By: Tina Leslie, Career and Technical Education Coordinator, Florida Virtual School

Graduation marks an important achievement, but it’s what comes next that truly matters. When students complete their journey at Florida Virtual School (FLVS), our goal is not just to celebrate their success but to ensure they feel ready for the future. Many students choose to pursue college, and others move directly into the workforce. Both paths require strong foundational skills. Through Career and Technical Education (CTE), students gain real‑world experience during high school that prepares them for either path and supports long‑term career success. 

The Reality Check: What Employers Are Seeing

Last summer, employers from across Florida were asked a simple but important question: what skills matter most, and which are students and job applicants missing? Their answers were surprisingly consistent. Across industries, employers pointed to the same three gaps: critical thinking, communication, and interpersonal skills. These are the skills that make the difference between being qualified on paper and truly ready for the workplace.

Critical Thinking: Building Independence and Problem-Solving Skills

As students prepare for life after graduation, employers are noticing a growing gap in critical thinking and independence. While quick answers are easy to find, the workplace rewards those who can pause, assess a situation, and figure out next steps on their own. These problem-solving habits are essential, not just for a job but for navigating adulthood with confidence.

How Parents Can Help Build These Skills

The "Five Whys" Technique

When your student encounters a challenge, resist the urge to provide the answer right away. Instead, try the “Five Whys” root-cause method. By asking “Why?” multiple times (typically up to five), you encourage your child to think more deeply about the issue and uncover its root. This approach strengthens analytical thinking and builds confidence in problem-solving.

"Interest-Based" Roles

Assign household responsibilities that align with your child’s interests and strengths. For example, if they enjoy technology, consider making them the family’s “Chief Tech Officer,” responsible for troubleshooting Wi-Fi issues, helping set up new devices, or managing basic tech upgrades. These low-stakes, real-world responsibilities foster initiative, independence, and critical thinking, skills that translate directly to the workplace.

Communication: Turning Everyday Conversations into Career Skills

Clear communication is one of the most important skills students will need beyond the classroom. Employers consistently share that many young workers struggle to explain their ideas, ask questions, or communicate professionally, both in conversation and in writing. Whether it’s preparing for an interview, collaborating with a team, or interacting with customers, strong communication skills are critical to long-term success.

How Parents Can Help Build These Skills

The Dinner Table Interview

Family dinners can be an easy way to practice real-world communication skills. Try turning everyday conversations into informal “interviews” by introducing the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Ask your student to talk through a challenge they faced at school and explain how they handled it using this simple framework. Over time, this helps students learn how to organize their thoughts, speak with confidence, and communicate clearly, skills that translate directly to interviews, presentations, and workplace conversations.

Professional Etiquette Practice

Understanding workplace norms can make a big difference for students as they prepare for jobs, internships, and interviews. Employers value candidates who know how to schedule meetings, show up on time, and communicate respectfully if plans need to change. Parents can help by encouraging students to practice writing clear, polite emails to teachers, coaches, or activity leaders. Conversations about voicemail etiquette, appropriate follow‑ups, and responding promptly may seem small, but these habits shape a strong first impression in any professional setting.

Interpersonal Skills: Showing Up Ready to Work

Beyond communication, employers consistently point to interpersonal skills as essential for workplace success. Traits like punctuality, teamwork, adaptability, and a positive attitude matter every day on the job. While many employers are willing to train technical skills, they expect professionalism from day one. Showing up on time, accepting feedback, and working respectfully with others aren’t optional; they’re the foundation of being ready to work.

How Parents Can Help Build These Skills

Emphasize Reliability

Help your student treat school assignments, practices, and extracurricular commitments the same way they would workplace responsibilities. Using calendars or planners to track deadlines and commitments teaches time management and accountability. Consistently meeting expectations reinforces the importance of being dependable, something employers notice quickly.

Encourage Curiosity and Good Judgment

To reduce overreliance on technology or quick answers, encourage your child to ask “Why?” and “How?” questions. Curiosity shows engagement and initiative, and employers value individuals who think critically and seek to understand, not just follow instructions. Asking thoughtful questions signals strong judgment and a willingness to learn.

Preparing Students for What’s Next

FLVS CTE programs play a key role by combining academic learning with hands‑on experiences and real‑world career connections. Visit the FLVS CTE webpage to learn how our programs help students build career‑ready skills and explore pathways aligned with their interests—so every student leaves school equipped for success.

About the Author: Tina Leslie is the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Coordinator for Florida Virtual School, bringing more than 20 years of experience as a teacher and curriculum specialist. Her deep passion for CTE drives her mission to inspire students to discover their strengths, explore diverse career paths, and prepare for successful futures.