Attention Florida Contractors and Electricians

Summer is here, and that means an increase in construction projects around the country. In Florida, construction projects, and economic indicators in general, are on the rise. From April 2013 to April 2014, the construction industry in Florida has seen a 12% increase, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. In Riviera Beach, FL, a $375 million renovation of the local marina is now underway. In Auburndale, an $11 million road project is slated to begin near the Florida Polytechnic University. The University is scheduled to open this fall. These are just a few of the numerous construction projects underway or scheduled to get underway in Florida. In the past couple of years, the pace of construction projects in Florida has been steadily growing. In 2014, that pace is showing no signs of slowing down.

According to the Miami-Dade County, over 2,400 new construction jobs were added in January alone—a 7.5% increase from the same period last year. In South Florida, the construction industry is responsible for the majority of job growth in that area. Looking around Miami at all the new construction, it’s not hard to picture all of the new jobs that are needed. Between January of 2013 and January of 2014, the state’s total number of unemployed declined by 172,000, resulting in a more than 2% decrease in the unemployment rate. BLS stats for May put the Florida unemployment rates, seasonally adjusted, at 6.3%, which is below the national average. For a housing market and construction sector that was hit especially hard during the Great Recession, it is making a remarkable comeback. Much of the new home and other construction are concentrated in Tampa, Orlando, Miami, and The Villages. More than 180 new condominium project are currently underway across Broward County and Miami-Dade County.  Both Broward and Miami-Dade counties are seeing the largest increase in the construction industry state-wide. January of 2014 saw a 7% increase in construction jobs from the same time one year earlier—and more jobs are being added on a monthly basis.

This presents a significant opportunity for construction workers. Following current trends, staying apprised of opportunities, and furthering your education will help ensure that when opportunities arise, they are able to be taken advantage of. According to recent surveys, the construction industry is concerned that there are not enough skilled workers to fulfill construction worker demands. In fact, this concern is present all throughout the country. Concerns like this are always an issue when a recession leaves so many out of work for so long.

Attention Florida Contractors and Electricians! Your license renewal deadline is coming up in August.

Florida contractors are required to complete 14 hours of continuing education by their renewal deadline. Electricians are required to complete 14 hours as well.

With busy lives, it can be difficult to schedule in-class sessions that last for hours on multiple days. A great, convenient way to complete your CE is online. At Your Pace Online offers CE that fulfills all of your florida contractors continuing education classes requirement. Once registered, you can complete your classes any time of day. There are no deadlines, other than your renewal deadline. As long as the course is taken, it’s impossible to fail! Once you have finished your course, At Your Pace Online automatically reports your completion to the state within 7 business days, or sooner if needed. This makes the process fast, easy, and reliable. Instead of having your life revolve around your CE requirements, the CE requirements are flexible with your schedule. Once you are finished with the course, you will immediately receive your own Certificate of Completion for your own records.

At Your Pace Online puts your continuing education in your hands. You decide when and where to do it, whether it is on your PC, phone, or tablet. We have you covered. Visit us directly here for electricians or here for contractors. Or call us at (877) 724-6150.

As contractors, it is vital to stay on top of continuing education requirements. Contractors are required to complete 14 hours of CE every two years. One hour each of the following must be covered:

• Workplace Safety
• Workers’ Compensation
• Business Practices
• Advanced Building Code
• Laws and Rules
• Wind Mitigation

The remaining 8 hours can be any course, including more of the core courses.

At Your Pace Online has CE packages that completely fulfill all contractor CE requirements. Instead of worrying about the particulars, our course can be taken at your own pace. When you are finished, we will automatically report your completion to the state. There is nothing else that you have to do.

If you have already fulfilled your continuing education requirements for this cycle, our courses are a great way to brush up on new and existing skills—skills that will help provide you with a competitive edge in the workplace and help you stand out to potential or current employers.