The Chamber’s Workforce Development Department—through a partnership with WorkSource—provides leadership, information and support to meet the current and future human resource needs of First Coast businesses. Key strategies are talent generation, attraction and retention.

Talent Generation

Career Academies – We support this model as a means of increasing both the number of high school graduates and the number of graduates pursuing post-secondary education in targeted industries. We believe in the capabilities of career academies to produce students who can compete globally in a 21^st century workforce.  Business involvement an education is critical to shape the workforce for tomorrow’s jobs.  For more information about career academies, the Chamber’s role in supporting them, and how you can help visit www.careeracademies.net.

Youth summer internships – We provide real-world work experiences in targeted industries to select students.  Since 2003, we have given roughly 700 students hands-on workplace experience through paid summer internships. Not only does this improve the quality of our future workforce; it has pumped nearly $1 million dollars into the economy through these young wage earners. For more information on career academies or summer internships, contact. CAinfo@myjaxchamber.com

Post-secondary pipeline – We work to develop communication and intelligence pipelines in determining future workforce availability by measurement of current enrollees in targeted industries.  We partner with colleges/universities to assist in recruitment to key strategic industries for regional economic growth.

Talent Attraction

Recruitment Assistance –The Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce attends 20 college and career fairs each year to promote regional job opportunities and our exceptional quality of life. While promoting Jacksonville as a career destination, we increase the available labor pool of college degreed candidates in our targeted industries for our local employers.  

Internships – Studies have shown that students who complete an internship in a community are more likely to stay in or return to the region after graduation. Interns also serve as exceptional recruitment tools for businesses and the city when they return to campus at the end of their employment. To assist college students and recent graduates with internship opportunities, we have created a portal to connect intern seekers to internships in the region.  By connecting qualified students with available positions, we can give them an up close and personal look at our community. To post a resume, an available internship or to just learn more, go to www.Internjax.com.

Talent Retention

IMPACTjax – IMPACTjax is the young professionals program of the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the premier venue for Jacksonville’s next generation of leaders to connect with each other and the community. With more than 600 members, IMPACTjax serves as a network of professional contacts for 21-40 year-olds who currently—or are looking to—live and work in the Jacksonville area. Whether our young professionals are seeking to grow in professionally, connect with the community, interact with their peers, or voice their opinions, we are sure to offer programs that meet each of these needs. For more information on IMPACTjax please visit our website at www.IMPACTjax.com.