Choose Deland
Workforce & Education
DeLand is centrally located to a skilled and educated workforce while offering a lower-cost alternative to larger metropolitan areas in Central Florida. With a talent pool spanning various industries, the area benefits from a robust network of local educational institutions and workforce development programs, ensuring businesses have access to the skills they need to succeed. With over 1.6 million workers within a 50-mile radius, DeLand provides companies with a diverse, highly qualified labor force while maintaining a cost-effective business environment compared to nearby urban centers.
Strong partnerships between county government, schools, colleges, and employers ensure that students graduate with the technical expertise required by local businesses. Workforce development programs focus on high-demand fields such as advanced manufacturing, aerospace, healthcare, and technology, equipping businesses with a continuous pipeline of skilled talent. These educational and training initiatives foster a seamless transition from education to employment, allowing companies to efficiently access job-ready candidates.
DeLand and the surrounding region offer a highly trained workforce, making it a prime location for advanced manufacturing. Daytona State College’s Advanced Technology College provides specialized training in engineering technology, machining, welding, and electronics, ensuring graduates have the technical expertise needed in today’s manufacturing landscape. Additionally, the Florida Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FL FAME) offers apprenticeship programs that blend classroom instruction with hands-on experience, further strengthening the talent pipeline.
The region benefits from proximity to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU), a global leader in aerospace engineering, cybersecurity, aviation business, and space studies. With research-driven programs and strong industry partnerships, ERAU plays a critical role in developing talent for the growing aerospace, defense, and high-tech manufacturing sectors. Nearby, the University of Central Florida (UCF)—one of the nation’s largest universities—offers cutting-edge programs in engineering, optics & photonics, artificial intelligence, and computer science, producing highly sought-after graduates in emerging technologies.
Daytona State College is a key provider of healthcare training in the region, offering nursing, medical assisting, surgical technology, and emergency medical services (EMS) programs that ensure a steady supply of skilled healthcare professionals. These programs support the region’s hospitals, medical technology firms, and biotech companies, providing businesses with a workforce prepared for careers in patient care, diagnostics, and healthcare administration.
Stetson University, located in DeLand, offers undergraduate and graduate programs in business, law, and finance, preparing students for leadership roles in corporate and entrepreneurial ventures. Through internships, mentorship programs, and industry partnerships, Stetson provides businesses with access to highly skilled graduates ready to make an impact in the workforce.
Offering more than 100 certificate, associate, and bachelor’s degree programs, Daytona State College is the premier source for education and advanced training in Central Florida, with campuses throughout the region, including in DeLand. Its industry-aligned programs ensure that students graduate with the skills employers need, supporting workforce development across multiple high-demand sectors.
With access to these top-tier institutions and workforce training programs, DeLand fosters an exceptional environment for business growth and talent development, ensuring that industries in the region continue to thrive—all while offering a cost-effective location for businesses looking to maximize their workforce investment.