Florida sees record surge in apprenticeships, thousands complete training (Florida’s Voice) — Florida’s apprenticeship and preapprenticeship system reached record levels over the past year, with more than 25,000 participants statewide and thousands completing training programs tied to higher-paying jobs, according to a new annual report released Monday.
The Florida Department of Education announced the findings during Workforce Day at the Capitol, highlighting results from the 2024–2025 Apprenticeship and Preapprenticeship Annual Report. Education Commissioner Anastasio Kamoutsas said the data show continued expansion of workforce education programs aimed at high-demand industries.
More than 2,200 apprentices completed their programs during the past year, earning an average exit wage of nearly $28 per hour, or about $58,000 annually, the department reported. Overall, the number of active apprentices and preapprentices increased 11% compared with the previous year.
“These record apprenticeship and preapprenticeship numbers reflect the incredible success of Florida’s approach to workforce education,” Kamoutsas said in a statement, crediting Gov. Ron DeSantis’ policies focused on career and technical education.
The report shows Florida added 43 new apprenticeship programs over the year, bringing the total number of active programs to 344. The total number of registered apprenticeship and preapprenticeship programs grew 4% year over year.
State officials also pointed to longer-term growth since DeSantis took office. Over the past six years, Florida has recorded a 70% increase in registered apprentices, a 49% increase in registered apprenticeship programs and a 112% increase in registered preapprenticeship programs. The number of apprenticeable occupations has grown by more than 150% during that period, according to the department.
The expansion has been supported in part by state funding initiatives, including the Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant program. The state has awarded $105 million through the program, funding more than 350 proposals and serving more than 20,000 participants, officials said.
Education officials said the investments are intended to provide students with alternatives to traditional four-year degrees while helping employers address workforce shortages in skilled trades and technical fields.
Photo courtesy of PTTI EDU