A thriving community isn’t built overnight—it takes vision, collaboration, and a commitment to growth. In Hardee County, workforce development is shaping the future by ensuring students and job seekers are equipped with the skills needed to excel in high-demand careers. Through strong Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs, industry partnerships, microcredential and digital badge initiatives, and hands-on training, Hardee County is investing in a workforce that strengthens local businesses, attracts new industries, and provides residents with meaningful career opportunities.
Career & Technical Education: Preparing the New Generation
One of the most impactful ways Hardee County is developing its workforce is through Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs at Hardee High School (HHS) and Hardee Junior High (HJH). These programs offer industry-recognized certifications, giving students a competitive edge as they enter the job market or continue their education.
Hardee High School's CTE Programs:
Hardee High School provides students with hands-on learning experiences across a range of industries:
- Digital Design: Students gain expertise in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, and Premiere Pro, preparing them for careers in graphic design, marketing, and digital media. Certifications include Adobe Certified Professional in Visual Design, Video Design, and Web Design.
- Health Science Academy: Students work toward Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and EKG Technician (CET) certifications, gaining real-world experience in the healthcare field.
- Culinary Arts: Partnering with Hardee Junior High, this program fosters mentorship and career exploration while earning students a ServSafe Certification for food safety.
- Agriculture & Biotechnology: Certifications include Agritechnology, Animal Science, Food Safety, and Agriculture Biotechnology, preparing students for careers in agriculture and environmental sciences.
- Auto Mechanics & Building Construction: Students can earn ASE Certification in Auto Maintenance and NCCER Carpentry and Welding certifications, paving the way for careers in skilled trades.
- Drafting & Engineering: The Autodesk Certified User certification in AutoCAD and Fusion 360 equips students with engineering and architectural design skills.
- Business & Accounting: Students gain certifications in QuickBooks, WordPress, and Entrepreneurship, preparing them for roles in business management and finance.
- Public Service & Project Management: Students interested in leadership roles can earn the PMI Project Management Ready certification to develop skills in planning, organization, and execution.
Hardee Junior High's CTE Programs:
The junior high school also provides early exposure to career training, allowing students to build foundational skills in high-demand fields.
- Agriculture: Certifications in Agriculture Systems and Agriculture Associate prepare students for careers in farming, environmental science, and agribusiness.
- Business & Technology: Students can earn certifications in Artificial Intelligence (AI), WordPress, and Coding in Minecraft, giving them a strong foundation in digital tools and entrepreneurship.
- Culinary Arts: Provides students with the ServSafe Certification, reinforcing food safety knowledge and culinary skills.
- STEM, AVID, & Journalism: Certifications in Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Digital Competency prepare students for success in technology-driven careers.
These programs don’t just benefit students–they strengthen Hardee County’s workforce by providing local businesses with job-ready talent. As industries evolve, CTE ensures that Hardee County remains competitive by equipping students with skills that match employer needs,
Attracting Businesses and Expanding Job Opportunities
A highly skilled workforce is one of the most attractive assets for businesses considering expansion or relocation. Companies like Aloha Medical Services, which recently chose Hardee County for its multi-state headquarters, bring new job opportunities. With over 100 new jobs on the horizon, local workforce training programs will play a crucial role in filling these positions.
Beyond healthcare, industries like manufacturing, construction, and technology continue to grow, fueled by partnerships between educators, economic development organizations, and businesses. Workforce development initiatives ensure that Hardee County residents are first in line for these career opportunities, reducing the need for businesses to seek talent elsewhere.
Upskilling and Reskilling: Preparing for the Future
As technology and job requirements evolve, ongoing professional development is essential. Workforce development in Hardee County isn’t just about preparing new graduates—it’s also about ensuring that current workers upskill and reskill to stay competitive.
Though partnerships with FGCU, SFSC, and local employers, employees can earn microcredentials and digital badges to enhance their skills in fields such as advanced manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and digital marketing. These training programs allow workers to transition into higher-paying roles and ensure businesses have access to a workforce that meets evolving industry needs.
Building a Future-Ready Workforce with Microcredentials & Digital Badges
The Development Group is exploring innovative workforce development strategies through partnerships with Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), South Florida State College (SFSC), and local businesses to develop microcredentials and digital badges. These programs offer flexible, skill-based training that allows students and workers to gain industry-recognized certifications in high-demand fields.
Microcredentials and digital badges are short-term, targeted learning programs that validate specific skills—whether in technology, healthcare, construction, business, or digital design. Unlike traditional degree programs, these certifications allow individuals to upskill quickly, making them attractive to both employers and job seekers.
By working directly with FGCU, SFSC, and local businesses, Hardee County is creating customized workforce training programs that align with industry needs. This approach ensures that local talent is prepared for jobs in advanced manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, digital marketing, and other key industries, reducing the need for businesses to look outside the county for skilled workers.
The Power of Community Partnerships
Workforce development doesn’t happen in isolation—it requires collaboration between schools, businesses, local government, and economic development organizations. The Development Group plays a key role in facilitating these connections, ensuring that workforce training aligns with the needs of Hardee County’s employers.
A special thank you to Hardee County Schools for their dedication to preparing students for the workforce, as well as President Hawkins and South Florida State College for their commitment to providing accessible, high-quality education and training programs. By fostering strong relationships between educators, businesses, and higher education institutions, Hardee County is not only creating a sustainable workforce but also building a community where residents can live, work, and thrive.
How You Can Get Involved
Workforce development is a community effort, and everyone has a role to play:
- Businesses can partner with schools to offer internships, mentorships, and apprenticeships.
- Students and job seekers can take advantage of CTE programs, microcredentials, and digital badge opportunities.
- Community members can advocate for policies and initiatives that support workforce development.
By prioritizing workforce development, microcredentials, and industry partnerships, Hardee County is making a long-term investment in its economy and its people. The future is bright—and it starts with ensuring that every resident has the skills and opportunities to succeed.
