Tallahassee, FL — Today, CareerSource Florida applauds Governor Ron DeSantis for his dedication to advancing Florida’s education and workforce development agenda by signing the 2024-2025 Focus on Florida’s Future budget. Governor DeSantis has outlined a forward-thinking roadmap designed to propel the state towards becoming the nation’s foremost leader in workforce education by 2030.
The budget boasts a strategic allocation of resources towards initiatives aimed at meeting this goal, earmarking an unprecedented $853 million to support a wide array of workforce education programs, spanning secondary to postsecondary levels. These initiatives are designed to equip Floridians with the skills and credentials necessary to secure high-demand, high-wage jobs, driving economic growth and prosperity across the state.
Key highlights for workforce development and training in the budget include:
- $451 million in operational funding for Florida’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, to ensure students have access to cutting-edge vocational training that aligns with the needs of industry partners.
- $20 million for the Governor’s Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant Program. This expansion aims to establish and expand pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs for high school and college students. Additionally, $5 million is dedicated to the Teacher Registered Apprenticeship Program, which will provide additional career pathways for educators.
- $80 million for the Florida Semiconductor Institute at the University of Florida. This funding will support workforce development in semiconductor manufacturing, as well as research and development in advanced packaging, artificial intelligence, and assurance. Additionally, $25 million is dedicated to the Florida Center for Cybersecurity at the University of South Florida to strengthen the state’s cybersecurity industry.
“By prioritizing investments in career and technical education, apprenticeship programs, and emerging technologies, Governor DeSantis is ensuring that Floridians have the skills and resources they need to succeed in our rapidly evolving economy,” said Adrienne Johnston, President and CEO of CareerSource Florida. “This strategic allocation of resources reflects a bold vision for the future of our state. The CareerSource Florida network applauds Governor DeSantis for his commitment and leadership in building a stronger, more resilient workforce, and we look forward to continuing to help every Floridian find their own path toward economic self-sufficiency.”
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ABOUT CAREERSOURCE FLORIDA
CareerSource Florida, with its business-led board of directors, provides policy direction for talent development programs administered by the Florida Department of Commerce (FloridaCommerce), Florida’s 24 local workforce development boards and their 100 career centers. The CareerSource Florida Board of Directors serves as the Governor’s principal workforce policy and investment board, working in partnership with FloridaCommerce, which is responsible for the state workforce system’s fiscal and administrative affairs, and local workforce development boards that serve Florida’s businesses and career seekers. Together, the CareerSource Florida network connects employers with qualified, skilled talent and Floridians with employment and career development opportunities to achieve economic prosperity.