local organizations.
Externally, PGTI puts a strong emphasis on building a skilled labor force for the future through various efforts. It works with area high school students through its Pathway to PGTI program, which allows students to train alongside a PGTI mentor during their school day and explore potential career paths in manufacturing.
PGTI’s response
“It is truly an honor to be acknowledged again by The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce as we are always looking for innovative ways to provide advancement opportunities for our team members,” says Jeff Jackson, president and CEO, PGTI. “At PGT Innovations, we believe talent is our most valuable resource, and we’ve worked hard to create a supportive work environment that provides extensive traditional and unique benefits and training options to help team members grow and thrive personally and professionally.”
