Skills Developed and Skills Desired: Bridging Skills Gaps Between Career Academy Students and Local Employers

• In Event: Career and Technical Education, Community Colleges, and Outcomes

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the link between technical and soft skills which students develop through enrollment in high school engineering and engineering technology Florida career academies. Based on interviews from 69 high school academy participants and 27 industry leaders, we found four themes: technical skills, interpersonal skills, personal responsibility, and student goals and aspirations. Findings suggest that a way to enhance the workforce is through developing co-ops and internship partnerships as well as recruitment opportunities between high school STEM magnet programs and local industry employers. Making both students and employers aware of their options would strengthen the workforce and allow schools to better advance the purpose of career academies.

Authors

• Will Tyson, University of South Florida

• Edward Charles Fletcher, University of South Florida

• Pangri Mehta, University of South Florida