Peter Dyga, president and CEO of ABC Florida East Coast Chapter, says problems are rising in the state for skilled workers as Florida is projected to require 100,000 new construction workers by 2026 to meet Florida’s booming and population growth.
“We are trying to achieve this through a program called “Construction Apprentice.”
Florida’s registered apprenticeship program offers hands-on training combined with classroom education in high-demand transactions such as construction, HVAC, plumbing and electrical work. This is a unique program because apprentices need to be hired to enter the program. They benefit employers and apprentices.
ABC says so far it has been a success for apprentices to graduate from the program with $0 debt while earning a salary while earning an apprentice’s salary.
The program has been popular with apprentices, seeing a 21% increase from 2023 to 2024.
Dyga believes Florida leaders do an amazing job prioritizing this as a viable path to success.
“State officials are investing in the program and working to improve the program each year to make it more accessible,” Dyga said.
Also, apprentices are a great first choice for postsecondary education. Individuals learn about high demand trading, gain experience in addressing real-world challenges, and have a better understanding of Florida safety standards.
Apprenticeship programs are required to partner with local educational institutions, such as kindergarten to high school districts and state universities.
Congress has adequate funding for these programs. However, recently, local educational institutions have found that even if the funds are intended to be sent directly to registered students, they can pocket up to 60% of the state’s funding from apprenticeship training and education.
The ABC says it’s time to directly support apprentices and their training and concentrate their funds where they belong.
Florida’s ABC, the state’s largest commercial construction association, represents more than 2,500 contractors, peers and suppliers. As the “voice of commercial construction,” it advocates the free enterprise and merit-based project award. Florida’s ABC is governed by a board of directors with representatives from five regional branches, supporting an open and competitive construction market.
