Florida’s Apprenticeship Programs Lead the Nation: A Visit to Ring Power Corporation
St. Augustine, Fla., April 30, 2026 – The emphasis on fostering workforce education in Florida reached a new milestone during Apprenticeship Week, highlighted by Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas’s visit to Ring Power Corporation. The company’s commitment to developing skilled workers is evident in its support of 52 registered apprentices across Diesel Engine and Heavy Equipment Technician programs. These apprenticeships offer paid, practical training coupled with industry-recognized skills.
“Florida continues to lead the nation in workforce education because we have prioritized programs that deliver real opportunities for students and meet the needs of employers,” stated Commissioner Kamoutsas. He emphasized the role of apprenticeships in building fruitful careers for Floridians while bolstering the state’s economy.
During the visit, the Commissioner engaged with apprentices and industry leaders, observing the “earn-while-you-learn” model in action. This model is instrumental in preparing students for lucrative and in-demand careers, reinforcing the significance of collaboration between educational institutions and industries in Florida.
Under Governor Ron DeSantis’s leadership, there’s been a concerted effort to align Florida’s workforce with its educational systems. This has been evident in the Apprentice Florida initiative, a collaboration involving the Florida Department of Education, CareerSource Florida, and FloridaCommerce, aimed at assisting businesses in creating apprenticeship programs essential for the state’s economic sectors.
“Thanks to Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida has made record investments in workforce education, including into programs like apprenticeship which build a skill-driven relationship between job seeker and job creator,” remarked Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. He highlighted Florida’s achievement in talent development and recruitment, attributing it to employer and industry-centric workforce education programs.
“Florida’s workforce system is strongest when education and industry move together with a shared purpose,” said CareerSource Florida President and CEO Adrienne Johnston. She pointed out the role of apprenticeships in bridging this connection, thereby enhancing opportunities for Floridians and meeting workforce demands in crucial sectors.
Florida is setting the standard for workforce development by focusing on tangible skills, rewarding careers, and expanding opportunities. For more information on apprenticeships, visit apprenticefl.com. Access the complete 2024-2025 Annual Apprenticeship Report at www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/research-evaluation/annual-app-reports.stml.
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