(TAMPA, Fla., 4/1/22) – We are excited to share that Hillsborough Community College has received $1,575,000 to expand our registered apprenticeship and preapprenticeship programs; the largest amount awarded in the state. These monies were allocated through the Department of Educations’ Expansion of Registered Apprenticeship and Preapprenticeship (ERAP) Grant – a grant designed to offer public post-secondary organizations grant funds to start or expand registered apprenticeship and/or pre-apprenticeship programs that partner with small businesses.
Registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship training programs are a key component of Florida’s workforce education ecosystem. Registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship secure the best, most qualified workforce for Florida’s industries; they also provide students the ability to acquire advanced skills and knowledge so they can find meaningful work and accelerate in and enjoy productive careers.
"Florida has never seen a governor make so many strategic investments in workforce education that provides students with numerous opportunities to start and grow their careers, and businesses with such a large pool of highly qualified and talented individuals," said Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran. "This funding provides critical opportunities to grow Florida's highly-skilled workforce and I am thankful for Governor DeSantis' continued leadership to make Florida number one in the nation for workforce education."
“In partnership with the Florida Department of Education, we are thrilled to have received funding to expand our programs,” said John Meeks, Associate Vice President, Post Secondary Adult Vocational. “It’s important to us to continue paving the way for students to receive hands-on training that will better prepare them for their future careers.”
The ERAP Concept Pitch was designed to allow interested public post-secondary education agencies an opportunity to request ERAP funding by showcasing their existing programs and how they could be expanded with additional resources or by starting new high demand and middle to high wage apprenticeship or preapprenticeship programs. The ERAP Grant awarded 10.5 million in funding, supporting 11 colleges across Florida. Read more about the announcement here.
Hillsborough Community College serves more than 42,000 students annually at its five campuses located throughout Tampa Bay. For more information, visit hccfl.edu.
HCC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Visit hccfl.edu/accreditation for more information.