Alignment Evaluation Update

December 2022

As Florida's principal workforce policy organization, CareerSource Florida is exploring approaches to aligning Florida’s 24 local workforce development boards consistent with the charge for reducing the number of local boards under the Reimagining Education and Career Help (REACH) Act and in collaboration with the Governor's REACH Office. This periodic newsletter includes information and updates on the state's alignment evaluation process. Please visit our REACH Act webpage for more details.

Latest News

Thank You for Your Ongoing Participation

Engagement with and input from stakeholders was extraordinary last month, as consultants EY (Ernst & Young) led multiple in-person group workshops across the state to discuss opportunities and challenges involved in the redesignation of local workforce development areas and reduction in the number of local workforce development boards.

CareerSource Florida coordinated seven workshops in Marianna, Tallahassee, Ocala, Ocoee, Tampa, Sarasota and West Palm Beach. Attendees included local workforce development board members, staff and local partners as well as CareerSource Florida and EY team members. The EY team identified consensus statewide among participants on several key points, including:

Flexibility is desired to address local needs and issues.
Support is desired from the state on administrative and programmatic areas in order to streamline.
Partnerships at all levels need to be strengthened.
There is an urgent need for talent to fill today's jobs and the jobs of the future.
A human- and customer-centric approach is needed to address the barriers identified and tailor services.

Click this image to view our Alignment Engagement Dashboard.

CareerSource Florida is grateful to the following partners for hosting group workshops:

CareerSource Chipola, CareerSource Capital Region, CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion, CareerSource Central Florida, CareerSource Tampa Bay, CareerSource Suncoast and CareerSource Palm Beach County.

CareerSource Florida Needs Your Input

CareerSource Florida contracted with EY to conduct Phase Two of the Alignment Evaluation initiative this fall, identifying key dynamics of the state's workforce system and exploring options for greater alignment in keeping with the REACH Act and federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act requirements. This evaluation will affect action by the state workforce development board to redesignate local workforce development areas.

To date, more than 650 leaders and stakeholders have participated in engagement sessions with EY over the past three months. Input from diverse voices is key to the success of this initiative. Please share your thoughts and recommendations at the link below.

Alignment Feedback

Next Steps

Engagement opportunities this month:

December

State Leaders Interviews Dec. 7-8
State Leaders Workshop Dec. 14

January

Chief Local Elected Officials Statewide Webinar
Chief Local Elected Officials Interviews
Additional Stakeholder Interviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Evaluating the alignment of Florida's local workforce development boards for consideration of consolidation is a new process for the state of Florida. We have compiled a list of questions and answers for interested parties.

What is the REACH Act?

Florida's REACH Act seeks to achieve a more coordinated approach in delivering and using essential workforce development resources and services through enhanced alignment and accountability.

The CareerSource Florida Network

CareerSource Florida is the statewide workforce policy and investment board. Our partners include the Department of Economic Opportunity, 24 local workforce development boards and 100 career centers throughout Florida.