Authored By: Dr. Jim Murdaugh, President, Tallahassee Community College
In 1994, the Florida Chamber Foundation released “No More Excuses: What Businesses Must Do to Help Improve Florida’s Schools,” which showed that assessment, accountability and improving student learning were the keys to creating a world-class education system in Florida.
Thanks to the resolve of families, teachers, and education and business leaders, Florida went from having a graduation rate that was 48th in the nation to a state that is ranked in the top quartile in educational achievement. Leon County is now graduating more students from high school and more students from its higher education institutions.
That is good news, but has the improvement been enough to ensure our workforce is prepared? According to the Florida Chamber Foundation’s latest research report, “Florida Jobs 2030,” 64 percent of Florida jobs will require some form of postsecondary education by 2021. The workers of tomorrow will need to remain competitive in the midst of automation, globalization and technological advances. Many of the jobs that Floridians will hold in 2030 are still emerging, and some do not even exist yet.
While we must address the continuing gaps between the requirements of these positions and current levels of education, this is also an opportunity for students and communities to take advantage of middle-skill and entry-level opportunities that do not require advanced degrees.
“Florida Jobs 2030” poses a call to action to businesses, educators, training providers, employers, employees, communities, local government and policy makers to work together to create pathways to success for today’s students.
Creating a workforce that is prepared and that is globally competitive is one key to ensuring Florida’s future remains bright. If you agree, visit www.FloridaChamber.com/FloridaJobs2030 and learn more about how you can get involved.
Continue These Conversations
You can help continue these conversations and more by registering for the Florida Chamber Foundation’s Learners to Earners Education Summit, held June 13-14 in Orlando. Click here to learn more.