When most people think of “Orlando, ” their first thoughts are usually about the attractions in the city. What they soon might think of first, however, is “Tech City.” According to Forbes, the Magic City is the nation’s top metro area for STEM job growth, making it one of the fastest-growing tech hubs in the nation. Driven by superior quality of life, low state taxes, a creative culture, and great value for the cost of operations, the draw for companies to move to Orlando is strong. Just as much as tourism, Orlando’s tech environment continues to compel and propel a dynamic and innovative economy.
With a 68-acre creative village that supports a high-tech cluster in downtown Orlando, business and the local government appreciate how it is in a place that people are naturally attracted to. With all of the amenities of a major metropolitan tech location and more room to stretch out, Orlando is an easy place for professionals and companies to scale upward quickly. Those who have garnered tech certificates or have graduated from a tech bootcamp will be pleased to know that they’ll find the right job within an average of just four months after completing their program. In fact, there are 2,823 Software Engineers who found work in Orlando in just the past year, making it convenient for those who have done their tech training in the city to stay in the same area that employs so many professionals.
Many programs are winning nationally recognized awards, including the University of Florida, named one of the top twenty schools for innovation by the U.S. News and World Report. Orlando is the place to be for those who want to be in tech sectors such as finance, aerospace, film, and TV production, but one of the major attractions for tech talent includes the more cutting-edge innovations fields that have gained accolades. Some of Orlando’s new frontiers include digital twinning, surgical robots, and smart mobility, earning it notice by venture capitalists who search for diverse ways to invest.
There are avenues for those who are looking for more traditional ways of applying their technical abilities. Aviation and aerospace engineering have had footholds in Orlando for decades. Because of the area’s favorable year-round climate, the flight training industry has chosen to anchor in the city for a significant amount of time. Also drawn to the metro area because of generally consistent weather are companies that provide aircraft and ground support services such as Signature Air Services, based in Orlando. Lockheed Martin, a principal defense contractor, also has a strong presence not far from the city’s center and joins Boeing and Harris Corp. As major draws for those in many areas of technology.
The influx of technology-related companies to the areas has put Orlando on the map as a place where tech talent flocks, especially with the largest concentration of the nation’s modeling, simulation, and training (MS&T) businesses. The MS&T sector, which has its roots in military services, provides applications in such diverse fields as homeland security, emergency services, entertainment, information, and medical technologies, optics, and transportation. The sector accounts for more than 100 area companies and $2.5 billion in the gross regional product.
Other tech fields making headlines include the more than 1,000 software companies, which generate an astounding number reaching nearly $1 billion in annual revenue. Motion picture and television production is also a high-ranking revenue producer, with an impressive $586 million market, up more than 3% in just a year before that amount was recorded. Work in that field ranges from major motion pictures and network series to studio activities.
Digital media is one of the nation’s top 12 clusters for the field, with Orlando employing 30,000 workers in more than 1,000 digital media companies. Digital media applications include website design, interactive video, video game development, military simulations, special effects, theme park rides and shows, and computer animation. In 2021, LinkedIn showed more than 350 positions that have yet to be filled.
Advanced manufacturing is also an area that tech talent can benefit from being in. The field provides high-tech parts for a broad range of products and applications such as power generation systems, wireless communications, computers, medical imaging, instruments, and automotive systems. Among the largest advanced manufacturers in the area are Agere Systems Inc, Mitsubishi Power Systems, and Westinghouse Power Corp. In addition to advanced manufacturing, Orlando is a prime local for other types of similar areas such as warehousing and distribution. Approximately 2,200 manufacturing companies are located in the area, including Hughes Supply Inc and Constar International. Plastics are also a key related sector, with a major household name, Tupperware, leading the field. Modern tech segments also include infrastructure materials, ecologically sensitive power plant systems, microelectronics, and laser equipment.
A person desiring an amazing career in tech won’t find a better place to grow than Orlando. With a 3.5% annual labor force growth rate, the city blasts over the nation’s average, which is only.5%. There is plenty of opportunity in any industry in Orlando, as demonstrated just in the tourism sector alone, which received major support from both corporations and Visit Orlando, which invested heavily in attracting attention to a newly-envisioned way of drawing visitors in 2021. Not to be ignored is the dynamic and diversified economy, which is rapidly expanding in all areas of technology, including cybersecurity, FinTech, aerospace, creative media, digital marketing, biotechnology, manufacturing, and distribution.
