In today’s technology-driven world, the global economy is becoming increasingly reliant on the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Of the 283,949 current job postings in Florida, nearly 70,000 are in STEM fields. Throughout the past 10 years, STEM jobs have grown three times faster than non-STEM jobs. Projections indicate that, over the next decade, the economy will need nearly one million more STEM professionals than the United States will produce at the current rate.
“STEM skills are essential for Florida’s workforce to remain competitive in the global marketplace,” said Dr. Pamella Dana, Senior Strategic Advisor for the Florida Institute for Human & Machine Cognition (IHMC) and former head of Tourism, Trade, & Economic Development for the State of Florida. “If educational trends move away from preparing our youth with these vital skills, fewer qualified candidates will be available to support growth in high-tech areas. It is critical to Florida’s long-term economic outlook that we engage our students in STEM, and dedicate the resources needed to optimally develop the talent of Florida’s future.”
Florida’s ability to remain globally competitive, and provide greater opportunities for families, is dependent on diversifying the economy and creating high-wage jobs. To achieve this goal, there must be a focus on closing the talent gap, not only by preparing students now for the STEM-related jobs of the 21st century, but also retraining and transitioning the current workforce into STEM occupations through non-degree training and certification programs.
Share Your Story:
What is your community doing to provide workforce training for STEM jobs? Email the Florida Chamber Foundation’s Chief Economist, Dr. Jerry D. Parrish, at jparrish@flfoundation.org.
Get Involved:
The importance of STEM in workforce development is one of the many topics that will be discussed at the Florida Chamber Foundation’s Education Solutions Summit on June 9 in Tampa, and at the Future of Florida Forum on September 28-30 in Orlando.
About the Florida Scorecard:
The Florida Scorecard, located at www.TheFloridaScorecard.com, presents metrics across Florida’s economy. Each month, the Florida Chamber Foundation produces a Scorecard Stat that takes an in-depth look at one aspect of Florida’s economy. If you would like additional information on the Weekly Scorecard Stat or on the Florida Scorecard, please contact Dr. Jerry Parrish with the Florida Chamber Foundation at 850.521.1283.