FORT MYERS: Looking for employment? The Florida Department of Labor just released the top industries that will see growth in 2011. We found out how you can get help with training and hooked up with employers in the top growing fields.
The top 12 growing industries for 2011 may not surprise you. Health care and information technology are leading the pack.
- You can find the complete list of growing industries in the "Story Links" section at the right.
And in Southwest Florida, those industries are expected to grow between four and five-percent next year.
"Right now there's a high demand for high quality technicians," said Laura Breunig of the Florida Veterinary Referral Center.
The Florida Department of Labor says veterinary technician is at the top of the list of "most promising." And the industry salary has shot up as well.
Also on the list are interior designers, middle school teachers, massage therapists, paralegals, computer engineers and dental hygienists.
"New techniques, new procedures, we're constantly evolving. Dentistry has become a highlight in a lot of people's health care so it's promising for us," said Dr. George Kazakos, with Specialists in Periodontics.
So what if you're in an industry like construction that hasn't seen much growth in the last couple years? The Southwest Florida Workforce Development Board says now is the time to pursue a different career. And sometimes, they'll even pay for it.
"Books, supplies, uniforms, materials, and after they complete classes then we'll look for employers wanting their new skills," said Joe Paterno, Executive Director of the Southwest Florida Workforce Development Board.
And Paterno recommends if you're out of work and can find a job - any job, just take it.
"You have income, you're showing progress. As jobs in other industries start to become more available you have the opportunity to transfer back into the field you prefer," said Paterno.
While job growth is slow, the labor department says Florida's 13-percent unemployment rate is starting to recover.
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