Apprentice Florida: Train and Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Today
“In Florida’s ever-growing job market, the demand for skilled workers is outpacing the supply – a challenge Governor Ron DeSantis is committed to addressing. Florida is projected to gain 4 million new residents by 2030, with an anticipated 2 million new jobs, and he is focused on preparing our workforce to meet this demand.”
Click below to read the full op-ed from Adrienne Johnston, CareerSource Florida President & CEO, and Kevin O’Farrell, Chancellor for the Florida Dept. of Education’s Division of Career and Adult Education.
#NAW2024
National Apprenticeship Week was established by the U.S. Department of Labor to showcase the positive impact apprenticeship programs have on addressing skills gaps and preparing the workforce for the jobs of today and tomorrow. Visit Apprenticeship.gov for more information on how to celebrate the impact apprenticeships have on our workforce and economy.
National Apprenticeship Week 2024 marks the 10th annual celebration of apprenticeships, a cornerstone of workforce development across Florida and the nation. This week provides an opportunity to recognize the tremendous impact apprenticeship programs have in preparing individuals for high-quality careers. According to the Florida Department of Education’s Annual Apprentice Florida Report, there are 19,214 active apprentices in Florida and 3,230 active pre-apprentices.
Apprenticeship programs span a variety of industries—from advanced manufacturing to healthcare—equipping workers with the skills needed for the future while helping employers build a competitive workforce. Apprenticeships not only reduce skills gaps but also offer a proven pathway to economic mobility, with apprentices earning an average of $77,000 annually upon completion.
Throughout National Apprenticeship Week, Florida will host a series of events that highlight these successes. Local businesses, educational institutions, and community partners will come together to highlight their apprenticeship programs and share success stories. Whether through open houses, job fairs, or panel discussions, these events will provide valuable insights into apprenticeship opportunities and their lasting impact. In this newsletter, we’ll recap some of our apprenticeship wins and success stories over the past 10 years. Enjoy!
Miami Dade College Celebrates its First Cohort of the
Dental Assistant Registered Apprenticeship Program
Miami Dade College (MDC), in collaboration with Jessie Trice Community Health System (JTCHS) and support from CareerSource South Florida and the Sentara Foundation, has introduced its first cohort of the Dental Assistant Registered Apprenticeship Program. This initiative highlights MDC’s commitment to fostering community health and education through business partnerships and investment in workforce development.
The program offers apprentices paid on-the-job training at JTCHS’s Dental Health Center, providing a dynamic learning environment that serves Miami’s underserved communities. Classroom instruction is conducted by experienced faculty at MDC’s Medical Campus, enabling apprentices to connect theoretical knowledge with hands-on clinical practice.
Graduates will earn industry credentials from the Florida Board of Dentistry in Dental Radiography and Expanded Functions Dental Auxiliary, along with a Florida Department of Education Apprenticeship Certificate of Completion. “Our apprenticeship programs empower the Miami-Dade community by bridging education and economic opportunities,” said Dr. Alexia Q. Rolle, Dean of Career and Technical Education. “This Dental Assistant program exemplifies our approach to building industry-relevant skills and enhancing workforce quality.”
Reaching New Heights
completed her apprenticeship program.
From Auto Manufacturing to Aircraft Maintenance: Penny Roberson’s Inspiring Journey at HAECO
When Penny Roberson first stepped onto an aircraft, she wasn’t holding a boarding pass—she was holding tools, ready for an inspection. Having never flown before joining HAECO as a Structures Apprentice in 2022, Penny embarked on a unique journey. With a background in auto manufacturing, she quickly discovered that her skills were a natural fit for aircraft maintenance.
HAECO Lake City’s two-year apprenticeship program provided Penny with hands-on training and mentorship essential for success in her new field. Starting with seven weeks of paid technical instruction, followed by on-the-job training (OJT) in the hangar, Penny’s confidence flourished. She thrived under the guidance of experienced aircraft technicians, who were always eager to lend a hand.
“Everybody here is so great. If I had any questions, they had no problem answering, helping me,” Penny shared. For Penny, the most rewarding part of her journey has been the camaraderie with her teammates and ongoing opportunities for professional growth. Now, she’s setting her sights on team lead certification and further specialized training.
Interested in paid apprenticeship opportunities with HAECO?
Contact mark.yarick@haeco.aero
Breaking Barriers in the Marine Industry: Erena Fridman’s Journey
In a groundbreaking initiative, the Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF) worked with the Florida Department of Education and Atlantic Technical College (ATC) to launch the state’s first registered yacht service technician apprenticeship program. The two-year program welcomed its first cohort in 2020, providing aspiring marine professionals with the foundational skills needed to succeed in this dynamic field.
Students in the program gain hands-on experience in areas such as rigging, forklift operations, machining, pipefitting, plumbing, welding, carpentry, and painting. Classes are held weekly at ATC, while students simultaneously work full-time positions at participating marine service yards, offering a perfect balance between education and on-the-job training.
