December CTAE Newsletter

WELCOME letter

Last month we celebrated National Apprenticeship Week, a nationwide celebration of the successes and value of Registered Apprenticeship. Events were held throughout the state and nation to showcase Registered Apprenticeship and the difference it makes in the lives of our learners. As we close out the year, I ask you to reflect upon how we, as workforce educators, can make use of the Registered Apprenticeship model to build our future workforce.

The past couple of years have presented many challenges that have affected the workforce landscape. The pandemic strained employees in many industries including healthcare, education, and hospitality. For many workers, this presented a time to reevaluate their careers and subsequently, led to the Great Resignation. Overseas factory shutdowns led to supply-chain issues that caused loss of productivity. And recently, Florida has suffered catastrophic damage from Hurricanes Ian and Nicole, which will demand jobs in construction trades for rebuilding efforts.

Kathryn Wheeler Director of Apprenticesihp

Registered Apprenticeship is a proven and industry-driven training model that provides a critical talent pipeline to help address Florida’s pressing workforce challenges such as responding to critical teacher shortages, supporting a sustainable healthcare workforce, addressing supply chain demands, and rebuilding communities. The Registered Apprenticeship model presents an opportunity for our society to rethink how we educate, train, and sustain our workforce. It is mutually beneficial for both employees and employers. From recent high school graduates to transitioning veterans to incumbent workers and career changers, this training model allows employees, at all career stages, to skill up while earning a living wage and avoiding student loan debt. Employers benefit from the productivity, cost savings, and retention rates associated with this customizable talent development solution.

Our workforce education partners are uniquely positioned to be on the cutting edge of this re-envisioning of postsecondary education. Together, we can build career pathways in both traditional construction trades and in emerging industries such as education, law enforcement, cybersecurity, healthcare, and finance. From existing Career and Technical Education programs, school districts can develop Registered Preapprenticeship Programs that articulate into Registered Apprenticeship Programs. Local education agencies can sponsor Registered Apprenticeship Programs for groups of participating employers and can provide related technical instruction. Colleges can use the Registered Apprenticeship model within, and in conjunction to, existing degree programs to make higher education more accessible to a larger population while responding to Florida’s critical workforce demands.

Our school districts, Technical Colleges, and State Colleges can empower students and help resolve our worker shortages. Together, our workforce education partners can connect learners to careers in Florida’s most indemand industries, and we can use Registered Apprenticeship to get there.

Kathryn Wheeler Director of Apprenticeship

Ace of florida students of the year

Each year, adult education programs around Florida submit nominations to ACE of Florida for selection as Adult Education Sunshine Success Stories. The Sunshine Success Stories identifies learners who have reached their life goals because of their participation in Florida’s adult education system.

Yodit Habtu

Yodit Habtu came to the United States in 2013 from Eritrea, Africa with an 11th grade education, limited English proficiency and the responsibilities of a mother and wife. Wanting a better life for her and her family, she understood the importance of learning English to be successful in work, life, and community. She enrolled as an ESOL student at the Adult Learning Center Osceola (ALCO) and her educational journey began.

Yodit had to take many breaks in her journey with her responsibilities as a mother, wife, and income earner. She also had the challenges of adjusting to life in a new cultural setting as well as providing financial support for her parents back in Africa. Through all that, she never wavered in her commitment to better herself.

Yodit’s ten-year journey has resulted in her successfully completing ALCO’s ESOL program and moving on to earn her high school diploma. Yodit is now enrolled in the Pharmacy Technician Program at Osceola Technical College and is now able to support her children with their school work and show them the value of hard work and the importance of an education. She is an example of an adult learner’s challenges, responsibilities and their endurance and tenacity in pursuing their goals.

Ace of florida students of the year

Each year, adult education programs around Florida submit nominations to ACE of Florida for selection as Adult Education Sunshine Success Stories. The Sunshine Success Stories identifies learners who have reached their life goals because of their participation in Florida’s adult education system.

David Maxwell

David Maxwell‘s success story is one of overcoming the unexpected hard times life can throw at a person. David had been a stay-at-home dad for years when his three boys lost their mother and he, his wife. He suddenly had the seemingly overwhelming responsibility of rebuilding a family that had lost everything. Because David had been taking care of the children, he had been out of the workforce for years. David had never completed high school, further complicating his return to the workforce.

Like many adult learners returning to school after an extended time away, David entered the Adult Learning Center Osceola (ALCO) with a great deal of insecurity and fear of the unknown lying ahead. David found, as do all the other students coming to adult education programs around Florida, a caring nurturing faculty whose only goal was David’s success.

David’s determination paid off and in January 2022, he graduated with his high school diploma. With that success achieved, David wanted more. He took and passed the paraprofessional test and became a paraprofessional at Chestnut Elementary School in Osceola County. He is now serving as a Behavioral Specialist at Chestnut.

