Peninsular Florida sits at the climax of trade; highways starting in California, Maine and Canada end here, several major ports funnel goods to and from Latin America and the Caribbean and four major rail lines serving industrial hubs in the Midwest and Northeast terminate in the state. Together these factors have given Florida the designation of America’s Logistical Center.

So what does that mean for the average resident?

Jobs, jobs, jobs. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics ranked transportation and logistics management as the second largest employment sector in the U.S. Over 11,000 trained workers are currently needed in Florida and the growth is slated to continue. Studies show a greater increase in job outlook thanks to the rising popularity of internet shopping coupled with the globalization of industries.  In major international crises like the Haiti earthquake or Japan tsunami, logistics management is crucial to response and recovery by government agencies and aide organizations. Thanks to a high amount of revenue combined with an ever cheaper transportation model, wages can range from above average to a six figure salary.

More Money. Currently, the average Logistics Manager makes over $60K a year with senior positions making around $100K. While most jobs are employed by major firms and private companies, the opportunity exists for start-ups. Thanks to the industry’s early adoption of technology, services are constantly becoming more streamlined and operations based, meaning you can run an entire shipping company from the comfort of your own home. While jobs are relatively more plentiful than other markets, most qualified candidates in the higher paying positions had technical training in addition to work experience.

Education. The CTL (Certification in Transportation and Logistics) and the PLS (Professional Designation in Logistics and Supply Chain Management) are two certifications companies look for when hiring for these higher paying positions. This shows employers that you are committed to excellence in your current position and will help you stay on top of an increasingly globalized market place. A recent CTL graduate had this to say. “Upon earning my CTL credential, I informed my direct supervisor, and the following day the CEO of our company congratulated me on my accomplishment. The following week a vice president from another department offered his congratulations and asked for further details because he is interested in sending some of his staff through the CTL program. Even though logistics software has been my focus for almost 16 years, I felt my business knowledge was lacking, especially in the International supply chain arena. The CTL helped me solidify my current understanding and fill in many gaps.”

The Global Logistics Training Resource Network at HCC partners with other Florida community colleges and universities to provide students with access to the best professors, career placement services and global business partners.  HCC offers 5 areas of study including CTL and PLS certification available to individuals looking to get ahead or companies wanting a better prepared staff. For more information go to www.tampatraining.com today.

The “A” team is what every manager strives for: a group of highly trained members who work together towards one common goal. While this might sound more like a 1970’s TV show than a reality, it can happen. Here are three actions you can take to create the ultimate “A” team.

Train.  Having a diverse knowledge base to tap into will allow your team to maximize potential while making informed, appropriate decisions. Taking courses that enrich your current industry understanding and complement your profession will lead to a higher ROI on your workforce as well as strengthen employees’ pride and job satisfaction. For example, if you lead a team of marketing professionals in the paint industry, it would benefit your group to periodically attend seminars on what is new to the scene, what could be an upcoming issue, what other paint marketers are doing and what technical skills you should develop to meet the needs of your clientele. Making your team a source for others through education is a sure fire way to build the ultimate “A” team.

Connect. One of the greatest challenges facing any professional team is the ability to work together efficiently. Members of an “A” team compliment the strengths and weaknesses of each other to form a more perfect whole. Like any relationship, it takes work and dedication to connect and move forward. Exercises made to build and strengthen interpersonal bonds between co-workers can lead to an increased quality of work life and overall better efficiency. Team building doesn’t have to be a week-long retreat, it can range from a group lunch to a group training session.

Support. An unhappy team is no team at all and their work will reflect it. Creating job satisfaction in a group can be as simple as asking your employees what they value in a job. Are they happy? While you can’t control all factors in a person’s life, you can influence how they feel at work. Taking time to have fun – whether that be taking a few minutes to chit chat or having a weekly doughnut day – can be an easy fix. Bigger problems such as a lack of organizational structure or unmanageable workload are issues that require more commitment and long-term thinking to address. From an educational perspective, courses in people management and HR can help a leader to better deal with interpersonal problems and ultimately build that “A” team.

