Miami Tech Talent Coalition Pursues Stronger Workforce Development

MIAMI, FL — A coalition of South Florida leaders gathered recently to strengthen the tech talent pipeline in the area. The Miami Tech Talent Coalition, comprising representatives from local businesses, universities, and training organizations, is focused on creating pathways to high-paying tech jobs.

Terri-Ann Brown, director of the initiative, announced that Miami Tech Works was launched with a $10 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration. “We can’t talk about economic development without workforce development,” said Brown. In the program’s first two years, over 2,000 students and residents have enrolled in training programs, with 385 securing full-time tech positions.

Brown emphasized that more needs to be done to ensure that industries find local talent. In recognition of its growth, Miami-Dade was declared a U.S. Tech Hub last year, bringing an additional $19 million in grants to develop the tech sector. As part of this evolution, Miami Tech Works has broadened its support to include business students at Miami Dade College.

Brown stressed the importance of aligning training with employer needs, adding, “Our call to action is for employers to become more actively engaged in the training and development process.” She highlighted a new project allowing employers to pay for short-term projects with student teams to provide them with valuable experience. “The bottom line is there are solutions made available for you,” she said.

The coalition consists of work groups focused on various needs, such as Emerging Tech Talent and Talent Pipeline Management. During the most recent meeting in Wynwood, these groups brainstormed methods to connect employers with potential talent and discussed retention strategies to prevent mid-career professionals from leaving the area.

Caryn Lavernia, a facilitator for the coalition, described these work groups as “the meat of the coalition.” She encouraged employers to participate, asserting that collaboration is essential to building living-wage jobs for Miami’s workforce.

The next Miami Tech Talent Coalition meeting is scheduled for June 12 at The LAB Miami in Wynwood. The continued efforts of this coalition aim to enhance the skills of local residents and meet the demands of the evolving tech landscape in South Florida.