Miami, Nov. 25, 2024 – Miami Dade College (MDC) proudly celebrated the 10th anniversary of National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) with a series of events showcasing the impact of its apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs. The events focused on increasing awareness of the advantage these programs offer to participants and employers alike, supporting economic development and career pathways for underserved communities.
With the largest number of registered apprenticeship programs in the state of Florida, MDC leads in educational institutions in apprenticeship offerings, serving as the Program Sponsor for 22 registered programs across diverse industries. MDC is also the first academic institution in Florida to receive program sponsor designation from the Florida Department of Education and to be named an Apprenticeship Ambassador in 2022 by the U.S. Department of Labor and Exceptional Ambassador in 2024.
“National Apprenticeship Week reminds us that learning is not confined to the classroom; it thrives in real-world experience, where passion, commitment, and hands-on training create lasting opportunities,” said Dr. Alexia Rolle, Dean of Career and Technical Education. Apprenticeships offer more than just a job—they offer a pathway to career mastery, an investment in a future. By supporting apprenticeships, we invest in the workforce of tomorrow, adopting a culture where mentorship and lifelong learning go hand in hand.”
The week kicked off with an in-studio interview series produced by MDC-TV, featuring a diverse lineup of voices from the MDC apprenticeship community. Dr. Alexia Rolle opened the series by discussing the program’s mission and offerings and individuals who completed an apprenticeship and a pre-apprenticeship shared their experiences and how new skills have transformed their lives. Additionally, a supervisor from the Facilities Management Department at MDC spoke on the positive impact apprentices bring to the workplace, highlighting the traits that contribute to apprentice success. The interviews aired on MDC-TV (local Channel 78), YouTube, and other streaming platforms.
MDC also hosted an Apprenticeship Recognition Ceremony, celebrating program completers for their commitment and achievements. Employers and community partners were also honored for their dedication to the success of all participants.
“Miami Dade College proudly stands alongside dedicated industry partners, in contribution to the amplification of a highly skilled workforce for South Florida”, stated Dr. Malou C. Harrison, MDC’s Executive Vice Provost & Provost.
The series continued with a webinar designed for MDC’s internal partners to learn more about the College’s 22 registered apprenticeships. The webinar highlighted the essential components of the apprenticeship programs, educated staff on the enrollment process, strategies for participant referral and helped the Apprenticeship Team expand program offerings.
The week culminated with an employer convening where MDC’s Career & Technical Education team hosted potential employer partners for a lunch and learn networking session. The gathering provided employers a chance to engage with the MDC apprenticeship team and learn how the program can benefit their business.
About National Apprenticeship Week
National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) is a nationwide celebration that brings together employers, industry leaders, labor organizations, community groups, workforce partners, educational institutions, and government agencies at all levels to showcase the impact and success of Registered Apprenticeship programs. Through these events, NAW highlights how apprenticeships strengthen our economy by developing a highly skilled workforce, meeting industry needs, creating accessible pathways to good jobs, and advancing racial and gender equity. NAW also provides a platform for Registered Apprenticeship sponsors to present their programs, facilities, and apprentices, demonstrating the significant value they bring to communities across the country. For more information about MDC Apprenticeship Programs visit https://www.mdc.edu/apprenticeships/ or email apprenticeship@mdc.edu.
About Miami Dade College
Miami Dade College (MDC) is the most diverse institution in the nation, with 167 nations and 63 languages represented in its student body. The college’s eight campuses and outreach centers offer over 300 distinct degree pathways, including associate and baccalaureate degrees, certifications and apprenticeships. MDC is the recipient of many top national awards, including the prestigious Aspen Prize, and has been ranked #4 among Top Public Institutions in the Southern Region by U.S. News & World Report. The College changes lives through accessible, high-quality teaching and learning experiences. It is home to the Miami Culinary Institute, the Miami Animation & Gaming International Complex, the Miami Fashion Institute, The Idea Center, the Cybersecurity Center of the Americas, two AI Centers, the Center for Learning, Innovation and Simulation at the Medical Campus, the Business Innovation & Technology Center, the School for Advanced Studies and New World School of the Arts, among others. MDC has been recognized among the nation’s “Great Colleges to Work For” since the program’s inception. The College serves as an economic, cultural and civic leader for the advancement of our diverse global community. MDC alumni and employees contribute more than $3 billion annually to the local economy, and graduates occupy top leadership positions in every major industry. MDC’s renowned rich cultural programming includes the Miami Book Fair, Miami Film Festival, the National Historic Landmark Miami Freedom Tower, Koubek Center Mansion and Gardens, Live Arts Miami at MDC, the Lynn and Louis Wolfson II Florida Moving Image Archives, and the Museum of Art and Design. MDC has admitted more than 2.5 million students and counting, since it opened its doors in 1960. Approximately 125,000 students are currently enrolled. For more information, visit www.mdc.edu.