BROWARD COUNTY, FL -The Board of County Commissioners presented a Proclamation at the November 16th Commission meeting recognizing National Apprenticeship Week which runs now through November 21st. The County will honor construction apprenticeship programs that contribute to building a pipeline of high-quality and skilled workers for the future of our economy.

Construction companies doing business with the County are required to use apprentices under a program introduced by Mayor Steve Geller and approved by the County Commission. The program began on April 5, 2021 and requires that 12% of labor hours on County-funded construction projects be performed by apprentices. "My number one priority is to create high-paying jobs in Broward County. There is a shortage of skilled labor for construction projects and this program creates opportunities for training and employment," said Mayor Geller. The requirement applies to construction projects valued over $5 million. Apprenticeship programs must be registered with the Florida Department of Education to qualify.

Apprenticeships offer paid, relevant workplace experience while acquiring the skills and credentials that employers value. Apprentices earn a paycheck while learning from day one, and gain workplace-relevant skills in the field of their choice. Ninety-Five percent of apprentices retain employment after completing an apprenticeship program.

Mayor Geller will be holding a trade meeting with educators and employers to promote the apprenticeship program on November 18th as there are more than 72 million apprentice job openings in the workforce nationwide. "Many of the vacancies remain unfilled because companies cannot find people with the right skills or trades," said Sandy Michael McDonald, the Director of the Office of Economic and Small Business Development (OESBD). OESBD coordinates the County's Construction Apprenticeship Program with the intent to support, build relationships and educate the public and community partners about available opportunities within the construction industry. 

Now in its seventh year, National Apprenticeship Week is a nationwide celebration established by the U.S. Department of Labor that brings together leaders in business, labor and education to showcase the impact apprenticeship programs have on addressing the U.S. skills gap and preparing the American workforce for the jobs of today and tomorrow.

About Broward County's Office of Economic and Small Business Development Division (OESBD)

The Office of Economic and Small Business Development (OESBD) is responsible for enhancing Broward County's economy by recruiting new and supporting existing industries and creating new employment opportunities for residents. Working collaboratively with key partners, OESBD's mission is to promote job growth, diversify the County's industrial mix, and expand the local tax base.

DATE: November 16, 2021

MEDIA CONTACT: Maribel Feliciano, AICP, Assistant Director

Office of Economic and Small Business Development

954-357-6761- Office

954.770.0749- Mobile

mfeliciano@broward.org