Governor Says Job Openings Show The Need For More STEM Graduates
Governor Rick Scott/flickr
Gov. Rick Scott hopes an increase in STEM degree programs will lure more high paying jobs to the state.
The Governor’s Office is touting the rise in STEM-related job openings in Florida over the last year.
Gov. Rick Scott is using the numbers to continue his push for more STEM degrees (science, technology, engineering, math).
His office announced this week that job openings in science and tech fields have increased by nearly 14 percent since last year.
Data from The Conference Board’s Help Wanted OnLine series show STEM-related job postings in Florida in November increased by more than 8,000 from the previous year.
“We have to ensure we make STEM education a priority for Florida children so that more Florida families have the tools they need to pursue the American Dream,” Scott said. “Florida has a highly skilled workforce that is uniquely prepared to fill these positions and meet the demands of the 21st century economy.”
From the Governor’s Office press release:
The US Chamber of Commerce rated Florida as having the best talent pipeline in the nation to fill STEM jobs. Additionally, more than half of Florida’s top 11th grade STEM students intend to pursue college in-state according to an October survey.
Major occupational groups with the most online ads in November were healthcare practitioners and technical occupations; computer and mathematical occupations; and architecture and engineering occupations.
Online job demand for STEM was strongest in the large metro areas, led by Hillsborough County, Miami-Dade County, Orange County, Broward County, Palm Beach County, and Duval County.