One standout success story is Erena Fridman, the program’s first female graduate. In 2020, she joined the apprenticeship program and secured a position at Derecktor Shipyards. Through hard work and determination, she quickly rose to the role of Junior Project Manager. Her steady climb within the company is a testament to her dedication and program effectiveness.
As South Florida’s marine industry expands, the demand for skilled workers only grows. Programs like this apprenticeship play a critical role in meeting that demand and preparing new workers for success. Check out this video to learn more about the program.
Bond Community Health Center Receives Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant
Bond Community Health Center, located in Tallahassee, has been awarded a $480,000 Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant for 2024-2025. These funds are appropriated under the state of Florida General Appropriations Act to establish new or operate existing registered apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship programs.
CareerSource Capital Region will partner with Bond Community Health Center to assist in recruiting for their new Registered Apprenticeship Programs for Medical Assistants, Pharmacy Technicians and Dental Assistants. The first class is anticipated to begin in March 2025.
To learn more about these opportunities, please contact Katrina Johnson, Apprenticeship Navigator Specialist at 850-617-4656 or visit one of our Career Centers in Leon, Gadsden, Jefferson or Wakulla Counties.
Sarasota Nonprofit’s Preschool Teacher Apprenticeship Program Sees Flood of Applicants
The Early Learning Coalition (ELC) of Sarasota County has done what no other noncollegiate, nonprofit agency could—launch a one-of-a-kind, state-recognized Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) for early childhood education. Tapping into a niche market, 28 applicants signed up within the first month. With the help of CareerSource Suncoast, ELC Sarasota is the first among all Coalitions in Florida to receive this prestigious sponsor designation.
Meeting the demand and filling a critical void in the community, this tiny but mighty nonprofit stepped up when others gave up on the teacher credential program.
Fully operated in-house, this independent RAP provides a seamless pathway for aspiring early educators, removing the need for technical school enrollment or student loans. Supporting career development in a field often overlooked and overshadowed, the ELC’s program addresses the critical need for more qualified preschool teachers who are trained and ready from the moment of hire. Unsurprisingly, 30 childcare employers jumped onboard to partner within the first year.
For inquiries or to learn more visit:
Apprenticeship Navigator Honored With Service Innovator Award
CareerSource Capital Region’s Katrina Johnson was named the Service Innovator Workforce Champion at the Workforce Professional Development Summit this September.
Katrina began her role as an Apprenticeship Navigator Specialist in November 2022. In her nearly two years in this role, she has achieved remarkable success in engaging area employers in apprenticeships. To date, she has connected 12 employers with the Department of Education to initiate the Registered Apprenticeship Program process, assisted in placing two apprentices at G&S Fencing and Deck, engaged with over 60 other employers to discuss apprenticeship benefits, and provided apprenticeship materials to over 100 employers.
Katrina also developed a region-wide database used by the career center staff to provide information on existing apprenticeships to job seekers. She accomplishes all of this while being a part-time employee, working only 20 hours per week. Her dedication to informing both employers and job seekers about the benefits and opportunities of apprenticeships is invaluable. Great work, Katrina!
Calling All Employers: Partner with Miami EdTech to Shape the Future of Tech Talent
Miami EdTech’s multiemployer STEM apprenticeship program is revolutionizing the tech landscape by preparing the next generation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and User Experience/User Interface (UX/UI) professionals. Through partnerships with various employers, apprentices gain hands-on experience using industry-standard tools such as Microsoft Azure, Google Analytics, Figma, and ChatGPT. This real-world training allows apprentices to build essential skills while benefiting from the mentorship of industry leaders. The multiemployer model ensures that apprentices are well-equipped to meet the demands of the rapidly evolving tech industry.
AI apprentice Norbert honed his technical skills by mastering JavaScript and applying it to develop solutions for local projects, such as creating an AI Agent for the Workforce Miami website. Another project Norbert tackled involved collaborating with program partner Infento to convert their life-sized electric vehicle configuration into a semi-autonomous version. In the above photo, Norbert showcases his work alongside two interns. Using an Arduino, an open-source electronics platform, along with a distance sensor and a buzzer, they created a system that detects nearby objects and alerts the driver to potential collisions.
By working across different tech stacks, Norbert demonstrated the value of practical experience. His journey exemplifies how Miami EdTech’s apprenticeship program equips participants for impactful careers in tech.
Visit miamiedtech.com/hire-tech-apprentice to learn how to get involved.
Apprentice Florida Resources:
Apprentice Florida is an outreach campaign designed to increase growth and awareness of registered apprenticeships in targeted industry sectors.
The multi-faceted initiative was developed through a partnership between CareerSource Florida, the Florida Department of Education, and Florida Commerce with funding support from a State Apprenticeship Expansion Grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Do you know someone who’s interested in starting an apprenticeship program or becoming an apprentice? The Apprentice Florida website features a contact form that may be submitted by interested businesses and prospective apprentices, as well as informative one-pagers that can be downloaded for outreach to businesses and other partners.
Share With Us!
We love hearing how Florida’s local workforce development boards and partners are getting involved in all things apprenticeship. Let us know what your team is doing by sending an email to info@careersourceflorida.com so we can share your news!