Tallahassee, FL—On February 20, 2025, the CareerSource Florida Board of Directors convened for its quarterly meeting, advancing key workforce initiatives and reinforcing its commitment to building a stronger talent pipeline for Florida.
In recognition of Career and Technical Education Month in Florida, board members had the opportunity to visit Lively Technical College, where they toured classrooms and engaged with students and instructors. The tour highlighted Lively’s robust career and technical education training programs, which prepare students for high-demand fields such as healthcare, skilled trades, and automotive technology. The visit underscored the vital role of technical education in equipping the next generation of Floridians with in-demand skills to support Florida’s growing workforce needs.
Lively Technical College students showing off their latest projects.
During the Board of Directors meeting, members approved policies aimed at strengthening workforce alignment and supporting employer-driven training initiatives. A key milestone was the approval of two new Regional Planning Areas, which will enhance collaboration and resource alignment among local workforce development boards.
Additionally, the board approved updates to the Work-Based Training and Learning Opportunities Policy under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). These updates reinforce CareerSource Florida’s focus on expanding workforce solutions that serve job seekers, including youth, individuals with disabilities, and veterans.
Board members received an update on CareerSource Florida’s latest statewide marketing campaign “Who We Are,” which is designed to increase awareness among job seekers and businesses new to Floridia, those new to the job market, and individuals who may not be aware of the services available to them through the CareerSource Florida network. In the market for just over a month, the campaign has already garnered over 12.9 million impressions of which 99% are new users.
Adrienne Johnston, President and CEO of CareerSource Florida, delivers her President’s Report.
A highlight of the meeting was a panel discussion centered around the critical role that scholarships and industry-recognized credentials play in preparing the next generation of skilled workers. Panelists included Secretary John F. Davis of the Florida Lottery, Adam Emerson with the Florida Department of Education, Tadar Muhammad with CareerSource Central Florida, Josh Matlock with CareerSource Suncoast, and Amy Yount with Step Up Suncoast. The panel showcased initiatives supporting Florida’s youth, including the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund and the Bright Futures Scholarship Program, and the crucial role these programs play in expanding access to education and workforce training, helping students gain the skills needed for sustainable, in-demand careers.
The discussion reinforced the importance of scholarships and credentialing programs in preparing Floridians for the evolving job market – a theme that carried through the board’s visit to Lively Technical College, where members saw firsthand how career and technical education is equipping students for success in high-growth industries.
The board also approved the delivery of 2025-2026 Master Credentials List, which features more than 2,300 credentials of value, to the State Board of Education. This list, developed by the Credentials Review Committee, serves as a strategic guide for directing federal and state funds toward workforce education and training programs that align with industry needs.
Stay tuned for continued updates on Florida’s workforce development efforts as CareerSource Florida and its partners work to connect businesses with talent and job seekers with career opportunities.
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