ORLANDO, Fla. – This week marks 10 years of National Apprenticeship Week, an annual event that showcases how “Registered Apprenticeship” improves career pathways and brings life-changing impacts to jobseekers and employers alike.
To celebrate in Central Florida, Orange Technical College’s South Campus hosted a Registered Apprenticeship Student Showcase on Thursday. The showcase, attended by 500 students from Orange and Osceola counties, connected youth with industry professionals from over 15 trades, ranging from electricians to ironworkers.
For Evans High School senior Joshua Brinson, the event provided clarity about future opportunities.
“I’m seeing a lot of opportunities,” Brinson said. “I like what they got going on. I never thought I would be interested in being an electrician.”
For many students, the interactive demonstrations revealed unexpected career possibilities. Windermere High School’s Allison Louisdor found herself captivated by a concrete demonstration.
“I found it exciting, honestly,” she said. “It’s something new to me. At first, I was a little anxious, but then I realized it’s fun.”
The event showcased the unique benefits of registered apprenticeship programs, which combine on-the-job training, classroom instruction, and a guaranteed wage. Apprentices graduate as certified journeyworkers, with credentials recognized nationwide. For many, this offers a viable alternative to college.
“Apprenticeships are hidden gems,” said Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa. “You’re earning while you’re learning, and you leave with a trade that can absolutely could be carried throughout pretty much any state.”
Florida is home to hundreds of registered apprenticeship programs, including 50 in Central Florida alone. One notable program is Orlando’s Ironworkers Local 808, where apprentices train for free and earn competitive pay with benefits. Richard Watford, the program’s apprentice coordinator, emphasized the lack of tuition costs as a game-changer.
“Zero tuition. That’s the hugest thing,” he said. “We’re going to teach you a trade, pay you great benefits, insurance, and retirement with no cost to you.”
Watford also spoke about the legacy of working in the trades, reflecting on his contributions to iconic Orlando attractions. “Getting to say I built the VelociCoaster, I built the Mummy Coaster, I built Dueling Dragons, I built Men in Black, I built Toy Story — all those jobs I was a part of. That is something that nobody can ever take from you,” he said. “Your name, your signature is on Orlando, Florida.”
Christian Rodriguez, political coordinator for Ironworkers Local 808, shared the immediate benefits members experience when joining the union.
“I just had one member tell me this is amazing because, looking at their pension and annuity statements, they saw their retirement,” Rodriguez said. “Being an older feller, he said, ‘I should have joined sooner because now I’m going to retire with something.’”
Rodriguez told News 6 that they are actively recruiting experienced professionals ready to upgrade their careers. He stressed that with union membership, you get health insurance, a great pension and the potential for rapid career growth.
“One member just came in a year ago, and now he’s a foreman,” he said. “With his experience, he was able to come in and flourish a lot faster.”
Watford agreed that being a member provides ample opportunity for growth. “We have 43 contractors that work for us alone as the ironworkers. And at each one of those companies, you can always make it to job steward, a foreman, general foreman, superintendent and even possibly your own business owner one day,” he said.
If you are interested in applying for the Local 808 apprenticeship program, or becoming a member of their union, go to ironworkers808.com or call 407-859-0321 ext. 19.
Orange Technical College also has a list of registered apprenticeship programs in the area HERE.
CareerSource Central Florida also has a list of apprentice programs on its website.
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