Ace of Florida staff of the year

Administrator of the year

Fred Barch

The ACE of Florida John E. Lawrence Administrator of the Year Award is given annually to an administrator who not only displays outstanding leadership in the field of adult education, but who has made a lasting impact on the students, schools, and programs they represent. This year’s recipient of the ACE of Florida’s Administrator of the Year Award is Palm Beach County Schools District’s Adult Education Director, Fred Barch.

Fred began his career in education as a high school science teacher. Over his 30 years he served as the district science curriculum manager, principal of an elementary and community high school, school district principal, and in 2017 was appointed as the District Director for Adult Community and Workforce Education. He now supervises 28 community school centers, four technical adult education centers and one virtual academy.

Fred is a skilled collaborator and has put in place strong partnerships that assist many high needs students with tuition, since assuming his current role. Fred has worked with school and district leaders to dramatically improve operational issues as well as improving the climate and culture in all the schools he now supervises, while overseeing the construction and opening of a new technical education center.

Ace of Florida staff of the year

Teacher of the year

Karen

Hagerty

Karen Hagerty is quoted as saying, “I love that every week, strangers who will no doubt change my life for the better decide to enroll in classes not knowing what to expect. While I am always aware that what I do changes my students lives, what they don’t know is that I’m far more blessed having met them.”

Karen serves as a lead GED teacher, online teacher, professional development leader and new teacher trainer at East Area Adult School. In her 21st year of teaching, she is responsible for more than 50% of the schools GEDs. In 21/22 she singlehandedly generated 53% of her schools’ diplomas.

As testament to her willingness to do whatever it takes to help her student succeed, during the pandemic, Karen drove packets all around Polk County to her students that did not have computer access to make sure they would not fall behind in their studies.

Karen established a relationship with a local food pantry to provide students with access to food and clothing not only for themselves but for their families as well. Her administrator at East Area Adult School describes her as a “servant leader devoted to the betterment of students of all ages. She is without a doubt an angel in the eyes of those she educates.”

Program Highlight

Student Learns Valuable Skills Through Aircraft Electrician Apprenticeship Program

Submitted by St. Johns River State College

Shannon Beechum is living her dream of becoming an aircraft electrician, thanks to a partnership between St. Johns River State College (SJR State) and Fleet Readiness Center Southeast (FRCSE).

Created to prepare artisans for the future, the apprentice program involves four years of intensive training in a skilled trade in areas such as aircraft electricians, aircraft mechanics, electronics mechanics, machinists, painters, pneudraulic systems mechanics and sheet metal mechanics. Beechum chose the aircraft electrician track because of her interest in airplanes and how they work. She initially planned to pursue her career goals by enlisting in the military; however, she said that the FRCSE apprenticeship program is a similar path.

In addition to living her career dream, another plus for Beechum is the daily, relatable conversations she has about the apprenticeship program with her dad, Terry, who retired from FRCSE after working for the company for nearly 40 years.

He introduced his daughter to the apprenticeship, and Beechum said it’s hard to put into words what it means to her to be following in her dad’s footsteps.

As part of the apprenticeship program, Beechum has completed 18 free credit hours of classroom training at SJR State and is now involved in fulltime, hands-on training at FRCSE located at the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville.

Shannon, which phase of the apprenticeship program are you currently in?

I’m in the final phase of the apprenticeship program, where I rotate around different aircraft lines every few months to train specifically on each bird to gain some knowledge and hands-on experience. I will be doing this for the next year and a half.

Why is this program so special to you?

I’m doing exactly what I wanted to do, and I got paid to go to school. It’s unbelievable. It’s a blessing.

“I can’t even describe the level of joy I’m feeling doing something that I know my dad’s so proud of.”

What are you enjoying most about your training?

My current role as an apprentice on the floor gives me the freedom to learn by myself and with others to enhance my knowledge on things I didn’t know before or think that I could do. Every day, I’m guided by an artisan who’s already out on the aircraft line and has experience on the specific airplane, and we tackle situations one-on-one.

It’s rewarding to be able to gain the trust of the artisans who see great potential in me and give me the opportunity to perform tasks by myself, or to work side by side with them. I’ve gained so many friendships on the floor with people who have supported me along the way, and I thank everyone who has shaped me into who I am today as an apprentice. I wouldn’t be where I am without their guidance.

What are your career plans for the near future?

Eventually, in a few years, I’d like to apply for a management position, but for now I’m set on trying to perfect my skills and learn as much as I can on the floor as an aircraft electrician.

The Fleet Readiness Center Southeast Apprenticeship Program is a comprehensive training program developed in accordance with U.S. Department of Labor standards, which consists of practical experience supplemented by related training and/or education in the theories and principles employed in the work of a skilled trade.

Students who are selected for the program begin at a rate of $15.60 an hour and are guaranteed a federal job upon completion of the program. Apprentices earn an average of about $42,000 per year over the four years they are in the program, in addition to benefits and having all tuition and fees paid for by the program.

