Top labor needs in focus: Orlando executives reveal key workforce trends
Writer: Chérie Lynn Canada
June 2024 — The current labor market is experiencing a unique set of challenges and opportunities, particularly in highly specialized fields. According to a recent report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the U.S. unemployment rate remains low at 4% as of May, indicating a relatively stable overall job market. However, sector-specific labor market trends vary with an emphasis on attracting highly skilled labor, which in some cases remains in short supply.
Leaders in highly skilled, technical industries such as aerospace, aviation, and technology share their insights into how they innovate, collaborate, and train a highly skilled workforce to promote workforce development. Addressing labor shortages by creating a robust pipeline, innovators such as Paul Sohl, CEO of the Florida High Tech Corridor; John Nicklow, President of the Florida Institute of Technology; Shaun Germolus, Director of Aviation at Kissimmee Gateway Airport; and Rob Long, President & CEO of Space Florida, share how they do it.
Paul Sohl, CEO, Florida High Tech Corridor
Talent development is a critical concern universally acknowledged by companies across the nation. At The Corridor, we recognize the need to engage potential talent from a young age. Over the past four years, our team has emphasized the importance of reaching out to increasingly younger demographics.
For instance, we collaborate with programs like the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame at USF to engage students from K-12 in inventor programs. Children are natural inventors, and nurturing this inventiveness is crucial as it lays the groundwork for future innovation. I will be participating as a judge at the National Invention Convention in June, where teams from Florida will be showcasing their creativity. By integrating innovation into education early on, we empower children to see themselves as future innovators, setting them on a path with boundless potential. Our workforce development efforts focus on fostering invention and innovation among the youth, which we see as essential to sustaining long-term economic growth.
John Nicklow, President, Florida Institute of Technology
Addressing the workforce challenges in our region requires deliberate effort, and one key aspect is ensuring that we produce graduates who are highly appealing to employers. In practice, this means equipping students with the latest state-of-the-art knowledge and technology skills while instilling a strong sense of community and a commitment to valuing team diversity. Additionally, every student participates in a team Capstone design project, fostering collaboration and teamwork across disciplines. Thus, employers consistently recognize the exceptional quality of our graduates, whether they are in aerospace, psychology, or engineering. This reputation for excellence is a testament to our intentional focus on workforce development.
Another crucial element is building robust partnerships with industry leaders and business owners. As part of our strategic plan, I have prioritized connecting with key stakeholders to understand their needs better and explore opportunities for collaboration. By actively engaging with businesses in the region and beyond, we can ensure that our programs are aligned with industry demands and provide valuable resources to support their growth and success.
Additionally, we have launched the Brevard Boundless Opportunity Program, which offers qualifying students from Brevard County enhanced affordability and accessibility to a Florida Tech education. This initiative benefits students and strengthens our region’s talent pipeline, as students are more likely to stay and contribute to the local workforce.
Shaun Germolus, Director of Aviation, Kissimmee Gateway Airport
We see shortages of pilots, aircraft mechanics, and air traffic controllers. One of our greatest assets at the Kissimmee Gateway Airport is our investment in workforce development. We have several flight schools, an airframe and powerplant mechanic college, and an avionics technician program. We recruit middle and junior high students, bringing them to the airport to convince them to pursue an aviation career. They can finish high school, enter the airport, develop their skill sets, and obtain high-paying jobs in our region. It’s a great asset for our local students, an excellent tool for us, and a way to attract additional businesses to our airport.
Rob Long, President & CEO, Space Florida
Highly skilled technical labor is in high demand. When talking with companies looking to move here, they want to know what the workforce situation is, so we must continue developing our aerospace workforce.
Generally, we are not short on numbers overall, but people have to understand where the opportunities are. We have to continue linking people with the right skills with aerospace opportunities. We invest in partnerships with schools, the state, and companies themselves to drive this.
Top image provided by Florida Institute Of Technology
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