Miami Tech Works is expanding efforts to create career pathways for local tech talent. Its Miami Tech Talent Coalition brings together employers, educators, and community leaders to form a sustainable talent pipeline. Last week, the coalition met at Miami Dade College North Campus to highlight work-based learning programs that equip students with skills for internships and full-time roles.
Terri-Ann Brown, director of Miami Tech Works, shared that more than 3,065 students and South Florida residents have enrolled in training programs supported by the initiative. Backed by a $10 million, three-year grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), the program focuses on in-demand tech fields such as business administration, accounting, and supply chain management. So far, 472 participants, many of them career changers, have secured tech positions, with the program aiming to reach 500 by the end of its third year.
“This program will continue beyond year three,” Brown said, emphasizing that the EDA has approved ongoing operations. Antonio Delgado, Miami Dade College’s vice president of Innovation and Tech Partnerships, noted that this extension reflects the positive impact Miami Tech Works is already having in South Florida.
Artificial intelligence, or AI, has become a major focus of Miami Tech Works’ programs. Brown explained that AI skills were almost nonexistent in South Florida job postings in early 2024. By 2025, roughly 1,000 positions listed AI as a required skill, spanning roles in data science, HR, marketing, finance, logistics, and content creation. “AI went from a nonentity to a core requirement in hundreds of jobs, marking the most significant shift in the market,” Brown said.
Tech jobs requiring a bachelor’s degree also rose from 47% to 59% over the past year, highlighting the need for continuous learning and stackable credentials. Top roles remain software developers, data scientists, computer user support specialists, and systems analysts.
Work-based learning is central to Miami Tech Works’ approach. Jonathan Adell, grant project manager, said programs like sprinternships connect classroom training directly with employers. “We are building the roadway to these jobs,” he said.
One example is the EPIC Challenge, in collaboration with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Twenty Miami students completed four five-week AI projects for local companies including Spark Founders, Syneurgy, Hakim AI, and AllPeeP. The program concluded with a student showcase and will expand this year, with employer applications open until October 1 at no cost.
The Employer Sponsored AI Training Program provides 100 scholarships for AI upskilling, while other initiatives like the Impact Hiring program offer free, short-term hiring support. ShellHacks, South Florida’s largest student-run hackathon, will take place September 26–28, giving students hands-on tech experience and connections with local businesses.
The coalition also hosted working groups to address key issues. The Tech Skills Gap group highlighted the need to better brand South Florida as a hub for tech talent and stressed the importance of soft skills. They suggested student ambassadors could improve reporting on work-based learning outcomes.
The Small Business Capacity Building group noted that small businesses often lack the capacity to hire full-time tech staff. They plan workshops to guide small businesses in hiring vendors and managing tech projects. The Emerging Tech Talent group emphasized training students to ask the right questions, develop soft skills, and prepare employers to implement AI and tech solutions effectively.
Miami Dade College’s North Campus showcased its state-of-the-art AI Center, opened in 2022. Dean of Faculty Efrain Venezuela noted that AI integration began in 2018, with strategy sessions and a partnership with IBM leading to AI badge programs. In 2023, a second AI Center opened at the Wolfson campus, with AI degree programs now expanding collegewide.
“Our faculty is integrating AI into every department to ensure students gain the skills they need,” Venezuela said, emphasizing that Miami Tech Works programs are preparing South Florida students for a rapidly changing tech landscape.
