A comprehensive analysis of the region’s workforce challenges and opportunities, the report calls for bold steps to strengthen the region’s talent pipeline.
Orlando, Fla. — The Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP) released its groundbreaking “Closing the Gap: 2025 Orlando Talent Report,” a comprehensive analysis of the region’s workforce challenges and opportunities.
The report concludes that Orlando remains one of the fastest-growing employment centers in the nation, yet 57 percent of businesses report recruitment difficulties, and nearly 60 percent face skills gaps.
Over the next five years, the region will see nearly one million job openings, with one-third in high-growth fields such as healthcare, digital and creative industries, and science and engineering.
The report also finds rapid technological changes and the rise of AI are reshaping employer needs, leaving only 18 percent of businesses confident their workforce is prepared.
“These findings underscore an urgent need for coordinated action to ensure Orlando’s workforce is ready for the future,” said Tim Giuliani, President & CEO of the Orlando Economic Partnership.
“Closing the talent gap is critical to sustaining our economic momentum and achieving the Orlando 2045 vision.”
Tim Giuliani, President & CEO of the Orlando Economic Partnership
The report calls for bold steps to strengthen the region’s talent pipeline, including:
- Embracing skills-based hiring to unlock new talent pools and reduce barriers to employment.
- Scaling programs in high-growth fields and deepening industry, education partnerships, such as collaborations between UCF and Lockheed Martin, Valencia College and advanced manufacturing leaders, and AdventHealth with local nursing programs.
- Embedding the “Golden Skills Trifecta” of job-specific skills, durable skills, and digital literacy across education and workforce development initiatives to create an adaptable, competitive workforce.
The OEP extends its gratitude to Curium Solutions and its CEO Daniel Entwistle, an OEP Board Member, for serving as presenting sponsor of the report.
“Talent powers every great region.”
Curium Solutions CEO Daniel Entwistle
“Preparing for the future means building leaders and teams with the mindset, clarity, courage, and capability to navigate change. We’re proud to support Orlando’s commitment to building a future-ready workforce,” said Entwistle
The report’s primary author, OEP Vice President of Research & Strategy Neil Hamilton, completed the analysis over several months, with the constant input of our local business leaders and community.
“Orlando’s economic story is one of remarkable growth,” Hamilton said. “We’ve projected the future flow of workers into high-growth occupational families, and we simply won’t have enough workers in these fields to meet demand. The region’s long-term focus should be on ensuring our workforce has the skills to thrive in a future economy.”
“Skills are the new currency of the labor market.”
OEP Vice President of Research & Strategy Neil Hamilton
The report was presented during the OEP’s Policy in Progress Series: Building Orlando’s Workforce at the University of Central Florida College of Nursing, which brought together senior executives, higher education leaders, and state legislators to address the future of work in Central Florida.
“We must look at our workforce as a strategic advantage over other states.”
Florida House District 45 Representative Leonard Spencer
“As lawmakers we should think about how we are investing our capital and our resources to ensure we have the innovation and the workforce to remain competitive, not just here at home but on a global scale,” said Florida House District 45 Representative Leonard Spencer during the legislative leaders panel, which also included Senator Lavon Bracy Davis, Florida House District 35 Representative Erika Booth, and Florida House District 28 Representative David Smith.
“One of the most critical strategies is tighter alignment between education and employers, faster and continuously,” said Tracy Nealley, Vice President, Nursing Workforce Development and Advancement, AdventHealth Central Florida, during the employer panel portion of the program, which also included Stephen Dornsife, SVP, Learning & Leadership Development, BNY, and Patti Johnson, SVP & Chief Human Resources Officer, Mitsubishi Power Americas.
“The UCF and AdventHealth partnership is a great example of employer and education providers moving beyond transactional relationships into a more collaborative one.”
Tracy Nealley, Vice President, Nursing Workforce Development and Advancement, AdventHealth Central Florida
The new Policy in Progress Series focuses on key areas that relate to the OEP’s Orlando 2045 vision. The first event in the series featured insights from major employers, academic leaders, and policymakers, alongside the OEP’s latest research. Additional events will be held to address other key policy issues.
For more information and media availability, contact Laureen Martinez, OEP Senior Vice President, Communications, Marketing & Branding, at Laureen.Martinez@orlando.org or 407-242-3982.
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About Orlando Economic Partnership
The Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP) is the Orlando region’s champion for economic prosperity, bringing together leaders, industries, and ideas to expand opportunities and drive investment. Our vision is to be the next global creative capital. Learn more.
