‘LEARN WHILE YOU EARN’ WITH COLLEGE APPRENTICE PROGRAM

a man using a circular saw to cut a piece of wood
CFK apprentice Jean Rony Desire uses a saw in class on the Key West campus. CONTRIBUTED

The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) invites prospective students to learn about its apprenticeships in construction technologies at a virtual information event on Thursday, Sept. 26 at 5:30 p.m. CFK is offering HVAC and plumbing programs in Key West and the Upper Keys this upcoming spring semester, which begins Jan. 10. The deadline to apply is Nov. 1.

 The virtual information session will help prospective students learn about the trade professions, career outlooks, and CFK’s tuition-free “earn while you learn” programs. Attendees will receive a code to waive the $30 application fee. Registration for the event is required. More information is at CFK.edu/apprenticeships or from Marissa Owens at recruiter@cfk.edu or 305-809-3207.

 CFK’s apprenticeships in construction technologies offer opportunities to help individuals train and advance in high-wage, high-demand construction careers throughout the Keys. In collaboration with local construction businesses, CFK’s apprenticeship programs provide education and training in all aspects of the respective trades — from conceptual to practical skills. Through the college’s “earn while you learn” model, students are employed and paid full-time with a sponsoring employer that is partnered with CFK. They attend classes, which are tuition-free, while developing their skills through on-the-job training with their sponsor. As apprentice students advance through the program, their progress is rewarded with periodic wage increases.

Upon successful program completion, an apprentice will be considered a journey worker and will receive a four-level certification by the National Center for Construction Education and Research as well as a nationally recognized completion of apprenticeship certificate by the state of Florida.