Comprehensive Workforce Training

• Florida’s university system has been rated #1 in Higher Education in United States three years in a row by U.S. News and World Report.
• Florida State University was ranked in the top 20 universities in the United States by U.S. New and World Report.
• The University of West Florida was rated the #2 in performance for universities in Florida by the Florida Board of Governors.
• Florida State University, University of West Florida, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and Troy University have campuses providing a variety of bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs.
• State Colleges offer educational programs specifically designed to quickly adapt to the workforce needs of relocating and expanding businesses in the region.

• Northwest Florida has blue ribbon schools, designated by the U.S. Department of Education, that are achieving overall academic excellence on a national level.
• The region has 27 “Level 5” schools performing at the highest level in core curriculum developed by the Florida Department of Education.
• Northwest Florida has 5 “A” level school districts designated by the Florida Department of Education, meaning students in these districts achieved the highest levels in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.
• Florida ranks 4th in the nation for K-12 student achievement, according to Education Week’s Quality Counts 2018 report.
• Florida has the sixth best ranked high school system in the nation, according to U.S. News and World Report.
• Northwest Florida has seven high schools ranked in the top 100 schools for student achievement in Florida by U.S. News and World Report.
• The region’s schools emphasize Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) Curriculum and Career Academies offering industry-recognized certifications and college credits. These academies include:
  • Engineering Academies
  • Robotics Academies
  • Aviation Technology Academies
  • Manufacturing Academies
  • Healthcare Academies
  • Science Academies

Northwest Florida’s employers are supported by four regional workforce boards that can provide customized and flexible training programs. Their business services teams can provide employment and training assistance and grants to help you recruit qualified workers.

K-12, secondary and postsecondary education providers have a successful track record of aligning their programs to meet the needs of industry. They have teamed up to develop Career Pathways programs in manufacturing, welding, engineering, machining, IT, business services and more to ensure there is a pipeline of skilled workers available to local businesses.

Additionally, there is a network of manufacturing companies that collaborate through the Northwest Florida Manufacturers Council. This non-profit organization works with educational partners throughout the region to ensure that the needs of manufacturers are met by the community.

Our educational institutions are ready to work with new and expanding businesses to help you succeed in Northwest Florida. They also partner with industry associations and businesses to offer a wealth of career and technical training resources to help you remain competitive. For example, the University of West Florida partnered with two local industry associations, Northwest Florida Manufacturers Council (NWFMC) and the Technology Coast Manufacturing and Engineering Network (TeCMEN), to offer members quality improvement training at no cost.  Each of our educational institutions are committed to supporting your workforce training needs.

The Northwest Florida Manufacturers Council worked with its members and the National Manufacturing Skills Standard Council to implement a formal certification program within our local school system. Manufacturing Academies were launched in 10 school districts across the region. Northwest Florida is focused on meeting your manufacturing workforce needs.