Workforce Development a Cooperative Effort in Volusia County

While “location, location, location” may be the key ingredients for real estate professionals, in the world of economic development, there are a few other factors that come into play. One of the biggest is jobs and talent – having a pool of workers with the kind of skills and abilities companies are looking for when considering expansion or relocation plans.

In Volusia County, the need for skilled workers is an issue that is top of mind for Economic Development Director Lou Paris.

“A skilled workforce is essential to Volusia County’s economic strength and quality of life,” he said. “Businesses thrive in communities where they can find employees with the right skills, and, in turn, residents benefit from stable, well-paying jobs that support families and local businesses.”

It is not just existing businesses that need qualified workers, however. When companies consider relocating to a new area, it is one of the items near the top of the decision-making list, according to Paris.

“A strong labor force also attracts new employers to the area, further diversifying our economy and fostering long-term resilience,” he said. “By investing in workforce development, we enhance economic mobility for our residents, improve business retention and ensure that Volusia County remains a competitive and desirable place to live, work and invest.”

Paris said the county is not alone in its workforce development efforts but works with a variety of public and private partners to ensure the county is competitive in attracting new business development.

“Volusia County works closely with CareerSource Brevard Flagler Volusia to connect job seekers with employment and training opportunities,” he said. “We also support local educational institutions in their efforts to develop workforce pipelines, including programs that prepare students for careers in aviation, logistics and healthcare. Additionally, our economic development efforts focus on business retention and expansion, ensuring employers have the resources and workforce needed to succeed.”

Paris said other organizations are also part of the workforce development mix, adding their expertise to the effort.

“Through strategic partnerships with the CEO Business Alliance, Team Volusia Economic Development Corporation, and the Volusia Manufacturers Association, we help attract new businesses while supporting local employers in finding and developing talent,” he said. “The County also collaborates with municipal partners, industry leaders and workforce training organizations to create a business-friendly environment that fosters economic growth and long-term prosperity.”

Those partnerships also include efforts to ensure training and educational programs align with industry needs to create a viable and sustainable skilled workforce.

“As workforce demands evolve, it’s critical to maintain strong collaboration between employers, educational institutions and workforce development organizations,” Paris said. “Volusia County continuously pursues opportunities to strengthen its workforce further. We are home to outstanding educational institutions, including Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Bethune-Cookman University, Daytona State College and Stetson University, as well as strong career and technical training programs. By fostering partnerships between these institutions and local employers, we can ensure that Volusia County’s workforce is well-equipped for high-demand industries, such as aviation, manufacturing, healthcare, education and technology.”