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 will host a Public Registered Apprenticeship Showcase on Thursday, Nov. 21. The event aims to connect aspiring tradespeople with experts across 15 high-demand fields. It will feature hands-on demonstrations and insights into the career opportunities that apprenticeships can offer.
Orlando’s own Ironworkers Local 808 union is part of this nationwide recruitment effort. Apprentice Coordinator Richard Watford emphasized to News 6 the unique financial advantages of apprenticeships.
“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.”
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For high school graduates, or people looking for a career change but with no experience, the Local 808 apprenticeship program lasts about four years. So, the duration is similar to a college, but as Watford mentioned, there is no cost to the student.
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 remarked. “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.
The Registered Apprenticeship General Public Showcase takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Orange Technical College’s South Campus in Orlando. Attendees will have the chance to meet industry professionals, participate in hands-on demonstrations, and learn how apprenticeships can lead to stable careers with strong financial and personal benefits.
If you cannot make it to the event but 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.
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