Florida Ready to Work®: An Economic and Community Approach to Improving the Workforce in Florida

by +Robert Wood, Dean of UNF Division of Continuing Education

Leaders throughout the state of Florida have indicated that in order to stay competitive in recruiting industry and in expanding existing industry we must have a well trained workforce.  Michael O’Leary, President of the Grimes Companies, said; “One of the problems that we are facing is to make sure that the workforce of tomorrow will have the basic skills to compete in the new high tech based economy.”  This is indeed an economic issue in Florida.  We must have a well trained workforce to keep up with the new cluster based economy that we are striving to develop. It is important that when companies are seeking to expand or move to Florida the workforce is capable and ready.  There must be a systematic approach to improve the workforce in the state and in K-12 to ensure that students that graduate have the necessary skills to compete for the available jobs in Florida. This is absolutely critical in recruiting high tech manufacturing companies to the state and Northeast Florida.

Seasons of Change: Education, Career and Life

As fall unfolds, we here at Continuing Education are struck by the many facets of change which take place in life. Whether it’s a sometimes not so simple time shift due to Daylight Savings or a brave leap into a new career objective, change is as inevitable as the passage of time itself. Dealing with these metamorphoses is another matter. According to a recent article in the New York Times, "In the field of positive psychology, the hedonic treadmill is the idea that people have a set point of happiness throughout the course of their lives and are able to return to it from major positive or negative changes or events. Thus, while some people eagerly jump into a new pile of foliage, ready to tackle the new situation with great gusto, others may shuffle a few leaves around and hesitantly begin to adjust to the new status quo."

Despite some common changes which are experienced throughout the journey of life, it seems we are each capable of getting back to our happiness level. To aid in the bounce back to bliss, we've identified a UNFCE counterpart to each type of change, so read on to discover how we can help navigate the inevitable changes of life.

Fall KickOff Isn't Just for Football

If you’ve ever attended a football game, then you know what happens immediately after the singing of the national anthem. All of the pregame, anticipation and preparation culminates in that one glorious act: the kickoff! Fans cheer and gaze in unison as that small object soars through the air and breaths are held as the receiver catches the ball with a thud and takes off running. In that one moment anything can happen, both sides have an equal chance of a winning outcome and hopes are high, both on and off the field. It’s electric and exciting!

We are feeling the same way about our new fall term! We’ve been pregaming and preparing all summer to bring you an exciting fall season of lifelong learning opportunities to enhance your personal and professional journeys. Just as your favorite football team might be unveiling new uniforms, new coaches and kickoff events to make your participation more enjoyable, we have new things to share with you too. 

Here are five things to look forward to as our fall term kicks off on September 1: