Career Channels

Join us for a journey back to 1977 with Diane Head, Executive Director of CareerSource North Florida, as she celebrates her  47th birthday. In this unique episode, Diane reveals how the workforce landscape has transformed over nearly five decades, from the days of $2.30 minimum wage and gas station lines to today's digital revolution. You'll discover interesting parallels between past and present challenges, learn about the evolution of workforce development programs, and gain valuable perspective on how economic cycles and labor markets have shaped our working world. Whether you're curious about labor history or interested in where we're headed, this engaging conversation offers both nostalgia and insights into the changing nature of work.

Discover the potential of apprenticeships in this informative episode of Career Channels! Learn how these innovative programs allow individuals to "learn and earn" by receiving on-the-job training while earning a wage. Explore employers' flexibility in structuring apprenticeships to meet their unique needs and find out how these programs can benefit businesses and workers. If you're an employer considering starting an apprenticeship or an individual interested in learning a new trade or skill, tune in to gain valuable insights and guidance on navigating the process. 

Discover the transformative power of summer work experience programs with Career Channels, a podcast that brings you insights directly from the youth who've participated. In this episode, we sit down with a group of high school students who recently completed the summer FOUNDATIONS work experience program. Listen as they share their motivations for joining, the valuable skills they've acquired, and how the program has shaped their career aspirations. From improved communication and financial literacy to virtual reality job simulations, these young leaders discuss the unexpected rewards of their summer experience. 

Join us for part two of our job seeker miniseries on Career Channels. In this episode, our leadership team shares valuable interview tips and tricks to help you stand out and make a great impression. Discover what interviewers look for, common mistakes to avoid, and advice on improving your interview skills. Learn how to align your resume, interview, and follow-through, focus on relevant information, and showcase how you can contribute to the organization. Tune in to gain insights that will boost your confidence and prepare you for your next interview.

In this episode of Career Channels, we dive into the world of resumes, sharing valuable tips and advice from our experienced leadership team. We discuss the key elements that make a resume stand out, common mistakes to avoid, and how to effectively showcase your strengths and accomplishments. Our experts also share insights on the importance of tailoring your resume to the specific job you're applying for, using keywords, and formatting your resume for both electronic and print submissions. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your career, this episode provides practical guidance to help you create a compelling resume that will catch the attention of potential employers and open doors to new opportunities.

This episode of Career Channels discusses the Department of Defense's SkillBridge program, which allows active duty service members to intern at civilian employers during their last 180 days in the military. Learn how this program enables businesses to tap into talented transitioning veterans as part of their recruitment pipeline months in advance of job openings. The show outlines the benefits of SkillBridge for employers and service members alike, including the ability to try out veterans for future hiring at no cost, expanded access to an untapped global talent pool, and flexible arrangements customized to a company's needs.

In this end-of-year recap episode, Diane Head, the Executive Director of CareerSource North Florida speaks about major events affecting the region in 2023 including Hurricane Ian, a plant closure impacting over 2,000 workers, and partnerships formed to support community members through crises. Diane also looks ahead to 2024, discussing potential changes coming in workforce development through federal reauthorization and realignment of Florida’s regions.

In this episode of Career Channels, we discuss careers in IT. Discover why the demand for IT professionals continues to grow and the benefits of pursuing specialized certifications beyond just a degree. You'll also hear about "soft skills" that can help you get an edge in the technology sector and why tech jobs are needed in rural areas.   

In this follow-up to episode 10, Diane Head, Executive Director of CareerSource North Florida, returns to the program to talk about the challenges and opportunities that have arisen in 2023 and how CareerSource North Florida is positioning itself to meet the regional workforce challenges ahead.

In this 2-part conversation, you'll learn about Florida HIRES, a pre-release career readiness pathway to post-release employment for returning citizens. Discover the range of skills that participants can learn and how CareerSource North Florida helps to prepare returning citizens for a job interview and employment. You'll also hear about the crucial role that employers play in helping returning citizens obtain meaningful employment.