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STEM Jobs On The Rise But Potential Employees Are Scarce

The number of available jobs in science, technology, engineering and math is on the rise in Florida, and state officials say, that’s good news for the economy. The biggest area with “Help Wanted” signs in the window is Hillsborough County where, nurses and web developers are in demand.

According to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, there were more than 64,ooo "Help Wanted" Postings for science and tech-based jobs in September, up nine-percent from the previous year. Florida businesses are looking for accountants, architects engineers and skilled manufacturing labor. But many of the positions are remaining unfilled.

“Unfortunately some of our employers are having difficulty finding people with certain skill sets, and unfortunately, the STEM-related skill sets, they’re having trouble filling those particular jobs," said  DEO spokeswoman Carolyn Gosslin.

She says the state is trying to get colleges and universities to focus more on the skills employers are looking for. The state’s employment data comes from the Conference Board, an independent business research organization that tracks global labor issues. 

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For more news updates, follow Lynn Hatter on Twitter @HatterLynn

Follow @HatterLynn

Lynn Hatter is a Florida A&M University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Lynn has served as reporter/producer for WFSU since 2007 with education and health care issues as her key coverage areas.  She is an award-winning member of the Capital Press Corps and has participated in the NPR Kaiser Health News Reporting Partnership and NPR Education Initiative. 

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