This episode explores how youth programs provide teens with the tools they need to thrive both personally and professionally. Listeners will discover how summer experiences help young people step outside their comfort zones, gain financial literacy, build confidence, and develop real-world job skills. The conversation highlights the importance of mentorship, goal setting, and communication, while also showing how these early investments in youth create ripple effects that strengthen families, communities, and the future workforce.

In part two of this special series, you’ll discover the practical steps and life-changing resources that helped transform a devastating layoff into a new, purpose-driven career. You’ll hear how federally funded programs and local partnerships made it possible to pursue nursing without the crushing weight of tuition costs, and learn what it’s really like to go back to school full-time after decades in the workforce. This conversation highlights the emotional and financial realities of starting over, the value of asking for help, and the powerful shift that happens when you move from chasing a paycheck to finding true fulfillment in helping others.

In the first part of a two-part episode, you’ll explore what it really takes to start over when life throws a curveball, from coping with the grief of losing a long-held plan to finding the courage to pursue a dream put on hold for decades. You’ll hear insights about navigating major career changes later in life, the emotional process of humbling yourself to begin again, and why it’s never too late to learn new skills or step into a calling that’s always been in your heart. This conversation sheds light on the practical and deeply personal challenges of reskilling, the hidden strength that can emerge from unexpected setbacks, and how embracing change can ultimately lead to a more meaningful, purpose-driven life.

In this second installment of our special two-part series on Career Channels, we explore how job seekers can launch careers in the rapidly growing field of virtual reality. Experts from Transfr share how free tools like Unity and Blender, combined with online tutorials and a curious mindset, can help anyone—from students to mid-career changers—start building the skills needed for roles in software development, 3D modeling, and immersive design. Learn what employers in the VR space are really looking for, why a strong portfolio matters more than a degree, and how passion projects at home can lead to real job opportunities in this dynamic and creative industry.

In this first installment of a special two-part series on Career Channels, we explore how virtual reality is transforming workforce development through immersive training solutions. Experts from Transfr share how VR simulations are accelerating skills acquisition, enhancing safety, and improving job readiness across industries like manufacturing and healthcare. The episode dives into the design process behind these simulations, their role in boosting learner confidence and retention, and the measurable ROI for employers—from faster onboarding to reduced training costs. Whether you're a student, job seeker, or employer, this episode offers powerful insights into how VR is reshaping the future of hands-on learning and career exploration.

If you’ve been thinking about earning your high school diploma but aren’t sure where to start, this episode is for you. You’ll learn how adult education programs in North Florida support students of all ages—from teens to adults in their 40s and beyond—through every step of the process, from enrolling in classes to preparing for the GED exam. We walk through what to expect, how long it might take, and how CareerSource North Florida helps with resume support, job readiness, and connecting graduates with employers. Whether you left high school years ago or just recently, it’s never too late to take the next step.

Join CareerSource North Florida for a reflective look at the triumphs and challenges of 2024 in "Looking Back, Moving Forward." In this episode, the team discusses how their community overcame devastating hurricanes through employment initiatives that put over 50 previously unemployed individuals back to work cleaning and rebuilding their communities. Discover the success stories behind their foundations program that helped 25 high school graduates and placed 5 individuals in work experience opportunities, as well as the establishment of new registered apprenticeships building tomorrow's talent pipeline. The hosts also highlight valuable partnerships with organizations like the Early Learning Coalition, Suwanee River Economic Council, and Hope Florida that have strengthened their ability to serve North Florida residents.

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.