ABLE Operations was tasked with providing Florida’s Great Northwest (FGNW) with research and analysis of the regional labor market. This document is an update to Florida’s Great Northwest Supply & Demand Research Analysis completed in March 2021. In addition to the industries and occupations identified in the previous study, this update will consider the labor market for nursing and cyber security occupations. The update of this study includes additional years of data and adjusted growth forecasts for the region. The purpose of this study is to inform Florida’s Great Northwest and Triumph Gulf Coast of strengths and potential gaps between key regional industries’ demand for employees, and the ability of the local training/education institutions to supply these skills.
This document will provide a holistic view of the industries, occupations, workforce, and labor market conditions throughout thirteen counties in Northwest Florida (Florida’s Great Northwest 12-county region plus Wakulla: FGNW+). The first section will include an industry overview, considering the region’s current employment, wages, and expected growth. The next section will reiterate specific groups of high economic impact industries (clusters), that provide higher than average growth and wages to the region. The third section will identify the occupations and skill sets associated with these clusters. A wage comparison and gap analysis will follow. Finally, the document will conclude with a series of findings from the analysis, reflecting on the recommendations provided from the initial study.
The Florida's Great Northwest (FGNW) Labor Supply & Demand Analysis Year 2 Update.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Florida
In 2020, Florida patented 5,513 inventions recorded by the USPTO. As a result, there has been a startup boom, with more than 50,000 monthly business applications since 2020.
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U.S. News has recognized Florida as a top-ranking state in economy, education, and job growth.
In recent months, U.S. News has recognized Florida as a top-ranking state in economy, education, and job growth. These achievements represent the growth and continued development occurring within the Sunshine State.
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U.S. News and World Report Ranks Florida #1 in Higher Education
Florida was recently ranked #1 in the country for Higher Education by the U.S. News and World Report. This ranking reflects the 74%, 4 Year College Graduation Rate, as well as the 62%, 2 Year College Graduation Rate.
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Florida Ranked 2nd Best State for Business
Florida was ranked #2 in a survey by Chief Executive to discover what states are the best for doing business.
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Northwest Florida Capitalizes on Aerospace Opportunities at Farnborough International Airshow
Florida’s Great Northwest (FGNW) led a local delegation to the Farnborough International Airshow in mid-July aiming to attract aerospace companies to consider Northwest Florida as a prime location for aviation business success. FGNW was a host sponsor of the SelectFlorida Pavilion and was surrounded by other major aerospace players in Florida, including two Pensacola-based companies, Paradigm Parachute & Defense and Viewpoint Systems.
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APPLICATION WINDOW NOW OPEN FOR CLASS III OF NORTHWEST FLORIDA’S REGIONAL LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
Northwest, FL – Applications are now being accepted for Class III of Leadership Northwest Florida, a regional collaboration program offered by Florida’s Great Northwest Foundation.
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FloridaCommerce Secretary Explores Regional Opportunities on Familiarization Tour Hosted by Florida's Great Northwest
Economic Development Project Wins and Industrial Site Readiness were the Focus of the Tour
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Florida Ranked 4th in Military Defense Spending in The Nation
In Florida, the aviation and military industry plays a vital role in the state's economy. Recently, Florida was ranked 4th in military defense spending in the nation. This ranking represents $30.2 Billion and 5.4% of the Department of Defense's total expenditures in the United States. Most of this spending contributes to the state's aviation and aerospace industry.
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Florida was ranked 4th in High Tech Employment
Florida was ranked 4th in High Tech Employment by CompTIA research.
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REGIONAL COLLABORATION PROGRAM CELEBRATES ITS SECOND CLASS OF GRADUATES
At a closing retreat and graduation ceremony on May 17, 2024, Florida’s Great Northwest (FGNW) Foundation honored its new graduates from Leadership Northwest Florida, a regional collaboration program focused on community, content, and connection.
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