By-Line: Terrence Muir, Communications and Marketing
The City of Palm Coast hosted its first-ever Workforce Development Roundtable on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. This initiative brought together leaders from education, business, and government to collaborate on strategies for strengthening the local workforce and addressing the region’s talent supply chain challenges.
The roundtable, led by Mayor Mike Norris and Economic Development Manager Craig McKinney, brought together over 20 participants representing various sectors, including educational institutions, industry leaders, and local employers. Notable attendees included representatives from Daytona State College, Flagler Technical College, Flagler County Schools, CareerSource, University of North Florida, Flagler County Education Foundation, AdventHealth, the Junior Chamber of Commerce, and several prominent local employers such as Alleima, Ground-Up Motors, Flagler County Government, the City of Bunnell, and Vidya Herbs USA.
During his opening remarks, Mayor Norris emphasized the importance of bringing valuable businesses and industries to Palm Coast to provide opportunities for the youth in our community. “Our kids are the future of Palm Coast, and we’re investing a lot in their education right here in our community,” he said. “But too often, they’re taking those skills and heading elsewhere. That has got to change. To help, I’m putting $5,000 of my mayoral salary toward a STEM scholarship to promote the hard skills we need right here. We’ve got some of the smartest kids in the state—it’s time to keep them in Palm Coast and build opportunities for them right here at home, and workforce development is the key to their future.”
Craig McKinney outlined the goals of the roundtable, including equipping the local workforce with the skills needed for high-demand industries like advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and aerospace. “This is about more than filling jobs,” McKinney said. “It’s about building a robust talent pipeline that prepares our community for the opportunities of tomorrow.”
Participants engaged in dynamic discussions on several critical topics:
- Bridging Skills Gaps: Attendees identified key workforce challenges, such as a lack of awareness about advanced career opportunities and the need for technical certifications.
- Collaboration with Education: Educational leaders highlighted the importance of dual enrollment programs, apprenticeships, and partnerships with local industries to prepare students for future careers.
- Workforce Accessibility: The group discussed the importance of removing barriers to workforce participation, such as affordable housing, childcare, and second-chance opportunities.
McKinney also presented findings from the recently released Target Industry Feasibility Study, which outlined projected labor market trends and in-demand occupations. Key sectors identified included:
- Aerospace: Aircraft maintainers, machinists, and aerospace technicians.
- Healthcare: Dental hygienists, physical therapy assistants, and pharmacy technicians.
- Advanced Manufacturing: Electricians, machinists, and industrial mechanics.
McKinney closed the session by reaffirming the city’s dedication to workforce development: “Together, we have the expertise, passion, and resources to transform Palm Coast into a hub of innovation and opportunity.”
The roundtable concluded with a commitment to ongoing collaboration and actionable next steps. Participants agreed to continue discussions in early 2025 to track progress and develop targeted strategies for attracting and retaining talent.