For more information about SJR State’s partnership with Fleet Readiness Center Southeast Apprenticeship Program, visit https://sjrstate.edu/fleet_readiness.html

NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK

For businesses to stay competitive, they must make strong hires, but many Florida employers are struggling to find talented applicants to fill high-skill jobs. With talent in short supply, it’s critical that employers innovate to recruit and retain talent. Through apprenticeship, businesses can custom train hand-picked workers, leading to reduced turnover, increased productivity and proven return on investment.

Apprentice Florida stands ready to help your business learn about apprenticeships, identify sources of funding to make your vision a reality, and custom build a program that meets your exact needs.

Read the full proclamation here: bit.ly/3Ex88m9

Program highlight

Apprenticeship at the Electrical Training Alliance of Jacksonville

The Electrical Training Alliance of Jacksonville

The Electrical Training Alliance of Jacksonville (ETAJ) produces the most highly skilled electrical apprentices and journey worker professionals in the electrical industry. ETAJ is affiliated with the National Electrical Training Alliance, the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).

ETAJ develops enhanced national education standards to meet the competitive challenges of today’s global market economy. In addition to receiving skill training on the job, each student is provided with trade-related classroom training that produces confidence and pride that leads to true craftsmanship. Classes with hands-on training are conducted to support classroom lectures and discussions.

Once accepted into the program, apprentices will gain 5 years of on-the-job experience. Our apprentices become industry certified per OSHA standards, learn the latest advancements in electrical construction technology and are committed to service excellence.

Learn more about ETAJ here: www.etajax.org or watch their overview video by clicking below.

Student Interview

High School High Tech Student Interview: Get

There

and Career & Technical Education

In partnership between Able Trust and the Florida Department of Education

Recently Chancellor Kevin O’Farrell sat down at Lively Technical College with a Career and Technical Education student from Wakulla High School thanks to a partnership with Able Trust. Edgar Caquimbo shared all about his experience in the High School High Tech Automotive program at Wakulla High.

High school CTE programs like the one Edgar is enrolled in can make such an impact on their lives, and he shared that he will be graduating high school with at least three certifications in the automotive field! This allows Edgar and other students like him to have a head start when it comes to finding a fulfilling career after graduation.

Watch the full interview by clicking below:

The Future of Work Florida, a proponent of Get There, will galvanize support for career and technical education as the solution to our workforce crisis. The Future of Work Florida will proclaim to businesses, parents and students that Florida has a dynamic, long-term plan to fuel the future. The Future of Work Florida was created to bring together job creators, industry leaders and partners to showcase the careers of the future and the industries with growth potential. Workforce education will propel us there — faster, farther.

We have developed resources that you can utilize when sharing on your social media channels, educating students on different career paths and speaking to parents about the next steps for their students. The following resources are linked below:

When it comes to education, not everyone takes the traditional path. Students withdraw from high school before obtaining their diploma. Adults who arrive in America often held prosperous careers in their countries and now aspire to use English like any other American. These students’ ages, skills and circumstances vary, but they have a common home where they can pursue lifelong, life-changing learning: Florida’s Adult Education programs.

Florida’s adult educators strive to help students elevate their earning potential. They customize classroom settings, create community and instill confidence — anything to help students overcome barriers. And these educators bring equal parts passion, compassion and hope with every message of opportunity:

It is never too late. We believe in you. Do you? When there’s a will, there’s a way. Your Way.

We encourage you to download the logos and brand and style guide and start sharing in your network. More coming soon! The following resources are linked below:

Your Way Logos and Brand and Style Guide

recent news

Governor Ron DeSantis Awards $8.7 Million for Hurricane Ian Recovery Efforts and Workforce Education

MATLACHA, Fla., November 16, 2022 — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis awarded $7.7 million through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grant program and the Job Growth Grant Fund (JGGF) to support a large-scale rapid credentialing effort between three state colleges, two technical colleges, and Local Workforce Development Boards (LWDBs). Read more: bit. ly/3EGozwq

Florida Ranks #1 in the Nation for Attracting and Developing Skilled Workforce

Tallahassee, Fla., November 8, 2022 — Florida’s focus on training workers with the technical skills and credentials is paying off as the Sunshine State has been named number one in the U.S. for attracting and developing a skilled workforce. Read more: bit.ly/3E5TjWg

Governor Ron DeSantis Awards $2.7 Million for Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs to

Tallahassee, Fla,. October 28, 2022 – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis awarded more than $2.7 million to help 28 school districts and state colleges purchase industry standard equipment for career and technical education (CTE) programs across Florida. Read more: bit.ly/3UGFlkB

Avon Park, Fla., October 25, 2022 — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis awarded $9 million to support workforce education programs in high-demand fields across the state, with a focus on serving professions and Floridians impacted by Hurricane Ian. Read more: bit.ly/3AhF0g8

Governor Ron DeSantis Awards $9 Million to Three State Colleges Serving Floridians Impacted by Hurricane Ian

SOCIAL MEDIA shoutouts

upcoming events

International Day of Veterinary Medicine - December 9

National Braille Literacy Month - January

World Braille Day - January 4

National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day - January 9

National Pharmacist Day - January 12