Regional Alignment Fuels Apprenticeship Momentum in Florida

On Thursday, April 30, 2026, employers, educators, community partners, and workforce leaders gathered for “Apprenticeship Works,” a collaborative summit presented by CareerSource Suncoast, CareerSource Tampa Bay, CareerSource Pasco Hernando, and CareerSource Polk, whose regions collectively serve workforce development across seven counties. This event was one of more than 28,000 nationwide events held during National Apprenticeship Week.

Throughout the summit, a common message emerged: the conversation around registered apprenticeships is no longer about proving their value, but about accelerating the momentum underway through an increasingly aligned workforce system. The continued growth of apprenticeships reflects the value they deliver to both employers and job seekers.

Apprenticeships as a Talent Development Strategy

President & CEO of CareerSource Florida, Adrienne Johnston, highlighted employers’ growing demand for talent aligned with their specific workforce needs and emphasized apprenticeships as a strategic tool to develop that talent.

“You’re in control of the curriculum. You’re in control of the skills being developed. As the employer, that is so important,” said Johnston.

CareerSource Tampa Bay President & CEO Keidrian Kunkel added that apprenticeships also serve as a proven retention model.

“Apprenticeships strengthen retention by immersing employees in a company’s culture from the beginning, helping build stronger commitment, loyalty, and long-term connection to the organization,” emphasized Kunkel.

Expanding Access to High-Quality Careers

Apprenticeships give job seekers hands-on experience, in-demand skills, and a wage while expanding access to high-quality careers.

Johnston underscored the life-changing potential of that pathway, stating, “To be able to see what your outcomes are going to be, to forecast that out and know exactly what you’re going to learn and what you’re going to earn while you’re doing both is irreplaceable.”

Florida’s Growing Apprenticeship Momentum

Since the 2018 to 2019 period, Johnston noted that Florida has seen a 70% increase in registered apprentices and nearly a 50% increase in registered apprenticeship programs statewide.

Johnston explained that apprenticeships are increasingly being used in industries where they were not traditionally common, including healthcare, while also becoming more accessible to employers of all sizes.

Florida’s growth reflects a broader national investment in apprenticeships as a long-term workforce development strategy.

National Investment in Apprenticeships

From a national perspective, Megan Baird, Acting Administrator of the Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship, discussed national efforts to expand apprenticeships.

She described the April 2025 executive order, “Preparing Americans for High-Paying Skilled Trade Jobs of the Future,” as reflecting the national emphasis on apprenticeships as a long-term workforce development strategy, with a goal of reaching one million new active apprenticeships.

Apprenticeship Expansion Requires a Unified Effort

Baird explained that while the federal government is supporting apprenticeship expansion, achieving the nation’s ambitious goals will require broader collaboration.

“Federal funding and policy alone will not be enough to get there in order to reach our ambitious one million goal. Workforce agencies and boards across all levels of government, apprenticeship sponsors, and educational institutions need to be united in their efforts supporting system expansion,” said Baird.

Regional Collaboration in Action

That emphasis on alignment was reflected throughout the summit, particularly through the collaboration between CareerSource Suncoast, CareerSource Tampa Bay, CareerSource Pasco Hernando, and CareerSource Polk.

Karmyn Hill, FloridaCommerce Bureau Chief for One-Stop Program and Support, highlighted the regional collaboration as an example of how coordinated workforce efforts can strengthen apprenticeship expansion.

Hill emphasized that this approach puts employers at the center of the process, with regional partners operating as a “unified front” to make the system more connected and easier to navigate.

A key component of this regional strength is Florida’s Apprenticeship Navigators, workforce experts recognized by both state and federal leaders for connecting workforce, education, and industry partners and guiding employers through the apprenticeship process.

Florida’s Growth Depends on Skilled Workers

That collaboration becomes increasingly important as Florida continues to experience rapid population and business growth, increasing the demand for skilled workers across industries.

Natasha Sherwood, Workforce Development Director for Independent Electrical Contractors, emphasized the growing economic importance of apprenticeships as demand for skilled workers rises across Florida.

“People are moving here. Businesses are moving here. Hospitals are moving here… And every bit of that takes skilled workers. You don’t build communities with ribbon cuttings alone,” said Sherwood.

Apprenticeship Success in Tampa Bay

The summit also highlighted the people directly impacted by apprenticeship opportunities. At the conclusion of the event, two apprentices from Bausch & Lomb’s Tampa Bay operations received certificates recognizing the completion of their apprenticeship programs, honoring both the apprentices’ hard work and the company’s investment in developing its workforce. Their success represented the collaboration and shared commitment discussed throughout the summit, while highlighting opportunities available through career pathways beyond the traditional four-year degree.

The future of our region and the continued growth of Florida’s economy depend on workforce, education, and industry continuing to work together to expand opportunity, strengthen talent pipelines, and invest in skilled workers.

Throughout the summit, the message was clear: apprenticeships are driving stronger business, expanding opportunities for workers, and supporting long-term economic growth.  

Get Connected to Apprenticeships: 

Karoline Guerrero, CareerSource Tampa Bay Apprenticeship Navigator
Email: [email protected]

Written by Sayler Gentry, Marketing & Communications Specialist at CareerSource Tampa Bay. 

Article featured at: Tampa Bay Business & Wealth Magazine

Sayler Gentry