Florida Announces Record Growth in Apprenticeship Programs for 2026

January 27, 2026

FDOE Press Office

850-245-0413

Florida’s Apprenticeship Programs Reach New Milestones

~ Significant advancements marked under Governor Ron DeSantis’ leadership ~

Tallahassee, Fla., January 27, 2026 – Commencing Workforce Day at the Capitol, Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas of the Florida Department of Education heralded unprecedented growth in the state’s Registered Apprenticeship System. The latest report for 2024-2025 underscores Florida’s prominence in workforce education, noting the presence of over 25,000 active apprentices and pre-apprentices. Over the last year, more than 2,200 apprentices concluded their training, with an impressive average hourly wage of nearly $28 post-completion. The state also witnessed an 11% rise in active apprentices and preapprentices, contributing to a striking 70% surge in registered apprentices since Governor DeSantis assumed office.

“These record apprenticeship and preapprenticeship numbers reflect the incredible success of Florida’s approach to workforce education,” stated Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas. “Governor DeSantis’ vision for expanding career and technical education has created life-changing opportunities for Floridians to learn, earn and advance in high-demand industries.”

Significant findings from the 2024–2025 report include:

11% rise in active apprentices and preapprentices.

4% growth in registered apprenticeship and preapprenticeship programs.

Introduction of 43 new apprenticeship programs, totaling 344 active programs.

2,262 apprentices completed their programs, with an average exit wage of $27.91 per hour, equating to an annual salary of $58,058.

The period before Governor Ron DeSantis saw limited new apprenticeship registrations annually. However, in the past six years, Florida’s apprenticeship landscape has undergone substantial transformation:

70% growth in registered apprentices.

49% increase in registered apprenticeship programs.

112% rise in registered preapprenticeship programs.

57% expansion in total apprenticeship and preapprenticeship programs.

153% increase in apprenticeable occupations.

Florida’s commitment to enhancing apprenticeship opportunities is evident through initiatives such as the Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant. To date, $105 million has been allocated, funding over 350 proposals and benefiting more than 20,000 participants. This initiative ensures that students across Florida gain access to effective training models, benefiting both job seekers and businesses through comprehensive apprenticeship and preapprenticeship programs.

For further details on apprenticeship opportunities, please visit apprenticefl.com. To access the complete 2024-2025 Annual Apprenticeship Report, visit www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/research-evaluation/annual-app-reports.stml.