SJC Celebrates Apprenticeship Week, Strengthening Workforce Through Hands-On Training

• 1 May 2026
• Category: Economic Prosperity Community Well-Being SJC News Economic Development
• Tags: 2026

Local businesses, education partners, and County programs expand career pathways and build a skilled talent pipeline across Northeast Florida

Key Takeaways

• Workforce Development: Apprenticeships provide hands-on, paid training that equips individuals with in-demand skills.
• Business Investment: Local employers are actively building a strong, reliable talent pipeline.
• Economic Growth: These programs support long-term economic vitality by bridging skill gaps across key industries.

St. Johns County is proud to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, recognizing the impact of hands-on learning and the local businesses that make these opportunities possible.

Apprenticeship Week is a time to recognize the impact of hands-on learning and to thank the St. Johns County businesses that make it possible. Through these opportunities, local employers are training the next generation of talent, creating meaningful career pathways, and strengthening the County’s workforce.

Across industries such as construction, manufacturing, healthcare, and professional services, businesses throughout the community continue to invest in people. Programs like the Ring Power Career Training Program highlight how private-sector leaders are developing skilled talent through structured, paid, hands-on experience. Locally, St. Johns County is also leading by example through its own apprenticeship initiatives, the Utility Department’s SCADA Apprenticeship and Administration’s Student Shadow Program, and creating pathways for individuals to enter public service careers while gaining practical, on-the-job training.

St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce Senior Vice President of Economic Development Scott Maynard emphasized the importance of collaboration between employers and educators.

“Employer engagement is key to having an effective apprenticeship program,” Maynard said. “The Chamber partners with our local educational institutions at all levels and employers in our region to foster long-term mutually beneficial relationships that support the alignment of education objectives with workforce needs. This, along with support from other regional partners, creates a win-win for everyone.”

CareerSource Northeast Florida (CareerSource NEFL) continues to assist local companies by working with the Florida Department of Education to help them create certified apprenticeship programs in St. Johns County and across northeast Florida. The organization also provides customized training dollars to help underwrite the costs of training apprentices at many organizations.

“To meet the need for more surgical technologists, UF Health St. Johns coordinated with us to receive state approval and launch the first apprenticeship program for surgical technologists in Northeast Florida,” said Doreen Lund, CareerSource NEFL Apprenticeship Navigator. “So far, 10 people have received training and graduated from the program, receiving new skills and higher wages in the process.

These programs provide individuals with valuable, paid experience while helping employers build a skilled and reliable talent pipeline tailored to their needs. Each apprenticeship represents a commitment to long-term economic vitality, helping to bridge skill gaps and support sustainable growth across St. Johns County.

St. Johns County extends its sincere appreciation to the businesses and partners leading this effort. Their investment in workforce development is helping shape a stronger, more resilient future for the community and furthers the St. Johns County Strategic Plan priorities of Community Well-Being and Economic Prosperity.