Central Florida Talent Gap Survey Results

The availability of a skilled workforce is widely recognized as one of the most critical factors in economic development. Expansion and relocation decisions hinge on the ability to hire workers with the skills and experience companies demand. The Talent Gap Analysis study was undertaken through a partnership with CareerSource Central Florida, Brevard, and Flagler Volusia and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council to align the skills needed by area business with Floridians seeking employment.

The study’s major focus was to identify solutions that will widen the talent pool to create opportunities to fill positions with qualified talent. The study engaged a variety of industry sector leaders to identify issues and solutions through an online survey, interviews, and focus group discussions.

The project consisted of an online survey distributed throughout the region to businesses of all sizes in the region. Interviews were conducted with 21 leaders from different industries to expand understanding of the issues. Five focus groups were also conducted throughout the region to validate the survey results and gain additional insight into solutions and partnership opportunities.

The survey was designed by the CareerSource Central Florida Talent Gap team with review and input from colleges, EDOs and community partners. The survey was opened for six weeks from March 3 through April 14, 2014, resulting in 269 completed surveys from companies representing 91,393 employees, or 6 percent of the workforce. A majority (66%) of the respondents were companies with less than 50 employees.

We invite you to explore the findings of the Talent Gap Survey.

Click here to view the Talent Gap Survey.

Click here to view the Executive Summary.

Click here to view the PowerPoint presentation on the Survey findings.