Hiring in Charlotte County? Connect With Your Future Workforce
October 22nd, 2026
Careers on the Coast
Aviation at Charlotte High School. Advanced manufacturing at Port Charlotte High School. Cybersecurity and water management at Lemon Bay High School. At the 2026 Charlotte County Town Hall, Superintendent Mark Vianello highlighted these programs while explaining how employer input helps shape local career education.
For business owners, that raises a practical question: Does your business have a connection to the people preparing your future workforce?
Hosted by Florida Gulf Coast University and the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, the town hall brought education, business and community leaders together. The workforce discussion offered several starting points for employers looking to hire, develop skills and plan for growth.
Help shape the skills your business needs
Vianello described a school district that listens to employers, introduces relevant programs and continues asking what skills the community needs next. He also highlighted coordination between Charlotte County Public Schools and our Economic Development Office.
His message extended beyond graduation. Students should leave school with a plan, whether that involves employment, further education or military service. He also emphasized opportunities to earn a living and raise a family here in Charlotte County.
For employers, the conversation can start with specifics: Which positions are difficult to fill? What skills do new hires need? What training would help your team?
Consider the employees you already have
Hiring is only part of workforce development.
During her presentation, FGCU President Dr. Aysegul Timur discussed micro-credentials and digital badges alongside the university’s degree programs. She explained how FGCU works with organizations to develop skills-based learning for employees who need to strengthen existing skills or learn new ones.
That creates another question worth exploring: Could additional training help someone on your current team take the next step?
Start with a conversation
Our director, Kay Tracy, described how our business retention and expansion program starts by listening. We visit local businesses, learn what they need and connect them with relevant partners.
Watch: How We Connect Local Businesses With Resources
Through Careers on the Coast, employers can explore recruiting channels, education connections and training resources. Our Find Talent in Charlotte County page also provides a way to describe the industry, experience and skills your business is seeking.
What talent does your business need? Tell us about the roles and skills you are looking for so we can help identify useful connections.
Want to hear the full discussion?
Watch the 2026 Charlotte County Town Hall
