US Department of Labor awards $40 million to expand apprenticeships in Florida

FloridaCommerce announced Florida has been awarded $40 million by the U.S. Department of Labor to support nationwide efforts to expand apprenticeships in the defense industrial base, shipbuilding and maritime manufacturing sectors—with nearly 80 partners across the state offering Letters of Support for this new program.

“Thank you to Acting Secretary Keith Sonderling and the U.S. Department of Labor for supporting Florida’s efforts to expand our maritime industrial base by driving talent development across our martime and defense sectors,” said Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “Home to 16 deepwater seaports and 21 major military installations, and ranked the #1 state in the nation for workforce development, maritime industrial base jobs, and ship- and boat-building establishments, Florida is uniquely positioned to support our nation’s efforts to develop the high-skill talent across these critical industries—bolstering job growth while supporting our national defense.”

“This investment reinforces Florida’s leadership in developing the skilled talent needed to support our nation’s maritime and defense industries,” said CareerSource Florida President and CEO Adrienne Johnston. “CareerSource Florida is honored to partner with FloridaCommerce, the U.S. Department of Labor and industry leaders to expand Registered Apprenticeship opportunities that prepare workers for high-demand, high-wage careers, help employers build the talent pipeline they need to grow, and strengthen America’s maritime workforce. Building on Florida’s #1 ranking for talent development and attraction by Lightcast, we stand ready to lead the nation in this endeavor—creating lasting economic opportunity for Floridians and the United States.”

Florida’s $40 million award is part of a larger effort through the U.S. Department of Labor to align workforce and talent development with the Trump administration’s America’s Talent Strategy  and its goal of reaching and surpassing 1 million new active apprentices nationwide.

Nearly 80 Letters of Support for the program were submitted on behalf of FloridaCommerce by private sector and non-profit stakeholders, elected officials, state agencies, educational institutions—including school districts, state colleges and universities—and economic and workforce development partners.