WCF’s STATE OF THE WORKFORCE Central Florida - Fall 2006

Study Objectives 1.County Demographics 2.Workforce Challenges Advantages/challenges regional businesses 3.Recruiting Workers Sources, concerns, challenges 4.Occupational Needs Current/future Expansion/reduction 5.Training and Development

Regional Information Orange County Average annual wage: $37,697 Population: 1,002,849 Labor force: 581,584 Top industry: Leisure & Hospitality (22% of employment) Unemployment rate: 3.0% Average household income ($44,236) 58% population in labor force

Workforce Challenges Regional Advantages and Strengths Greatest Advantage: Location and access to market (1/3 employers) Includes: transportation access, strong customer base, extensive labor pool Secondary Advantage: Strong economy and extensive population growth were also advantages (30%)

Workforce Challenges Regional Challenges Greatest Challenge: Lack of available skilled workers (52%) Large labor pool is seen as an advantage, the shortage of skilled workers is challenging. Secondary Challenges: (<10% each) Market conditions Employee retention Rising costs/overhead Health Services & Transportation Work ethic Transportation needs

Workforce Challenges Critical Workforce Issues Most Critical Workforce Issue: Improving public K-12 education (84%) Orange (85%) Secondary Critical Issues: Supporting existing businesses (79%) Orange (78%)

Occupational Needs Critical Workforce Issues: Orange County

Occupational Needs Workforce Expansion 95% No plans to reduce 66% 67%

Occupational Needs Difficulties Due to Lack of Available Skilled Workers

Questions