Opportunities
- 64% of jobs on the Regional Demand Occupations List for Okaloosa and Walton Counties require individuals to have an industry certification.
- By 2020, at the current rate, the U.S. will fall short by five million workers due to a lack of individuals who have earned industry-recognized certifications.
- Employees who possess an industry-recognized certificate can earn an annual income up to 20% higher than employees with no post- secondary education.
Solutions
This initiative will:
- Fund educational initiatives and programs aligned to meet immediate and high-demand industry needs such as cybersecurity, physical therapist assistant, medical laboratory technician, pilot certification program, engineering technology (robotics, mechatronics), airframe mechanic and powerplant mechanic.
- Realign curricula in growing fields to keep pace with industry standards in fields such as computer science, health sciences, advanced technology and manufacturing.
- Enable NWF State College to equip classrooms and labs with the best emerging technology and fund related professional development for our faculty.
- Expand customized short-term training and industry-recognized programs such as hospitality, culinary, welding and emergency medical training.
- Integrate into the curricula student apprenticeships, internships, and co-op experiences to promote job-readiness and placement.
