A new study says Florida has the most potential in the country to compete for jobs in high-growth sectors. But only if workers are skilled enough for the jobs.
By DOUGLAS HANKS
Florida leads the nation in its potential to grow jobs, according to a new Wells Fargo report that predicts a major rebound in the Sunshine State’s battered hiring climate.
Florida gets a boost in the rankings by tourism and hospitality industries, a natural for a state that attracts more than any other on the East Coast.
But Wells Fargo also gives Florida credit for a growing “life-sciences” industry, citing both a hefty retired population needing medical care and the research dollars that come with facilities like the planned Scripps Research facility in Palm Beach County. “The influx of new medical research facilities will help reinvigorate [research and development] growth in Florida, helping further diversify the state’s economy,’’ the report said.
“It all depends on the state’s education situation,’’ he said.
In raking states by regional competitiveness — intrinsic factors that lead employers to create jobs in that state versus others nearby — Florida scored first in the Wells Fargo study released Wednesday morning.
Florida gets a boost in the rankings by tourism and hospitality industries, a natural for a state that attracts more than any other on the East Coast.
But Wells Fargo also gives Florida credit for a growing “life-sciences” industry, citing both a hefty retired population needing medical care and the research dollars that come with facilities like the planned Scripps Research facility in Palm Beach County. “The influx of new medical research facilities will help reinvigorate [research and development] growth in Florida, helping further diversify the state’s economy,’’ the report said.
Florida was ranked as regionally competitive in 22 industries, one more than second place finisher Georgia in the Wells Fargo ranking. The high-growth sectors include white-collar fields such as finance, insurance and professional services.
“Florida is attracting a diverse group of individuals,’’ said Michael Brown, a Wells Fargo economist and study author. ”They are in a position to expand employment amid a wider selection of industries.’’
The study took two decades of employment data, tracked growth trends, then forecast where they’re likely to be in future years. The report emphasizes the ranking doesn’t equate to job growth — that is, Florida won’t necessarily lead in creating jobs. But the Sunshine State has the potential to compete in a broader range of industries than the other states.
“We anticipate Florida will likely have a more diverse employment base, moving forward. That’s the main conclusion,’’ Brown said.
One big question Brown raised: can Florida produce enough skilled workers to satisfy employers? Citing plans to slash school funding across Florida, Brown said the projections assume a skilled workforce to meet hiring demand.
“It all depends on the state’s education situation,’’ he said.
The Oceania Cruises' new ship, Marina, docked at the Port of Miami in February. Florida has an edge in creating tourism jobs, of course, but a new study gives the state a first-place ranking in competing across a broad range of industries, too. (Al Diaz/Miami Herald/MCT)
Al Diaz / MCT
Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/04/13/2165173_despite-battered-economy-florida.html#storylink=addthis#ixzz1JX8pIgTU
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