Florida Construction News staff writer
More than $14 million was awarded through the Florida Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant (PCOG) to recognize Apprenticeship Week. Funding will go to 57 proposals to start, expand or operate registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs at Florida school districts, colleges, state universities and private training entities.
About 5,000 participants are expected to receive on-the-job training and related classroom instruction simultaneously.
“Today’s awards help ensure Florida remains the national leader in developing a strong workforce and providing businesses with the talent they need to be successful,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said in a statement. “By investing in education and hands-on career experience, we empower individuals to achieve their full potential and support the continued economic prosperity of our state.”
More than $60 million has been awarded through PCOG with 253 proposals funded, over 11,000 participants served and over 250 businesses supported. As a result, students across Florida have access to proven training methods that benefit both job seekers and businesses through apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship opportunities and programs.
For a complete list of grant awards for 2023–24, visit: https://www.fldoe.org/pathwaysgrant/
DeSantis set a goal of making Florida the number one state in the nation for workforce education by 2030. To make this goal a reality, the Governor has committed more than $6.8 billion to workforce education and training, making Florida number one in the nation for attracting and developing a skilled workforce.
There are about 800,000 K–12 career and technical education (CTE) students — the highest in the state’s history — more than 380,000 post secondary CTE students, and 20,000 registered apprentices engaged in workforce education.
For more information about Florida’s apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, visit ApprenticeFlorida.com.