Northwest Florida is demonstrating how businesses, educators, and community organizations can work together to strengthen the region’s workforce pipeline and prepare Floridians for the jobs of tomorrow, according to A Look At Creating Regional Talent Solutions: 3 Promising Practices in Northwest Florida, a new case study from the Florida Chamber Foundation and Future of Work Florida.
September is Workforce Development Month, and the partnerships highlighted in the case study demonstrate how the Panhandle is putting workforce development into action by connecting employers, educators, and community organizations to build a stronger talent pipeline.
Northwest Florida’s four-county region of Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton counties has grown 9% since 2020, while employment has increased from more than 250,000 jobs in 2020 to nearly 400,000 in 2025.
- Population growth: Most of the region’s population growth has been led by middle-aged adults (42%) and older adults (32%), highlighting the need to attract, retain, and prepare the next generation of workers.
- Employer-led solutions: The case study spotlights workforce partnerships between American Magic, BlueWind Technology, and ST Engineering and local education and community organizations, including Pensacola State College, the University of West Florida Talent Catalyst, and the Children’s Home Society of Greater Pensacola.
These partnerships are addressing workforce challenges and advancing sustainable solutions to secure the region’s talent pipeline. Additionally, these partnerships are also producing measurable results, from paid internships and industry mentoring to second-chance employment and specialized technical training that provide pathways into the workforce.
“What’s remarkable about these examples is that they are not simply training programs. They connect students and job seekers directly to employers, providing the technical skills, workplace experience, and professional skills needed to succeed,” said Evan Bonney, Ph.D., Research Program Associate with the Florida Chamber Foundation. “Northwest Florida is building talent pipelines that are meeting the needs of its future economy, and it’s bearing results.”
“We know that having a sustainable workforce is critical to our future in Pensacola,” said Tyson Lamond, Chief Operating Officer of American Magic. “By working directly with our schools and community partners, we’re not just finding talent. We’re helping build the skills and opportunities that allow people to see a future for themselves here.”
Among the promising practices highlighted in the case study:
- American Magic has hired five Pensacola State College graduates following internships in CNC and composite cutting, while its partnership with UWF Talent Catalyst has resulted in eight student hires, with four transitioning to full-time employment following graduation. The company has also partnered with the Children’s Home Society of Greater Pensacola to provide internships and GED opportunities for youth.
- BlueWind Technology has developed a second-chance employment program that has provided career opportunities to dozens of individuals with previous justice-system involvement. The company employed 76 second-chance workers in 2025 while also building a talent pipeline through UWF Talent Catalyst.
- ST Engineering and Pensacola State College are expanding one of the region’s – and nation’s – most distinctive aviation workforce partnerships. Following the first A&P program cohort’s graduation in June 2026, ST Engineering offered 10 full-time positions to 11 graduates. Enrollment has since grown to 100 trainees, with a new facility planned to accommodate up to 200 students.
The partnerships extend beyond individual employers. UWF Talent Catalyst combines paid professional experience, industry mentoring, and intentional professional development, while Pensacola State College is expanding programs aligned with the region’s growing demand for aviation, transportation, manufacturing, and marine talent.
The region is also demonstrating strong results in high-demand occupations. Pensacola State College’s Commercial Driver’s License program had a 91% completion rate during the 2025-26 academic year, with 85% of graduates employed by July 2026.
The Florida Chamber Foundation’s Future of Work Florida initiative identifies these partnerships and promising practices for how communities can respond to changing workforce needs by aligning education, business, and community resources.
“Northwest Florida is showing Florida what happens when business and education stop working in silos and start solving workforce challenges together,” said Mark Wilson, President & CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Foundation. “These are the kinds of partnerships we need to replicate across Florida to secure our state’s future.”
This case study is part of the Florida Chamber Foundation’s broader effort to identify and share promising practices that can be replicated across Florida as the state works toward the Florida 2030 Blueprint mission of becoming a top 10 global economy by 2030.
Click here to learn more about the Future of Work Florida Initiative.