ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Businesses throughout the country are still looking to fill and retain millions of jobs.
Worker shortages have improved post-pandemic but are still below levels and continue to affect multiple industries.
A college and career was held at Pinellas Technical College St. Petersburg campus on Tuesday. Families had the opportunity to explore options from colleges and universities, military branches, and employment opportunities.
Companies like Spectrum are investing in younger faces as part of its internship program.
"They're coming on the cusp of entering into the workforce. What a great opportunity to open the door to them to future success," said Joe Dunkirk, Spectrum's director of communications.
High school juniors and seniors throughout the country have been working as customer service representatives. However, the experience has been more than just an internship for students Jordan Martin and Riley Phillips.
"I've been blessed with the opportunity to work with these great minds," Martin said.
Both high school seniors are currently enrolled in the program, where more than 150 students nationwide are taking part.
"It's been really nice. It's obviously an amazing opportunity to have," Phillips said.
Durkin said the investment in younger people is important, and the work both Martin and Phillips have contributed exemplifies the program's success. In return for their work. the program also allows interns the opportunity to transition to a full-time position after graduating high school and also provides college tuition assistance.
"It's such a great opportunity to get your education, work full-time, and not have the college debt, but also have a full career in the telecommunications industry," Durkin said.
Since the program's success, Durkin said he's hoping to enroll 10 more local students in the program.
Both Phillips and Martin echo the pay and benefits provided by the program, but add the experience with customers and other staff members has been a rewarding experience.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce said 2.1 million workers are still missing from the labor force compared to Feb. 2020. Even if every unemployed worker took an open job, millions of jobs would remain open, stated the USCC.
"They're our future," said Ste'Phan Lane, school assistant director said. "We have to mold them and get them ready so that they can be able to take advantage of those opportunities and of these jobs."