Florida celebrates record growth in apprenticeship and preapprenticeship programs

Press release from the Florida Department of Education

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, on Workforce Day at the Capitol, Florida Department of Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas announced record-breaking growth in the state’s Registered Apprenticeship System, reaffirming Florida’s position as a national leader in workforce education.

The 2024-2025 Annual Apprenticeship and Preapprenticeship Report shows Florida’s apprenticeship system continued its upward trajectory with more than 25,000 active apprentices and preapprentices statewide. During the past year alone, more than 2,200 apprentices completed their programs, earning an average wage of nearly $28 per hour upon exit. In addition, Florida saw an 11% increase in the total number of active apprentices and preapprentices last year, resulting in a 70% increase in registered apprentices since Governor DeSantis took office.

“These record apprenticeship and preapprenticeship numbers reflect the incredible success of Florida’s approach to workforce education,” said Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas. “Governor DeSantis’ vision for expanding career and technical education has created life-changing opportunities for Floridians to learn, earn, and advance in high-demand industries.”

Key highlights from the 2024–2025 report include:

• 11% increase in total number of active apprentices and preapprentices.
• 4% increase in total registered apprenticeship and preapprenticeship programs.
• 43 new apprenticeship programs, for a total of 344 active programs.
• 2,262 apprentices completed their program, earning an average exit wage of $27.91 per hour, which equates to an annual salary of $58,058 annually.

Before Governor Ron DeSantis took office, only a handful of new apprenticeship programs were registered each year. Today, the results tell a much different story. Over the past six years, Florida’s apprenticeship system has experienced transformative growth:

• 70% increase in registered apprentices
• 49% increase in registered apprenticeship programs
• 112% increase in registered preapprenticeship programs
• 57% increase in total apprenticeship and preapprenticeship programs
• 153% increase in apprenticeable occupations

Florida has made significant investments to expand apprenticeship opportunities through initiatives like the Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant. To date, $105 million has been awarded, with over 350 proposals funded and over 20,000 participants served. As a result, students throughout Florida have access to proven training methods that benefit both job seekers and businesses through apprenticeship and preapprenticeship opportunities and programs.