FloridaMakes announced on March 26 that it has been awarded a $600,000 Pathways Grant to expand apprenticeship opportunities for manufacturers in Florida.
The grant aims to help address workforce needs by supporting the upskilling of current employees and speeding up training for new hires. This initiative is intended to help manufacturers fill open positions and prepare their workforce for future growth.
Marcelo DosSantos, Director of Workforce Development at FloridaMakes, said, “This investment strengthens our ability to meet manufacturers where their workforce needs are today and position them for future growth.”
The apprenticeships offered by FloridaMakes combine structured on-the-job training with industry-recognized technical instruction. According to DosSantos, “Our apprenticeship programs give Florida manufacturers a no-cost, turnkey solution to upskill both new hires and existing employees.” These programs are designed to elevate frontline workers into higher-skill roles while reducing turnover and building a more resilient workforce.
FloridaMakes will partner with organizations such as Samaritan Center and Elevance Health to support recruitment efforts. By connecting manufacturers with job-ready candidates through these partnerships, the organization seeks to strengthen talent pipelines while focusing on skills development and workforce stability.
