Business and industry located in Clay County are able to draw upon a diverse, abundant and readily available workforce. Recent workforce related research shows that approximately 60% of working Clay County residents commutes outside the county each day to work, of which 80% would prefer to work within the county. In addition, the labor force in Clay County and northeast Florida continues to grow due to a variety of factors:
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Approximately half the population growth is from in-migration
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Approximately 18,000 students graduate from colleges and universities within the region
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Of the over 4,100 naval personnel that exit the military every year in Northeast Florida region, approximately 80% stay because of the availability of affordable housing and career opportunities
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With a median age of 36 (Florida median age is 39.3 and U.S. median age is 36.2), this region has the youngest population in Florida.
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Right to Work state by Constitution
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Florida is an Employment at Will State
Education and Training
Companies in the area have access to a wide variety of recruiting, employment and customized training programs that ensure quick, high-quality staffing. For example, WorkSource, the regional workforce development organization, offers access to the largest pool of employment applicants in the area and works closely with the Economic Development staff to begin the screening process before relocating companies arrive in Clay County. The organization acts
as a partner to a company's human resources department during start-ups and expansions as well.
St. John’s River State College (SJRSC)
SJRSC offers a full array of academic programs including workforce development. These programs are designed to fulfill the educational needs of the community and are the result of collaborative efforts with employers in business, industry and government.
Everest University
Everest University, formerly Florida Metropolitan University (FMU) in Orange Park offers various associate and Bachelor´s degrees in the business, legal, and computer fields. Everest is an accredited educational institution. It has quality instructors who bring years of real-world experience and education into the classroom to enhance their students education.
University of Phoenix
The University of Phoenix is an experience unlike that of traditional universities. Organized to meet the unique needs of working professionals, the University offers bachelor's and master's degree programs in business management, administration, health care and information systems. Class times are scheduled so students can earn their degree and still earn a living.
First Coast Technical Institute
First Coast Technical Institute (FCTI) has several campus locations within Northeast Florida. FCTI is accredited to provide technical educations and customized training.