An “A” team is a well-machined vehicle that works together to be the best professionals they can be. Through skills training, team building and professional and personal support you can create a department that meets and exceeds challenges. In an economy that is as education and skills based as ever, it is vital to work with your team – no matter what letter they may be – and create a group that works united. For more information on courses in technical training, team building seminars and support services go to www.tampatraining.com .

You have two candidates for a position as a public manager. One has an MBA in business with no “real world” experience. The other has no degree but 3 years experience in the field and additional industry training to back it up. Assuming all other qualities are equal, who do you hire?

In nearly every situation the person with the experience will win out. Just think about it; who would you trust in the position? Someone who has done the job before or a person who may know the right answers but not necessarily how to execute them? Not to mention, in a recession economy businesses are much more likely to hire someone with experience over more education.

According to a 2010 study by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 43% of all job openings will require short-term on-the-job training. In addition, jobs that require 1-5 years experience will grow by an estimated 11.5%. This date gives us quite a snapshot into the future of gainful employment: a degree will continue to be an important factor in hiring, but employers will place an even greater emphasis on experience and technical training.

So what does this mean to the average worker?

You need to make yourself more marketable. For example, if your 5-year goal is to reach a management position, then you need to gain experience in qualities that an employer would want. Becoming a Certified Public Manager (CPM) would give you a great edge over the competition and even help level the playing field to someone who has a year or two more in experience. Additional training in affiliated principles like HR, business ethics and accounting will only enhance your ability to attain gainful employment as well as better perform in your position.

What if you plan on staying with the same company or organization?

According to an article published by HR World, a leading human resources oriented website, the best talent is often located within a company or organization. Existing employees already know the office environment and their skills have already been assessed. This makes companies and organizations much more likely to hire their own than look outside and making yourself more marketable could pay off greatly when positions like this open up. Certificates and vocational training allow for minimal impact to your current job while preparing you for the next.

In the real life game of credentials vs. degree, a cocktail of experience and technical training will almost always win out. Employers want someone they can trust to know the position and pitfalls that come with the territory. Building your credentials will allow you to not only become more competent in your field but also put you on the track to that corner office. Classes in core and periphery components of your field will make you a better employee, a more qualified candidate and ultimately a higher paid, happier person. For more information visit www.tampatraining.com.

Life insurance. Car insurance. Health insurance. As kids, we are taught “stop, drop and roll”, “stranger danger” and even what to do during an earthquake. We are a “preper” society.

So why is it that over 70 percent** of Americans are powerless to act during a cardiac emergency? We can just call an ambulance right?

According to the American Heart Association, over 88 percent of cardiac arrests occur at home but only 8 percent of those actually survive. 8 percent! That means out of 100 people only 8 will survive if the attack occurred outside of a hospital. But you can make a difference.

Receiving CPR immediately after a sudden cardiac arrest can double or triple** your chance of survival. Taking a CPR class is relatively short, easy and affordable. When comparing the opportunity cost of not taking a class, does a family member’s life really have a price tag?

And although cardiac arrest is the 2^nd biggest killer in the U.S., in your lifetime you are much more likely to experience a minor injury such as a sprain, flesh wound, animal bite or viral infection. Like a cardiac arrest situation, you should be just as prepared.

A basic understanding of first aid can have a tremendous effect on the life of a family or friend. For example, do you know what to do if they are experiencing hypothermia? What about uncontrollable bleeding? A few simple steps can make all the difference. And with knowledge comes a calmer, more controlled state during the panic stricken moments after an accident.

We spend much of our lives and thousands of dollars on insurance, health foods, exercise and doctor visits; but just one class can make the difference between life and death. Acquiring the knowledge you need to be there when your family and friends need help is simple, easy and inexpensive. At the Tampa Training Center at HCC, first aid and CPR courses are available for families, church groups, Spanish speakers and more. Just go to www.tampatraining for more information. Remember, in the moments after an accident or cardiac arrest, a few simple steps can save a life.

** Per the American Heart Association