Florida announces ‘remarkable strides’ in apprenticeship programs with stark increase

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. announced “historic participation” in the Sunshine State’s apprenticeship and preapprenticeship programs.

There was a 14% spike in active apprentices and preapprentices compared to last year, Diaz announced.

Diaz’s office pointed to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ “vision” to make Florida a “national leader” in workforce education by 2030 – apprenticeships and preapprenticeships being a large part of it.

Compared to the previous year, there was a 33% increase in new registered apprentices. Registered apprenticeship and preapprenticeship programs spiked 11% over the year.

In total, the state gained 35 apprenticeship programs and more than 5,000 active apprentices.

The Florida Department of Education said in an announcement that a total of 19,605 people – a new record – are apprentices or preapprentices.

“The surge of apprenticeships and preapprenticeships is a game-changer for Florida’s students and shows Governor DeSantis’ bold vision for workforce education is paying off,” Diaz said.

“Apprenticeship programs provide students with the skills they need to succeed in the real world while preparing them for enriching careers that evolve with the needs of our economy,” he said.

The department noted that graduates who obtained an apprenticeship certificate had an average initial wage of $25.70 per hour, or around $53,642 annually. They said that salary marks an increase of more than $4,000 compared to the last year.

Diaz made the announcement at Tallahassee Community College, where he visited their Electrical Apprenticeship Program.

“I am proud to be part of this momentous accomplishment for Florida’s students and workforce,” said Dr. Jim Murdaugh, president of Tallahassee Community College. “Apprenticeship programs, like the ones we have at TCC, have a proven track record of setting students up for successful careers, and I look forward to continuing to see students across our state take advantage of our programs.”

Read the department’s full report on the states apprenticeship and preapprenticeship programs here.