The advantages of focusing on technology in Jacksonville are clear: the city is surrounded by waterways that assist in the city's global, multi-modal logistics centers based on the deepwater ports surrounding the area. Three naval bases fuel a highly skilled, ever-renewing, and in-demand labor force, and a coastal lifestyle that inspires productivity and creativity takes businesses to a higher level.
Jacksonville continues its surge forward with a consistently growing tech market. Due to accelerated growth, more companies realize the benefits of doing business in an area that is a desirable place to live, yet they are finding that the supply of tech talent has not yet caught up with demand. The diverse composite that makes up the tech landscape, Jacksonville has headquarters for some of the biggest names in tech, including Black Knight, Inc., Newfold Digital, Coastal Clouds, Fanatics, and Forcura. With such notable corporations anchoring in the city, this Northeast area of Florida is firmly established for confident businesses that understand they don’t even have to share the same skyscraper—there is room to choose from many choice locations on the peninsula. This kind of forward-thinking is also what has fostered the success of startup firms, as recently noted by Roofstock ranking Jacksonville 9th in their survey of U.S. cities with the most startup businesses.
Of particular interest is the strength of two leading-edge sectors in tech: FinTech and ecommerce. Over the past five years, JAXUSA has announced that 13 ecommerce companies have produced a total of more than $3.3 billion in infrastructure, adding approximately 18,000 jobs. FinTech’s most news-breaking announcement came from Dun & Bradstreet, which decided to move from New Jersey to Jacksonville—a major coup for the area. The addition to this leading global provider of business data and analytics management catapulted what had been a strong infrastructure into an all-eyes-on-Jacksonville move. Adding even more fuel to the fire is the newly constructed 300,000-square-foot headquarters of FIS built along downtown Jacksonville’s riverfront. This new expansion has added 500 new high-wage jobs and $150 million in capital investment.
Other national reports are touting Jacksonville’s rising position among tech talent hotspots. Forrester Research’s recent report labeled the region as one of the “15 U.S. Tech Talent Hotspots, ” allowing the city to make the grade when it comes to competing with hubs that are now feeling overly crowded. Being inaccessible for employees to find mentors and encouragement to grow has been a sore spot for tech talent in other locations who know their skills can make a difference in a new geographic market. Jacksonville’s inclusive and connected business climate certainly checks off the boxes for what tech professionals are looking for. The River City now ranks high in talent markets that allow professionals to get in on the ground floor with promising new businesses, and for those already in established roles, a higher likelihood to boost their careers.
The efforts to move Jacksonville’s tech environment have been steady, cultivating a carefully groomed image instead of trying to explode onto the scene, something competing hubs have tried without sustainability. Gaining momentum now with the trust major corporations have established, companies such as Amazon have hired more than 4,000 employees, and tech roles are plentifully available, with businesses such as JinkSolar setting up a major solar panel manufacturing operation. Three Jacksonville companies, CST Corp., Fidelity National Financial and Fidelity National Information Services (FIS), also made their way onto the Fortune 500 list and compete for tech talent alongside other business giants, GuideWell Mutual Holding Corp. And Southern Grocer’s Inc. The Jacksonville Daily Record makes it clear that more companies would have made the Fortune 500 list if they were not privately held, which means that the workforce in the city doesn’t have to rely on just the list of 500.
The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) was awarded $12.5 million to pursue efforts to establish autonomous electric transit to downtown, making even short commutes easier at the tech centers or businesses stretching out along the state-of-the-art shoreline. The city was also awarded an additional $12 million for traffic flow improvements tying together the new eye-grabbing Bay Jax Innovation Corridor with other tech hub satellites around the city. JTA has also joined forces with Florida Polytechnic University’s Advanced Mobility Institute, which focuses on advancing and testing driverless transportation. Building upon the cutting-edge technology involved in autonomous vehicles, groups in Jacksonville are also working on unique solar-powered sidewalks, a less invasive way to harness solar energy and turn it into a usable source for business and homes.
Tech careers in Jacksonville are rewarding, whether technology pros are working with venturesome budding enterprises or showing off skills on the global stage with the assistance of its deepwater ports. The city’s gateways attract international companies, including France-based Saft, German-based Deutsche Bank, and Brazilian-based Embraer. As part of joining Brookings and JPMorgan Chase Global Cities Initiative, the JAX region is strategically focused on connecting the metro’s trade, economic development, business, and political leaders to boost exports of local goods and services around the world. This is great news for existing companies looking to expand beyond traditional domestic markets, which also drives up the demand for tech professionals.
