Summary
At FIU’s National Apprenticeship Week event, workforce leaders, employers, and apprentices gathered to highlight the power of apprenticeships in creating career pathways and building Miami’s future.
Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week with South Florida’s Leaders
On November 21, 2024, workforce development leaders, employers, educators, and apprentices gathered at Florida International University’s Ernest R. Graham Center for the Pathways to Success: The Power of Apprenticeships Luncheon.
Co-hosted by Miami-Dade County’s Office of Innovation & Economic Development, Miami EdTech, GoSprout, and FIU, this event highlighted the role of apprenticeships in shaping Miami’s workforce future.
With employers, apprenticeship advocates, and current apprentices in attendance, the discussion reinforced the importance of structured career pathways, skill-building, and economic mobility in South Florida.
Networking & Welcome Address
The event began with a networking session, where attendees connected over refreshments, exchanged insights, and formed new workforce partnerships.
At 11:30 AM, William Porro, Director of Workforce.Miami, delivered the welcome address, emphasizing the transformative power of apprenticeships and setting the stage for an afternoon of collaboration and action.
"Workforce development is about building real opportunities that lead to lifelong careers. Apprenticeships make that possible." – William Porro
Best Practices in Apprenticeships
Victoria Thomas, Director of Apprenticeship Programs, delivered an insightful keynote speech, sharing strategies for developing successful apprenticeship programs that align with real industry needs.
Key takeaways included:
✅ How businesses and educators can build strong apprenticeship partnerships.
✅ Why aligning apprenticeship training with workforce demands is essential.
✅ How apprenticeships help close Miami’s skills gap and create economic opportunities.
Understanding the Difference: Internship vs Apprenticeship
While the event focused heavily on apprenticeships, it’s important to understand how they differ from internships. Both offer hands-on experience, but apprenticeships are typically longer-term, paid, and include structured mentorship and education aligned with a specific career path.
If you’re wondering which approach is right for your organization or career goals, check out this helpful resource from GoSprout: Internship vs Apprenticeship.
"Apprenticeships help reach nontraditional students who still want to go to college; they just need a chance to work first, to help set them up for careers."
Her presentation provided actionable steps for employers and workforce leaders looking to establish sustainable apprenticeship programs.
The Future of Apprenticeship Management
A major highlight of the event was a presentation on GoSprout, a Miami-based workforce platform that simplifies apprenticeship management software.
Carlos Vazquez, Founder of Miami EdTech & GoSprout, explained how the platform helps colleges and businesses scale apprenticeship programs through:
✅ Streamlined registration & compliance tracking.
✅ Efficient apprentice progress monitoring & reporting.
✅ Employer engagement & program expansion
"We are making apprenticeships easier for employers to implement and scale. With GoSprout, managing apprenticeships doesn’t have to be complicated—it can be seamless and impactful."
The audience was eager to learn how technology can help remove barriers to launching and managing apprenticeship programs, making them more accessible than ever.
Apprenticeship Success Stories: Real People, Real Impact
One of the most inspiring moments of the event was hearing directly from current apprentices about their experiences.
- Maria Jose Sotillo, Miami EdTech Apprentice – Gained real-world experience in tech while earning industry certifications.
- Norbert Seals, Miami EdTech Apprentice – Developed technical skills and secured full-time employment through his apprenticeship.
Their personal stories reinforced why work-based learning is essential, offering both financial stability and professional growth.
"Apprenticeships gave me the chance to learn and grow in a way that traditional education never could."
Panel Discussion: Building a Stronger Workforce Through Apprenticeships
A panel discussion featuring FIU apprenticeship coordinators, industry leaders, and employers focused on:
✅ How businesses can integrate apprenticeships into their hiring strategy.
✅ Why apprenticeships are a win-win for both employers and job seekers.
✅ Steps to scale successful apprenticeship programs across industries.
"The apprenticeship model is a win-win: job seekers gain valuable experience while employers build a workforce tailored to their needs."
The discussion highlighted that Miami’s workforce challenges can be solved through strong partnerships between educators, businesses, and workforce organizations.
The impact of National Apprenticeship Week doesn’t end here.
📢 Are you an employer looking to create an apprenticeship program? A job seeker exploring career opportunities?
➡ Visit Workforce.Miami to:
✅ Learn how to start an apprenticeship program.
✅ Explore available apprenticeship opportunities.
✅ Connect with workforce leaders shaping Miami’s future.
Let’s continue building a stronger, more inclusive workforce for Miami-Dade! 🚀
