Regional Profile

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Learn what it's like to live and work in the region - shorter commute times, gorgeous landscapes and much more.
 

Unique Talent Advantages

The extensive military presence in the region offers a pipeline of talent that can be further leveraged to benefit employers. as well as marketed to new prospects. The region's network of high quality post-secondary educational institutions are agressively expanding education and training offerings, especially in emerging industry niches such as Cyber Security and Additive Manufacturing.

The region boasts a growing number of K-12 education and training programs, including the Northwest Florida Manufacturing Career Academy Network and robotics-focused education. Finally, the region's beauty, natural amenities, and desirable quality of life make it an attractive destination for talented executives, entrepreneurs, and younger workers.

Learn more about Okaloosa's Education & Workforce

Northwest Florida Forward

The Northwest Florida Forward initiative is built around five aspirational goals that serve as the key focus areas for future economic vitality and growth for the region.

The Talent component will:

  • Create a regional workforce training and development initiative designed to meet the needs of large employers relocating or expanding in Northwest Florida.
  • Better leverage separated and retired military personnel as a key talent pool for target industry clusters.
  • Explore establishing an employer-driven workforce training initiative focused on assisting underemployed and long-term unemployed residents.
  • Develop a regional talent recruitment program.
  • Expand work-based learning and career exploration opportunities for students.
  • Further leverage the manufacturing academies model to expand the promotion of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs and technical skills development as early as grade school to build long-term talent supply in the region.
  • Increase employability skills training programs to reduce employment barriers for all students and adults, with a particular focus on underserved populations.
Learn more about Northwest Florida Forward

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