Geographic location wins again in Jacksonville with a well-known reputation as America’s logistics center. As one of the only regions that has an infrastructure that includes rail, air, maritime, and highway access, even Global Trade magazine celebrates JAX. The region exports more than $5.4 billion in goods and services annually, and transportation modes include 10 airports, an FAA-licensed horizontal spaceport, two deepwater ports with four marine terminals, and all land-based access modalities. With such an extensive network, all of Jacksonville relies on those who can keep technology not just running but exceeding, and the demand doesn’t meet the supply.
This juxtaposition of smaller, niche businesses with major industry leaders makes Jacksonville’s regional population of 1.6 million secure in their abilities to create and continue lucrative tech careers. With a prime location in the westernmost area of the East Coast, the geographically favorable spot uniquely positions JAX with the ability to provide same-day access to the entire Southeastern consumer market. Jacksonville continues to increase job availability at a growth rate of around 7% annually, making access to any popular industry within reach. Major sectors in the JAX region include advanced manufacturing, advanced transportation and logistics, financial services, corporate business headquarters assistance, health and biomedical, and IT innovation.
Because of Florida’s extremely favorable environment for doing business, with low regulations and no state income tax, companies are free to put more effort towards cultivating tech talent. Local governments also sponsor incentives for companies to ensure they build the strongest workforce with assistance for those areas in top demand. The targeted industries include cleantech, life sciences, infotech, aviation and aerospace, homeland security and defense, FinTech, and cybersecurity. Within these target areas, grants and backing are earmarked for businesses to be able to provide advanced training, mentorship and networking opportunities, and decision-making roles in the community. Tech pros looking to pay it forward are included with support via reimbursable training expenses for instructor wages, curriculum development, and materials.
Jacksonville is certainly a nirvana for those looking for a high-level yet lower competitive environment in a tech career, and the desirability of living in the area makes deciding to anchor in the city an easy choice. The city is a metropolitan area with amenities that rival any other location, but it has another side that is just as attractive: nature. Home to over 850 square miles of clean beaches and coastline even within city limits, the lush flora invites residents to relax. Wildlife in the area is plentiful, with a chance to see everything from whales and dolphins on the open water, ecosystems, and coatimundis can be spotted inland. With pleasant weather, locals like kayaking on the peaceful St. John’s River and wandering through rotating exhibits at museums and art galleries.
Housing costs are a major motivating factor for living in Jacksonville. Homes average 17% lower than other metropolitan areas in the nation, and residents have many choices, from beachside bungalows to luxurious high-rise apartments with stunning views. The Orange Park neighborhood is a favorite for families, while downtown is a hipster’s paradise. San Marco was modeled after a Venetian city and has old-world charm, and the entire metro area continues to add amenities and ensure good schools for all.
With finance and business services being major sectors in Jacksonville, the city is attractive for Data Analysts, who typically earn an average of $61,000. Another excellent career choice for tech pros is the role of User Experience Designer, a job that pays approximately $77,000 annually.
In Jacksonville, the low cost of living and solid salaries across all tech sectors make acquiring the skills it takes to enter a career in tech a wise investment. There are an amazing amount of technology classes and bootcamps within the Jacksonville metropolitan area. More than 100 of the best course offerings from five schools provide in-person, live online, and on-demand course options. For all tech students, schools cover a vast array of subjects in technology, including Design, Digital Marketing, Data-related training, Coding, Business, Web Development, and IT. Two schools, Certstaffix and ONLC, hold classes in a computer lab, pre-loaded with the latest equipment and software, led by a live offsite instructor. Noble Desktop, the creator of this tool, has compiled a list of high-ranking schools to find any tech class a student could want.
Jacksonville has a school that offers in-person courses and bootcamps in Graphic Design, New Horizons. Additionally, ONLC and Certstaffix hold classes in state-of-the-art computer labs led by a live offsite instructor. Those wanting to pursue a design career have more than enough options to learn anything they’d like about the field, and many schools also offer live online, and on-demand options. Types of programs that can be found include bootcamps/immersives, certificates, and classes, ranging from six hours to twelve weeks in length. Topics across the graphic design spectrum are Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Visual Design, and UX Design.
Schools that offer Data Science bootcamps and classes in Jacksonville include training locations that provide thirteen in-person and live online courses. New Horizons is a school that is located downtown, holding face-to-face options, and Certstaffix has its classes in a dedicated computer lab with a live offsite instructor range from three hours to 72 weeks, including bootcamps, which dive deeply into hands-on instruction in this fast-growing field. Subjects within the realm of Data Science include Python, SQL, Machine Learning, and R. The schools that offer a range of data science courses include CTS, Coding Temple, UWM School of Continuing Education, Coding Dojo, Data Science Dojo, Flatiron, Metis, Northwestern Boot Camps, New Horizons and General Assembly.
