Miami, Fla.  - CareerSource Florida, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and the Florida Department of Education are hosting a first-ever, statewide Apprenticeship Summit June 19-20 in Miami at Florida International University’s Biscayne Bay Campus.

Governor Rick Scott said, “Since December 2010, Florida businesses have created more than 1.5 million private-sector jobs. To continue this progress, we must constantly look for ways to innovate and advance strategic partnerships. We’re already seeing progress in the number of apprenticeships being established and I look forward to even more growth as a result of bringing together industry experts at this week’s Summit.”

Florida is among 36 states selected for the ApprenticeshipUSA funding initiative, a federal grant program aiming to double and diversify the number of Registered Apprenticeships by 2019. Florida’s collaborative efforts have resulted in systemwide partnerships and the engagement of nearly 100 industry and expert volunteers who established workgroups to identify recommendations for expanding Registered Apprenticeships. Many of those recommendations will be showcased for the first time at the Summit.

“This renewed focus and the fresh insights of industry, education and workforce experts will further strengthen and diversify Florida’s already robust economy,” said CareerSource Florida President and CEO Michelle Dennard. “The dedication and commitment to build and grow strong apprenticeship programs throughout our state is a testament to Florida’s leadership on a critical national issue.”

Industry sectors of focus for apprenticeship expansion in Florida include Healthcare, Information Technology, Advanced Manufacturing, Leisure and Hospitality, and Construction.

Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, said, “Apprenticeship is a proven career path that helps Florida’s employers obtain and keep the talent they need to remain competitive. The Apprenticeship Summit is an excellent opportunity for businesses and state agencies to collaborate on best practices for developing a highly trained workforce.”

In addition to the workgroup recommendations, the Summit features a two-day schedule of panel conversations with speakers ranging from Presidential Task Force members to national and state industry and education experts. Attendees include business, education, elected, and workforce and economic development leaders from across Florida.

“Registered apprenticeship programs are an essential component in supporting Florida’s vigorous economy,” said Florida Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart. “These programs enable employers to develop and apply industry standards to training programs that lead to a highly trained workforce and increased productivity.”

The insights gained from the inaugural Apprenticeship Summit will direct Florida’s next steps and help shape the future of its workforce.

###

Media Contact:

Victoria Langley Heller | (850) 760-0529 | vheller@careersourceflorida.com

ABOUT CAREERSOURCE FLORIDA 

CareerSource Florida provides oversight and policy direction for talent development programs administered by the Department of Economic Opportunity, Florida’s 24 local workforce development boards and their 100 career centers. Together, the CareerSource Florida network connects employers with qualified, skilled talent and Floridians with employment and career development opportunities to achieve economic prosperity. Learn more atcareersourceflorida.com.

ABOUT THE FLORIDA DEPARMENT OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY 

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity combines the state’s economic, workforce and community development efforts. This new approach helps expedite economic development projects to fuel job creation in competitive communities. For more information, including valuable resources for employers and jobseekers, please visit www.floridajobs.org. 

ABOUT THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION 

Serving more than 2.8 million students, 4,200 public schools, 28 colleges, 192,000 teachers, 47,000 college professors and administrators, and 321,000 full-time staff throughout the state, the Florida Department of Education enhances the economic self-sufficiency of Floridians through programs and services geared toward college, workforce education, apprenticeships, job-specific skills, and career development. The department manages programs that assist individuals who are blind, visually-impaired, or disabled succeed either in school settings or careers - encouraging independence and self-sufficiency

Miami, Fla.  - CareerSource Florida, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and the Florida Department of Education are hosting a first-ever, statewide Apprenticeship Summit June 19-20 in Miami at Florida International University’s Biscayne Bay Campus.

Governor Rick Scott said, “Since December 2010, Florida businesses have created more than 1.5 million private-sector jobs. To continue this progress, we must constantly look for ways to innovate and advance strategic partnerships. We’re already seeing progress in the number of apprenticeships being established and I look forward to even more growth as a result of bringing together industry experts at this week’s Summit.”

Florida is among 36 states selected for the ApprenticeshipUSA funding initiative, a federal grant program aiming to double and diversify the number of Registered Apprenticeships by 2019. Florida’s collaborative efforts have resulted in systemwide partnerships and the engagement of nearly 100 industry and expert volunteers who established workgroups to identify recommendations for expanding Registered Apprenticeships. Many of those recommendations will be showcased for the first time at the Summit.

“This renewed focus and the fresh insights of industry, education and workforce experts will further strengthen and diversify Florida’s already robust economy,” said CareerSource Florida President and CEO Michelle Dennard. “The dedication and commitment to build and grow strong apprenticeship programs throughout our state is a testament to Florida’s leadership on a critical national issue.”

Industry sectors of focus for apprenticeship expansion in Florida include Healthcare, Information Technology, Advanced Manufacturing, Leisure and Hospitality, and Construction.

Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, said, “Apprenticeship is a proven career path that helps Florida’s employers obtain and keep the talent they need to remain competitive. The Apprenticeship Summit is an excellent opportunity for businesses and state agencies to collaborate on best practices for developing a highly trained workforce.”

In addition to the workgroup recommendations, the Summit features a two-day schedule of panel conversations with speakers ranging from Presidential Task Force members to national and state industry and education experts. Attendees include business, education, elected, and workforce and economic development leaders from across Florida.

“Registered apprenticeship programs are an essential component in supporting Florida’s vigorous economy,” said Florida Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart. “These programs enable employers to develop and apply industry standards to training programs that lead to a highly trained workforce and increased productivity.”

The insights gained from the inaugural Apprenticeship Summit will direct Florida’s next steps and help shape the future of its workforce.

###

Media Contact:

Victoria Langley Heller | (850) 760-0529 | vheller@careersourceflorida.com

ABOUT CAREERSOURCE FLORIDA 

CareerSource Florida provides oversight and policy direction for talent development programs administered by the Department of Economic Opportunity, Florida’s 24 local workforce development boards and their 100 career centers. Together, the CareerSource Florida network connects employers with qualified, skilled talent and Floridians with employment and career development opportunities to achieve economic prosperity. Learn more atcareersourceflorida.com.

ABOUT THE FLORIDA DEPARMENT OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY 

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity combines the state’s economic, workforce and community development efforts. This new approach helps expedite economic development projects to fuel job creation in competitive communities. For more information, including valuable resources for employers and jobseekers, please visit www.floridajobs.org. 

ABOUT THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION 

Serving more than 2.8 million students, 4,200 public schools, 28 colleges, 192,000 teachers, 47,000 college professors and administrators, and 321,000 full-time staff throughout the state, the Florida Department of Education enhances the economic self-sufficiency of Floridians through programs and services geared toward college, workforce education, apprenticeships, job-specific skills, and career development. The department manages programs that assist individuals who are blind, visually-impaired, or disabled succeed either in school settings or careers - encouraging independence and self-sufficiency