Orange County Taps into SkillsUSA to Bridge Labor Gap in Automotive and Equipment Maintenance

Orange County is revving its efforts to address the skilled labor gap by actively participating in the SkillsUSA Florida State Leadership and Skills Competition, as reported by their newsroom. Students from all over Florida gathered in Jacksonville for the event, hoping to compete and jump-start their careers in various trades like Automotive Technology, Marine Service, and Heavy Equipment Technology. Orange County's Fleet Management Division sees this as competition and a chance to recruit fresh, eager talent.

Vacancies for technician roles in the division were still running high at 21 percent in 2024, which, while a step up from the 35 percent in 2022, are not numbers to be ignored. Orange County is thus keenly looking to fill these gaps quickly, and events such as SkillsUSA are proving to be fertile grounds for sourcing capable candidates, some of whom have already been directly brought on board for mechanic and welding positions.

Veteran mechanics Van Berry and Kesseler Tarver, who brought over a decade of experience and contributed their expertise as judges, were at the helm of Orange County's involvement with SkillsUSA. "You ask questions related to brakes—specifications, etc.," Berry stated, as detailed by the Orange County Government newsroom. "I'll disassemble the truck, and they have to go on it and find the parts." This approach aims to simulate real-life challenges mechanics might face, striving to prepare participants holistically.

Beyond the technical training and recruitment angle, partnering with SkillsUSA is also touted as a way for Orange County Fleet Management to present its workplace culture. Van Berry commended the respect the organization shows its employees in allowing them to do what they do best. As they continue to service a fleet exceeding 4,200 vehicles and numerous pieces of emergency equipment, the benefits of this strategic partnership with SkillsUSA appear invaluable in turning over a new leaf in the future of automotive maintenance and talent development.