For hybrid Web Development classes and bootcamps in Jacksonville, students can choose from twenty-three classes provided by ONLC and Certstaffix. These two top-ranked schools offer live instruction in a state-of-the-art computer lab with a live offsite instructor. Additionally, Noble Desktop, the creator of this tool, offers live online classes in web development and beyond.
There are more than thirty course options presented by six highly-ranked schools to choose from for in-person, live online, and on-demand coding classes and bootcamps in Jacksonville. These training centers offer live online courses and provide a way for students to take classes from wherever they choose and are close to major thoroughfares. Schools in the region include JAX Code Academy, New Horizons, and the Tech Boot Camps at UNF. Two other schools, ONLC and Certstaffix, hold their coding classes in a dedicated computer lab, with instruction from a live, remote instructor. All courses take students through the learning process step-by-step and provide object-based experiential learning experiences.
Students can find coding-related options in Web Development, Data Science, Computer Science, iOS Development, Front-end Development, Back-end Development, Python, JavaScript, Java, SQL, HTML & CSS, and PHP & MySQL. Offerings range from comprehensive and immersive bootcamps to extensive information certificates and classes. Most courses are also available live and online and offer a variety of times and lengths. For more extensive programs, financial assistance is often available.
Those looking for in-person Web Design bootcamps and classes in Jacksonville can choose from more than nineteen courses at the highly-ranked school, New Horizons. Topics within web design include Front-end Web Development, Visual Design, UX Design, WordPress, HTML & CSS, JavaScript & jQuery, Sketch, and Adobe XD. Courses include bootcamps and hands-on classes, ranging from three hours to twelve weeks, and are offered in-person, live online, and via on-demand sessions. Two other schools, ONLC and Certstaffix, hold courses in dedicated computer labs, led in real-time by offsite instructors.
Attending a Digital Marketing class or bootcamp in Jacksonville is a wise investment to get ahead of the competition in the booming digital world. Schools also offer live online classes, as well as on-demand sessions. Classes can be found by ONLC and Certstaffix, two schools that hold courses in a computer lab with a live, remote instructor leading the class. Subjects students can choose from include Google Analytics, Google Ads, SEO, social media marketing, email marketing, and ecommerce.
Jacksonville is an excellent place to learn Python skills in an in-person bootcamp or class. The highly rated school that offers face-to-face and live online classes in the area is New Horizons. ONLC and Certstaffix provide classes in a computer lab with pre-loaded professional-level software and led by a live offsite instructor. Python is essential for most careers in technology, and certain professions require knowledge in specific syntaxes of the language. Instruction in Python for all levels and career-related topics can be found throughout the schools listed and offered live online, as well as on-demand by Noble Desktop, the creator of this tool.
Students can choose from Video Editing classes and bootcamps in Jacksonville at Certstaffix, a top-ranked school that provides instruction in a computer lab led by a live offsite instructor. Video editing classes are fast-paced, hands-on learning experiences that range from two to ten days. Noble Desktop, the creator of this tool, also offers many courses in video editing that are held live and online. General areas of study in video editing include motion graphics, Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Final Cut Pro.
live online UX Design bootcamps and classes in Jacksonville are convenient ways for residents to take a course from any location they choose, perhaps at home or the office. All schools offer comprehensive overviews of the user experience (UX) and place particular emphasis on Sketch and Adobe XD. Throughout the courses, students practice UI foundations, including design iteration and development and best practices when working with a product development team.
Students have a choice of thirty unique in-person and live online Excel classes and bootcamps throughout Jacksonville. All Excel sessions range from three hours to three days and are provided by New Horizons, which has face-to-face instruction, and ONLC and Certstaffix, two schools that hold sessions in a computer lab led by a live offsite instructor. Further options for Excel and other business-related skills are offered live and online by Noble Desktop, the creator of this tool. The need for Excel skills stretches into most professional career areas, so essential general and specific classes in the software are available face-to-face, live and online, or on-demand.
In business-minded Jacksonville, it’s essential to keep your team up-to-date with the latest developments in technology. That’s why Noble Desktop, the creator of this tool, provides onsite corporate training in technology. An expert Noble Desktop instructor will arrange a session in a vast array of technical subjects and can provide training at your location. Additionally, a live session can be arranged via a video conferencing platform such as Zoom.
If it is easier for individual employees to attend a class on their own schedule, vouchers can be obtained for them to attend an open enrollment session. There is a discount on the purchase of multiple vouchers. Contact Noble Desktop to arrange a tailored training session for your workplace and employees.