The NWFSC Apprenticeship program has received support from the Youth Apprenticeship Readiness Grant (YARG) for the past three and a half years. Regrettably, this initiative is scheduled to conclude on June 30, 2024. Consequently, due to the imminent conclusion of the Grant, the NWFSC apprenticeship program will no longer be accepting new students. We will continue to support the ongoing coursework through the Spring 2024 semester for currently enrolled apprentice students and are committed to ensuring a seamless transition during this period of change.
Hands on learning for your future career
NWFSC is committed to helping our community and businesses attract and retain a talented, vibrant and skilled workforce. We offer apprenticeships in construction trades, hospitality and manufacturing. The program blends classroom instruction and on-the-job training to provide business and employees world-class training while leading to employer recruiting and retention and giving employees tangible skills and certifications to better their careers.
Apprenticeships are an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce and individuals can obtain paid work experience, classroom instruction and a nationally-recognized, portable credential.
The length of an apprenticeship program can vary depending on the employer, complexity of the occupation, industry and type of program.
Tuition: There is no cost to the apprentice, employer pays for the program.
WHY AN APPRENTICESHIP?
Apprenticeship programs benefit business leaders and career seekers alike:
Business Leaders:
- Vet workers and instill your company’s culture
- Recruit and develop a diverse and highly-skilled workforce
- Improve productivity, profitability and your bottom line
- Reduce turnover, improve loyalty and retain top talent
- Demonstrate investment in your community
Career Seekers:
- Earn as you learn with a guaranteed wage increase as you develop new skills
- Receive an industry-recognized and nationally-portable credential or academic credit toward a college degree at no cost to you
- Gain workplace-relevant skills and mentorship in the field of your choice
GET STARTED
Interested in setting up an apprenticeship program or becoming an apprentice?
Business Leaders:
NWFSC Professional & Workforce Development can help you explore apprenticeship program options and provide resources to help you design and build your program. Contact us today to:
- Receive information on apprenticeship and the opportunities that exist.
- Find an apprenticeship program option that meets the unique needs of your business.
- Connect with apprenticeship experts and partners that can provide services to help build your program.
Career Seekers:
There are many ways to find the right apprenticeship opportunity for you.
- Apprenticeship opportunities are offered through an employer or the program sponsor. Contact the employer or the program sponsor for more information about a specific opportunity or reach out to the workforce development staff at apprenticeships@nwfsc.edu.
- Fill out an application on NWFSC’s website for more information about a specific opportunity.
STEPS TO BECOMING AN APPRENTICE
Are you looking to become an apprentice? Apply here – we can assist you with the next steps in your career path!
Employment by a licensed/certified employer. Northwest Florida State College Apprenticeship program is accredited by the State of Florida and requires apprentices to be employed and trained by a journeyman worker in your field.
Contractor Sponsor. If you are already working for a company and would like your organization to participate in this program, contact us to talk with your organization
Register for the program. NWFSC will register apprentices throughout the year. Your employer must notify the NWFSC Apprenticeship Coordinator of your participation in the program before enrolling.
Credit towards Apprenticeship Apprentices are able to use prior work history and skills for credit towards the On-the-Job training and Relative Technical Instruction hours. You will be required to provide prior work history, recommendation from participating employer, and/or testing by employer and NWFSC.
Minimum Qualifications:
- 16-24 years of age
- Interview
- Working for a licensed partnering contractor (we will assist you with partnering with a local employer)
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Plumbing: Plumb Rite of NWF, Elevated 850, Inc., Emerald Bay Plumbing & Gas
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HVAC: Gordon Air Conditioning, Climate Engineers of Florida, Tempacure Heating and A/C, One Hour Air Conditioning and Heating, We Care, Jordan Air Conditioning & Heating, Aire Services, Green Air, Southern Value Engineering, We Care Heating and Air, Casey Electric, Inc.
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CNC Machining: AA Tactical INC, Fort Walton Machining
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Culinary/Cook: Margaritaville, Emerald Grande, McGuire’s Irish Pub, Panda Express (Niceville), Laurel Grille, LJ Schooners, Longhorn Steakhouse (Destin), Miller’s Ale House, Soi Bistro, Fudpuckers, Café Nola, Brother’s Kitchen, Red Lobster, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Dewey Destin’s Harborside, The Heights, Longhorn Steakhouse (FWB), Tisano’s, Crooked Tree Grille/Rocky Bayou Country Club
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Network Systems Administrator: Planned Systems International (PSI), Coastal Protection, Planet Secure, NWFSC, Eglin FCU, Minh’s IT
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Building Maintenance Repair: Gulf Coast Shutter/Dillard Gulf Coast, LLC
Apprenticeships
Start Dates: August 22, 2022 and throughout the year
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions, students can start throughout the year, contact apprenticeships@nwfsc.edu
Length of Program: The apprenticeship shall be approximately 8,000 hours of continuous on-the job employment (program will meet the needs of the students, adjusting hours to meet the accommodations of the industry demands)
School Campus Location: DeFuniak Springs, Florida
Job Outlook and Salary: Overall employment of construction laborers and helpers is projected to grow 7% from 2020 – 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations
Curriculum: HBI Building Trades
Start Dates: August 22, 2022 and throughout the year
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions, students can start throughout the year, contact apprenticeships@nwfsc.edu
Length of Program: A minimum of 1 to 2 years based on program not less than 2,000 to 4,000 hours of on-the-job training (program will meet the needs of the students, adjusting hours to meet the accommodations of the industry demands)
Degree: Potentially leading to an Associate in Science degree Culinary Management
School Campus Location: Niceville, Florida
Job Outlook and Salary: The median salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks is $51,530 and the profession to projected to grow at a higher than average rate
Curriculum: Follows NWFSC’s degree program.
Start Dates: August 22, 2022 and throughout the year
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions, students can start throughout the year.
Length of Program: A minimum of a three (3) year program of not less than 6,000 hours of on-the-job training
School Campus Location: DeFuniak Springs, Florida
Job Outlook and Salary: The median salary for an HVAC Service and Installer is $48,730 and the profession is projected to grow at a higher than average rate.
Curriculum: Siberstein Refrigeration and AC Technology
Credentials: Earn an industry –issued credential upon completion of an apprenticeship program:
- North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certification
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certification
- National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3)
- An apprentice is also issued a nationally, recognized Completion of Apprenticeship certificate by the Florida Department of Education. Industry can recognize a program completer as a journeyworker and issue appropriate credentials.
Start Dates: August 22, 2022 and throughout the year, contact apprenticeships@nwfsc.edu
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions, students can start throughout the year.
Length of Program: A minimum of a four (4) year program of not less than 8,000 hours of on-the-job training
School Campus Location: Niceville, Florida
Job Outlook and Salary: The median salary for a Plumber, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters is $55,160 and the profession is projected to grow at a higher than average rate.
Curriculum: PHCC Level 100-400
Credentials: Earn an industry –issued credential upon completion of an apprenticeship program: North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certification, OSHA, STAR certifications.
An apprentice is also issued a nationally, recognized Completion of Apprenticeship certificate by the Florida Department of Education. Industry can recognize a program completer as a journeyworker and issue appropriate credentials.
*All career data on this page, such as occupation description, career outlook and salary information reflects the national average and was sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics