Miami, July 9, 2024 – Miami Dade College’s (MDC) Construction Pre-apprenticeship Program continues expanding with the addition of KW Property Management & Consulting (KWPMC) as a new employer partner. KWPMC is currently training and hiring Heating, Air Conditioning, and Ventilation (HVAC) pre-apprentices in a 12-month program that blends classroom instruction with paid on-the-job training for workers with little to no experience. Class instruction is being held at MDC’s North Campus.
“We’re so pleased to welcome yet another viable partner to complement Miami Dade College’s strategic imperative of amplifying social mobility and economic opportunity for all in our community,” said MDC’s Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Malou C. Harrison.
The pre-apprenticeship utilizes the ‘learn as you earn’ model, providing on-the-job training, related technical instruction, mentorship, guaranteed wages, and a nationally recognized credential. With support from state and federal grants, the program offers free tuition, health insurance, books, and work tools. Program incentives allow employers to attract and retain highly qualified employees to meet their workforce needs.
“At KWPMC, our HVAC systems experts keep high-rise condominium buildings and large HOA communities up and running and save associations substantial money on future repairs,” said KWPMC Director of Engineering Sherwin Lewis. “Through this exciting partnership with Miami Dade College, we will prepare individuals for a rewarding career pathway in a field that is always in high demand. We have three students in our pilot program and intend to expand to around 18 students annually. The program combines classroom instruction with mentoring and on-the-job training to give aspiring HVAC professionals the knowledge and problem-solving skills they need to be successful.”
MDC is Florida’s first academic institution to receive the designation of Program Sponsor by the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) and named Apprenticeship Ambassador by the United States Department of Labor. Since its inception, the MDC Apprenticeship Program has grown significantly and is an increasingly popular career pathway for job seekers and employers. The College currently sponsors 21 Registered Apprenticeship Programs and Pre-apprenticeship programs in the following industries: Advanced Manufacturing, Automotive, Aviation, Business, Education, Finance, Health Sciences, Hospitality, Information Technology, and Logistics and Transportation.
“At Miami Dade College, we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of expanding economic opportunities to the Miami-Dade community through innovative educational and workforce development models, including apprenticeship programs,” said Dr. Alexia Q. Rolle, Dean of Career and Technical Education and Chair of the MDC Apprenticeship and Pre-apprenticeship Program. “Our Registered Apprenticeship and Pre-apprenticeship Programs in several targeted industries build on this vision. The Construction Pre-apprenticeship program focuses on high-demand occupations in Electrical, HVAC, and Plumbing. These programs provide paid employment and training and secure a talent pipeline.”
About MDC’s Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship Program
Offering 21 occupations, MDC has more Registered Apprenticeship Programs than any other educational institution in the State of Florida. As a Program Sponsor, MDC is authorized to register occupations, employers, and apprentices to participate in Registered Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship Programs. Apprenticeship Programs enable employers to develop and apply industry standards to training programs for registered apprentices that can increase productivity and improve workforce quality. Apprentices who complete a registered apprenticeship program are accepted by the industry as Masters in their field. For more information, visit https://www.mdc.edu/apprenticeships, or email preapprenticeships@mdc.edu.
About KW Property Management & Consulting (KWPMC)
KWPMC is headquartered in Miami with offices across Florida in Fort Lauderdale, Bonita Springs/Naples, Tampa/Clearwater, Orlando and Jacksonville, as well as Bimini Bay in the Bahamas. The company has more than 2,600 employees and aims to provide the highest-quality property management services, including exceptional accounting, knowledge-based maintenance, and dedication to superior customer service and hospitality. From upscale high-rises to homeowners’ associations and garden-style townhomes, KWPMC meets the needs of 90,000 homeowners. KWPMC is part of Odevo, a fast-growing global leader in residential property management. For more information, visit www.kwpmc.com.
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. 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 120,000 students are currently enrolled. For more information, visit www.mdc.edu.