As for distribution, Metro Orlando is one of the world’s few quadra-modal transportation centers, with the ability to move goods via land, area, sea, and space. The area's network of interstate highways, international and regional airports and proximity to the Kennedy Space Center and the Port of Tampa combine to give Orlando a distinct advantage over other areas. Major distributors include DaimlerChrysler Corp., Kraft Foods Nabisco Division, and Whirlpool Corp. Moreover, the Orlando area touts its warehousing capabilities that comprise 67.9 million square feet of industrial space, in which items such as restaurant equipment, healthcare products, auto parts, and consumer electronics are stored.
Those working in any technological field can look to the area’s fertile farmlands, regional healthcare system, and expertise in photonics that have produced a significant rise in the biotechnology industry. Orlando is busy leading the nation in advanced medical and life sciences research at highly ranked R&D and innovation facilities, too. New technologies and how the country focuses on the healthcare industry, the city is using a forward-looking approach to draw both newly minted and seasoned tech professionals, offering grants and more forms of financial backing in the field. Florida overall is considered a pioneer in healthcare, which makes up for roughly 12% of all employment, and is expected to increase by a whopping 25.6% through 2026. This vibrant field has diverse opportunities for those excited about a career in more than medical centers, pharmaceuticals, and research, other applications include healthy eating-focused businesses, plant reproduction, bio-terrorism defense, medical products, and modeling systems for laboratories. Options for those within healthcare are found not just with established institutions, medical and wellness startups are making their way to the area, creating an even higher need for a qualified tech workforce.
Orlando boasts a well-trained and diverse workforce with over 2 million people. Looking for sunshine, low-to-no taxes, and a location with a never-ending supply of things to do, the area has it all. Tourism does mesh with tech as amusement parks and similar attractions compete to offer the latest activities to win over not just visitors but residents, too. Tourists aren’t the only ones enjoying legendary attractions such as DisneyWorld, SeaWorld, and Universal Studios—locals find discounts on yearly passes desirable since all attractions continually offer new, exciting things to do. Orlando only gets better with giant playgrounds that include SeaWorld, world-famous golf courses, and the ocean not a far drive from the city.
NASA’s Kennedy Space Center is globally famous as the most active launch site for human space flight in the world. Cape Canaveral has been home to space exploration since 1949 due to its latitude, which is perfect for a successful launch into orbit. Starting in 1968, more than seventeen launches with crew aboard have flown, including the collaboration between cosmonauts and American astronauts aboard the Apollo-Soyuz. Other big names in the field of astropace such as SpaceX, also uses Launch Complex 39A for their human space missions. The fun part about all of this information is that seeing a rocket ship launch is open to the public for most flights. Anyone can check out the schedule by going to the Kennedy Space Center website to find information about the next jaw-dropping bucket list opportunity to see a vehicle launch into space in-person.
The list of reasons people would enjoy living in Orlando is endless, but tech professionals especially will enjoy their salaries as a primary motivation. With no sales tax, the city makes every dollar stretch further, and the cost of living is lower than most other tech hub locations. Average salaries for a range of tech roles include Digital Designers, who earn about $90,000 per year, and Software Engineers and Data Scientists, who can look forward to an average annual salary that launches into six figures.
The city of Orlando is worthy competition for tech training and education. As a major tech hub, it’s easy to find plenty of technology bootcamps and classes within the metropolitan area. More than eight training locations offer a range of at least 200 in-person courses to choose from in a vast array of subjects in technology, including Design, Digital Marketing, Data-related training, Coding, Business, Web Development, and IT. Most schools also offer live online and on-demand options, allowing students to choose how they’d like to learn. Two schools, ONLC and Certstaffix, hold classes in a computer lab, pre-loaded with the latest equipment and software, led by a live, off-site instructor. Additionally, Noble Desktop, the creator of this tool, has numerous live online, on-demand, and private lesson options.
Orlando offers more than 30 in-person graphic design-related bootcamps and classes, all in close proximity to the center of the city. Those wanting to pursue a design career have more than enough options to learn any type of design area they desire, and many schools also offer live, online 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. Highly-ranked schools that offer graphic design courses include New Horizons, Future Media Concepts, UCF Boot Camps, and General Assembly. Two other schools, ONLC and Certstaffix, hold classes in a computer lab with equipment pre-loaded with the latest software and a live instructor teaching from a remote site.
