Seminole State receives $1.5 million to expand apprenticeship programs

Seminole State College is one of 11 Florida College System institutions to receive funding from the Florida Department of Education Expansion of Registered Apprenticeship and Pre-apprenticeship (ERAP) Grant. The program is designed to offer public post-secondary organizations grant funds to start or expand registered apprenticeship and/or pre-apprenticeship programs that partner with small businesses.

Seminole State was awarded $1,506,879 and will serve as the lead institution for the 2021-2023 ERAP initiative. As project lead, Seminole State will coordinate efforts to identify and select qualified educational institutions within the state possessing the capability to develop and/or expand registered apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship programs that address regional demand. 

Seminole State will use its $1.5 million award to expand its current Registered Apprenticeship in Automated Fire Sprinkler (FAST) which operates under a traditional/concurrent apprenticeship model, and develop a new Registered Apprenticeship program in Electrical/Networking to support industry need in coordination with regional contractor-partners.   

“This funding provides critical opportunities to grow Florida’s highly-skilled workforce,” said Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran.  “I am thankful for Governor DeSantis’ continued leadership to make Florida number one in the nation for workforce education.”

“Seminole State College is committed to supporting and administering the ERAP Grant program," said Dr. Georgia L. Lorenz, president of Seminole State College. "We are thankful for the chance to do our part to support and grow a highly-skilled workforce across the state." 

Registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship training programs are a key component of Florida’s workforce education ecosystem. Registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship secure the best, most qualified workforce for Florida’s industries; they also provide students the ability to acquire advanced skills and knowledge so they can find meaningful work and accelerate in and enjoy productive careers.