Florida Poised to be National Leader in Aligning Learners with Careers

A new report by ExcelinEd finds Florida is poised to provide students with high-quality pathways to career, college and workforce opportunities as a result of legislation passed earlier this year.

When implemented, the sweeping changes that focus on helping students will ensure Florida remains one of the best places in the nation to learn, to work and to live.

“Florida’s students are more likely to reach their personal goals when they have a clear understanding between education and the pathways that can lead to their life and career aspirations.

“The new legislation allows businesses, educators and students to make better informed decisions that will strengthen Florida’s economy and help individuals find meaningful careers.”

Patricia Levesque, CEO of ExcelinEd

The first-of-its-kind report builds on smart legislation passed earlier this year with suggestions on next steps to best help all Floridians.

House Bill 1507 promotes workforce training programs that enable Floridians to earn a good income in a rewarding career. To help meet that objective, the legislation requires online posting of information showing where jobs are in demand along with the requirements to fill those positions. This provision in the bill sets Florida apart by providing learners with detailed information to make better decisions with greater potential for success.

ExcelinEd’s report highlights steps Florida has taken to become a national leader in creating clear pathways to meet the needs of students, workers and employers.

These include strengthening cooperation between state agencies to collectively use data to help align training with in-demand careers, funding for Floridians seeking to return to the workforce and reviewing the outcomes of training to determine which programs are most effective.

Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature under the leadership of House Speaker Chris Sprowls and Senate President Wilton Simpson have crafted a life-changing approach to preparing learners for successful careers. The report provides suggested next steps to build on this year’s foundation:

• Create an online, learner-centered tool that provides all Floridians – including businesses, schools, employees and learners – with a focus on high-quality paths toward middle- or high-wage career opportunities.
• Ensure that traditionally underserved learners are a priority by focusing resources to guide them toward learning opportunities that lead to a rewarding career.
• Promote innovative plans such as a “money-back guarantee” that refunds costs for learners who successfully earn credentials and credit but are still unable to find a matching job.

Here’s what state leaders are saying about this report:

“Every day that we aren’t moving our workforce development programs forward, we are not serving Floridians to the extent we should.  A well-educated and well-skilled workforce is the backbone to our state’s economic future.  Florida families deserve our best efforts.

“This comprehensive report recognizes the unprecedented strides Florida’s Legislature has made in creating the best workforce development system in America.  This path shows everyone that the bright future of living the American Dream here in Florida is alive and well!”

State Sen. Ben Albritton

“The pandemic has expedited the speed in which workforce needs are changing. This report provides an important assessment of Florida’s improved education-to-workforce pathways and the necessary steps to build on these improvements for our state’s students.”

Tom Feeney, CEO of Associated Industries of Florida

“For too long, plans for economic growth have overlooked the high potential for preparing well-trained workers from traditionally underserved backgrounds. It is through upskilling opportunities and workforce readiness programs that we will be able to end generational poverty in our community. I appreciate this report’s emphasis on ensuring that ALL Floridians will be included as we work together to build a brighter future.”

Glenton Gilzean, Jr. President and CEO of the Central Florida Urban League

“We need to do more to align employers’ needs with workers’ skills. The global economy is changing, and it is incumbent on us to remove old barriers that silo students and limit opportunity.”

State Rep. Lauren Melo

“Florida’s colleges have always been on the front line in providing the education and workforce training students need to succeed. Our college system looks forward to working even more closely with learners and employers to help each student find the best path to economic prosperity.”

Miami-Dade College President Madelina Pumariega

“We must break the cycle of focusing on individual institutions and programs and instead implement learner-centered policies to create education-to-workforce partnerships across our state.”

State Rep. Clay Yarborough