Florida’s poised for an economic boom. We need a workforce trained to meet demand | Guest Opinion

Tremendous economic growth is rolling like a tide toward Florida. By 2030, our state is expected to grow to a top 10 global economy. For this to happen, we will need 1.62 million people to work the jobs generated by this growth. Sourcing that talent is not going to be easy. Business leaders need to ask: “What should we be doing now to ensure we have the talent to meet and support the projected demand?

Florida Chamber Foundation recently created the Future of Work Florida Initiative and has gathered a wide array of Florida businesses to tackle this challenge. Florida Power & Light Co. is helping lead this effort. To make it happen, we must do more to encourage workforce education and emphasize the value of careers that don’t require a traditional four-year degree.

There is a crucial need for skilled trades and careers and technically educated (CTE) individuals in Florida. That demand will multiply exponentially. What is going to help people make the leap? The fact that they can make good money in the trade of their choice, including those that reflects their area of expertise.

The challenge is that most parents and students aren’t interested in CTEs. Florida Chamber Foundation research shows 35% of Florida parents are interested in learning more about CTEs, while only 8% of students are. This is a generational misconception concerning what constitutes a successful career — and that, somehow, trades are considered a lesser career path.

To change that narrative, we must start in early education and cultivate curiosity. Businesses can help by supporting programs that encourage students to explore different talent development programs.

We should allow elementary-age children to explore robotics, engineering and STEM, which expands students’ world whenever they get the question “What do you want to be when you grow up?” These activities also help kids develop soft skills such as collaboration and innovation, which are essential in today’s workforce. Children have the best chance to realize their potential when they’re given this kind of early exposure and encouraged to imagine a future that doesn’t have to include college as the only viable path.

FPL invests in community partnerships with parents, students and teachers. We work to cultivate curiosity by sponsoring robotics and STEM competitions and award grants to industry-related student programs, practices that any business can replicate. One student was involved with his school’s robotics team, which was supported by FPL, and he found such a passion for robotics that it inspired his career. Today, Stephen works in FPL’s Information Technology department, where he helps lead the company’s cutting-edge use of robotics to perform autonomous inspections, enhance security at remote locations and search for damage after a storm.

For Florida to meet the future demand for skilled labor, we must invest in the next generation of workers with better education and opportunities for apprenticeships that lead to good-paying jobs.

This cycle of learning is displayed through a program called Student ACES, founded by former FPL executive Buck Martinez, a nonprofit with the mission to inspire and develop high school student athletes to become men and women of character, honor and integrity through character education programs.

Since 2013, the program has impacted the lives of more than 50,000 student athletes throughout Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach, counties. The core values that fuel all Student ACES programs — command respect, earn the trust of others, bring a winning attitude, sacrifice for self and others, possess a work ethic second to none, do the right thing, and aspire greatness — align with the qualities that executives are looking for in their workforce. There is also a Student ACES Trade Workshop element offering a morning session on core values and an afternoon session where various businesses and contractors can promote trades and even hire on site.

Building the best workforce will take businesses of all sizes and industries. Whether it be investing in early education and STEM programs, working with colleges and universities, or facilitating lifelong learning, every company has a role to play in workforce development. We can change our narrative to emphasize that there are many different ways to build a successful career.

Sarah Marmion is a board member of the Florida Chamber Foundation’s Future of Work Florida Initiative and the manager of education and outreach centers for Florida Power & Light Company. For more information on building Florida’s workforce, visit flchamber.com/futureofworkflorida.