Florida invests $14.6 million to expand apprenticeship and preapprenticeship programs across the state
Tallahassee, Florida – Florida is investing another $14.6 million into workforce education programs designed to help students gain valuable career skills while preparing for jobs that are in demand across the state. The funding, awarded through the Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant (PCOG), will support 37 organizations that are creating, expanding, or operating registered apprenticeship and preapprenticeship programs.
The latest round of grants will benefit more than 8,000 students throughout Florida. Participants will have the opportunity to combine classroom learning with real-world work experience, allowing them to develop technical skills while receiving hands-on training in their chosen fields.
The announcement was made in Tallahassee on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, as state officials highlighted the importance of career-focused education and the role apprenticeship programs play in building Florida’s workforce.
“Governor DeSantis’ continued investment in workforce education is creating meaningful opportunities for Floridians to build in-demand skills and prepare for rewarding careers,” said Interim Commissioner of Education Paul O. Burns. “By combining classroom instruction with hands-on training, these programs give students a direct path to success while helping Florida employers develop the highly skilled workforce needed to compete and grow.”
The PCOG initiative has become one of Florida’s key workforce development programs, connecting students, employers, schools, and training organizations through career pathways that focus on practical skills and industry needs.
State officials said Florida has continued to strengthen its position as a national leader in workforce education through major investments and partnerships with businesses and educational institutions. Since the creation of the grant program, PCOG has awarded $120 million to support 387 proposals across the state. Those programs have reached more than 28,000 students, providing greater access to apprenticeship and preapprenticeship opportunities.
Apprenticeships allow students to earn experience while learning, giving them an alternative path toward successful careers without relying only on traditional education routes. Many programs provide training in areas such as construction, health care, aviation, technology, manufacturing, and other industries facing growing demand for skilled workers.
Governor Ron DeSantis has committed more than $12 billion toward workforce education and training efforts, an investment that state leaders say has helped Florida achieve the top ranking in the nation for workforce education.
According to state figures, Florida has seen significant growth in apprenticeship opportunities in recent years. The number of registered apprentices has increased by 70 percent, while registered apprenticeship programs have grown by 49 percent. The state has also reported a 153 percent increase in apprenticeable occupations, creating more opportunities for residents interested in skilled careers.
Currently, Florida has a record 25,000 active apprentices and pre-apprentices participating in programs across the state, representing an 11 percent increase compared with the previous year.
The organizations receiving funding for the 2026-27 program year represent a wide range of industries and communities. Recipients include educational institutions such as Miami Dade College, Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Tallahassee State College, State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota, and several county school districts and technical colleges.
The grants will also support industry-based organizations and employers, including AAR Aircraft Services Inc., Crash Champions, Lee Health, UF Health Jacksonville, Ring Power Corporation, and ROOTS Engineering Services.
Additional recipients include several electrical, plumbing, construction, and technical training organizations across Florida, such as the Central Florida Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee, Florida East Coast Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee, Jacksonville Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee, Tampa Area Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee, and multiple plumbers and pipefitters apprenticeship programs.
By expanding these programs, state leaders hope more Floridians will have access to career opportunities that provide both education and employment experience. The goal is to prepare students for successful careers while also helping companies find workers with the skills needed in a changing economy.
The latest PCOG investment reflects Florida’s continued focus on workforce preparation and industry partnerships. Officials say the combination of classroom instruction and hands-on learning gives students a stronger foundation as they enter the workforce.
A complete list of the 2026-27 grant recipients and additional information about the Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant can be found through the Florida Department of Education’s website at https://www.fldoe.org/pathwaysgrant/.
