Florida's Career Schools and Colleges Play a Critical Role in State's Workforce

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Sept. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- The largest share of workers fillingFlorida's fastest growing occupations graduated from aFlorida career school or college, according to new data reported by the Florida Association of Postsecondary Schools and Colleges (FAPSC).

Data reveals thatFlorida's career schools and colleges surpass the state universities, community colleges, technical centers and independent, non-profit colleges at producing graduates to fillFlorida's top growing occupations -- information technology, allied health, transportation and legal support. The Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation job growth list is available at www.fapsc.org .

Graduates fromFlorida's career colleges and schools represent:

-- 74 percent of transportation vehicle operators and repair specialists

-- 64 percent of information technology systems administrators, analysts and programmers

-- 55 percent of health technologists, technicians, practitioners and aides

-- 34 percent of legal support

"The data speaks to the economic significance of career colleges in Florida's workforce as they are responsible for treating patients in hospitals, dispensing medication in pharmacies, transporting goods, managing computer systems and supporting our legal system," said Kathy Mizereck, executive director of FAPSC. "And in a time of budget cuts and economic uncertainty, we will continue to play an even larger role in educating and trainingFlorida's non-traditional, career-driven students."

Licensed and regulated by the state,Florida has over 800 private career schools and colleges that prepare over 265,000 students each year in over 200 occupational fields. Many students can complete educational programs in 18 months or less and use their new skills within weeks of graduation. In 2007-2008, more than 90,000 students graduated and received a certificate, two-year, four-year, masters or PhD degree from aFlorida career school or college.

The full report is available at http://tinyurl.com/5zauxv

Data Methodology

FAPSC evaluated graduate data from 2006 to 2007 forFlorida's career colleges and schools, technical centers, community colleges, state universities and independent, private non-profit colleges as reported to the US Department of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the Florida Department of Education's Commission for Independent Education. IPEDS does not contain reports for all of the certificates issued byFlorida's community colleges so data is adjusted and proportionately distributed to appropriate categories.

To learn more about IPEDS: www.nces.ed.gov/IPEDS. To learn more about CIE: www.fldoe.org/cie

About the Florida Association of Postsecondary Schools and Colleges (FAPSC)

Serving as the voice of career schools and colleges since 1956, the Florida Association of Postsecondary Schools and Colleges (FAPSC) provides professional leadership, support and advocacy for accessible, quality career education. FAPSC represents the interests ofFlorida's 800 licensed, private career schools and colleges that educate and prepare over 265,000 students each year for employment in more than 200 occupations. Schools offer students career-focused courses that include short-term certificate and diploma programs, associate and baccalaureate degrees, masters and doctoral programs. For more information, visit www.fapsc.org or call 850.577.3139.

SOURCE Florida Association of Postsecondary Schools and Colleges

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