South Florida must address a workforce skills gap that could slow economic momentum
As we reflect on South Florida's remarkable economic growth in 2024, it is clear that we are at a pivotal moment.
Job creation in Miami-Dade has consistently outpaced state and national averages and unemployment has dropped to historic lows. Our economy is resilient, and our workforce is growing stronger every day.
Yet, beneath these impressive metrics lies a challenge that could undermine our progress if left unaddressed: the widening skills gap in high-demand industries.
The rapid growth of job opportunities in sectors such as IT and healthcare has outpaced the supply of skilled workers, a trend that was accelerated by the pandemic.
Without decisive action, this gap threatens not only our economic momentum but also our capacity to create equitable opportunities for all South Floridians.
At CareerSource South Florida (CSSF),we have focused on empowering the trades through enhanced training programs and aligning education with workforce requirements. We function as an offshoot of CareerSource Florida, an integral part of Florida's workforce development system, which routes federal money to local agencies responsible for getting people new or better jobs
We've expanded our signature apprenticeship program to include high-demand sectors like healthcare and IT. The apprenticeship program is designed to help fill the employment gap and also expose students to trades jobs such as electrician, plumber, bricklayer, carpenter, heating and air-conditioning installer and sheet metal worker.
We have partnered with innovative initiatives such as Miami-Dade's Future Ready program, which focuses on digital literacy for youth in low-income neighborhoods. The program ensures all Miami-Dade County students who qualify can complete an associate degree at Miami Dade College tuition-free. This scholarship covers costs not covered through other grants, financial aid and scholarships.
By providing tools like new Chromebooks and training in essential digital skills, we are creating long-term solutions to today's pressing challenges.
But we cannot do this alone. Solving the skills gap requires a coordinated, community-wide effort. We must deepen partnerships with private-sector employers and key stakeholders who influence the attraction and retention of jobs in Florida.
We must also foster collaboration between educational institutions, local businesses and community organizations to align training programs with the demands of our labor market.
Addressing this challenge also requires a broader vision for the future of our economy. Workforce shortages cannot be resolved in a silo.
We must tackle underlying infrastructure issues—such as affordable housing and access to affordable child care—that affect workers' ability to ascend professionally and build lasting careers.
Economic mobility depends not just on creating jobs but on ensuring that workers have the support they need to perform.
Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, our region must prioritize investment in three key areas:
▪ Technical education: Expanding apprenticeships and certifications in high-growth sectors like advanced manufacturing, construction, IT and healthcare will prepare workers for the jobs of the future
.▪ Digital equity initiatives: Tech readiness programs must scale to ensure digital literacy becomes a baseline skill for all South Floridians, particularly those in underserved communities.
▪ Affordable living solutions: Sustainable growth depends on housing and wages enabling workers to live where they work, fostering vibrant and healthy communities.
South Florida's resilience is undeniable, but resilience alone is not enough.To sustain our economic success, we must confront the skills gap directly with bold, inclusive solutions.
By fostering a more equitable workforce and investing in critical infrastructure, we can build a future where all South Floridians have the opportunity to thrive — and our region becomes a model of innovation and economic dynamism for the rest of our nation.
The time to act is now. Together, we can bridge the gap and ensure that South Florida's growth is not only exponential but also inclusive.
Rick Beasley is executive director of CareerSource South Florida.
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