Schools that offer in-person Data Science classes and bootcamps in Orlando include four training locations that provide more than twenty-two courses, 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 in Orlando include UCF Boot Camps, New Horizons and General Assembly. Additionally, Certstaffix holds data science classes in an Orlando area computer lab led by a live, offsite instructor.
For in-person classes and bootcamps in Orlando in Web Development, students can choose from six schools with traditional classrooms and two schools that offer live instruction in a state-of-the-art computer lab with a live, off-site instructor leading the session. Schools that hold web development programs include Future Media Concepts and General Assembly. Hybrid-style schools that offer computer lab access and a remote instructor are ONLC and Certstaffix. Additionally, Noble Desktop, the creator of this tool, offers numerous courses live and online.
There are many course options presented by six schools to choose from for in-person coding classes and bootcamps in Orlando. Schools in the area are located both in the city center and away from traffic a short distance outside of the city. All of these training centers offer live, online courses and provide a way for students to take classes from wherever they choose. Schools in the Orlando area include Future Media Concepts, New Horizons, General Assembly, and UCF Boot Camps. Additionally, two 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. In this subject, 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 classes and bootcamps in Orlando can choose from more than twenty-five courses at schools that are located both within the city and in smaller locations to the north. Subjects 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. A wide variety of programs related to web design are offered by schools, including UFC Boot Camps, New Horizons, and General Assembly. Two schools, ONLC and Certstaffix, hold courses in dedicated computer labs, led in real-time by off-site instructors.
Orlando is one of the most popular places to work in the field of Digital Marketing. Attending an in-person Digital Marketing class or bootcamp in Orlando are a wise investment to get ahead of the competition in the booming digital world. Students can choose from courses offered face-to-face at General Assembly, UCF Boot Camps, and two additional schools, ONLC and Certstaffix, which hold courses in computer labs with a live, remote instructor leading classes. Additionally, Noble Desktop, the creator of this tool, and other schools offer a wide array of options that are held live and online. Subjects students can choose from include Google Analytics, Google Ads, SEO, social media marketing, email marketing, and ecommerce.
Top schools in Orlando that offer in-person Python bootcamps and classes include New Horizons and General Assembly. Two additional schools, ONLC and Certstaffix, offer classes in computer labs with pre-loaded professional-level software and are led by a live instructor who is offsite. Python is essential for most careers in technology, and certain professions require knowledge in specific syntaxes of the language.
Students can choose in-person classes and bootcamps in video editing in Orlando from Future Media Concepts. Additionally, Certstaffix offers courses in a fully-equipped 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. General areas of study in video editing include motion graphics, Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Final Cut Pro.
In-person UX Design classes in Orlando are offered by two schools, UCF Boot Camps and General Assembly, each conveniently located in the city center and just outside of the heart of the city, allowing students to avoid traffic. These schools offer comprehensive overviews of the user experience (UX) and place particular emphasis on Sketch and Adobe XD.
Students have a choice of twenty-five unique in-person Excel classes throughout the Orlando metropolitan area, as well as live online sessions and on-demand. All Excel sessions range from three hours to three days and are provided by notable schools, including New Horizons and General Assembly. Two more schools, ONLC and Certstaffix, hold their Excel courses in computer labs, with a live remote instructor available for assistance during class time. More options for Excel and other business-related skills are offered live and online by Noble Desktop, the creator of this tool.
The need to have Excel skills stretches into most areas of a professional career, so general and specific classes in the software are available face-to-face, live and online, or on-demand.
Prime examples of Excel workshops are those from General Assembly, which offers an Excel Bootcamp. This three-hour, hands-on and beginner-welcome session teaches attendees skills such as formatting techniques, mathematical formulas, PivotTables, charts, and beyond. This bootcamp can also be taken in a live, online class.
Offering onsite corporate tech training sessions is a terrific investment in your team or across the workplace. An expert instructor from Noble Desktop, the creator of this tool, will come to your location, or a live session can be tailored to present via a video conferencing platform such as Zoom. A wide variety of subjects and skill levels are available, and each is custom-tailored to fit the client. If preferred, individual employees can attend an open enrollment session at regularly scheduled times. Vouchers can be obtained at a discount when purchased in multiples. Contact Noble Desktop for further information.