Apprenticeship-to-Career Empowerment (ACE Program)

The Apprenticeship-to-Career Empowerment (ACE) Program is an Earn & Learn workforce training model that combines short-term occupational skills training with paid, hands-on work experience.

Through ACE, CareerSource Tampa Bay (CSTB) works with local businesses to address workforce needs while helping eligible young adults develop the skills and experience needed to launch their careers.

Participants receive classroom-based occupational skills training while gaining paid, hands-on work experience with a local employer. The program is designed to connect young adults with employers and career pathways in high-demand industries, including Information Technology (IT), Healthcare, and Skilled Trades.

Eligibility Requirements

To participate in the ACE Program, applicants must:

• Be 18–29 years of age
• Be a Hillsborough County resident
• Meet U.S. citizenship or employment authorization requirements
• Meet applicable Selective Service registration requirements for males born after December 31, 1959
• Meet low-income eligibility requirements based on ACE income guidelines

View ACE Income Guidelines

Ready to Get Started?

Complete the ACE prescreen to begin the registration and eligibility process.

Complete the ACE Prescreen Form

Why ACE?

Earn while you learn.

ACE gives young adults the opportunity to build their skills, earn an industry-recognized credential, gain real-world work experience, and develop connections with local employers.

Through classroom-based training and paid work experience, participants can:

• Develop skills aligned with in-demand careers
• Earn an industry-recognized credential
• Gain valuable hands-on work experience
• Build their resume and professional network
• Connect with local employers
• Explore pathways to long-term employment and career advancement

ACE is an Earn & Learn workforce training program and is not a Registered Apprenticeship. While ACE may provide participants with training and paid work experience, it is a separate workforce training model and should not be confused with or represented as a Registered Apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship program.

Participants who are interested in pursuing an apprenticeship may separately explore apprenticeship opportunities available through employers, training providers, and community partners. Those programs are separate from ACE and may have additional eligibility requirements, application processes, and program requirements.

Explore Apprenticeship Opportunities

Have questions?

If you have any questions about the Apprenticeship-to-Career Empowerment (ACE) program, please email [email protected]