ORLANDO, Fla. — Central Florida’s skilled labor shortage is hitting a breaking point. For every three tradespeople retiring, only one new employee is stepping in to take their place, according to iBuild Central Florida and the Orlando Utilities Commission.
One local program is working to change that and help residents find new beginnings along the way.
What You Need To Know
Central Florida faces a growing skilled labor crisis with three tradespeople retiring for every new worker entering the field.
A free pre-apprenticeship program sponsored by OUC and iBuild Central Florida is training future electricians, plumbers, and construction professionals.
The four-month program teaches safety, construction math, carpentry, and electrical basics, connecting graduates directly to jobs.
Graduates like Craig Gordon say the opportunity has provided not just a career, but a second chance at life.
Craig Gordon moved to Orlando from Jamaica with his son two years ago, looking for a fresh start.
He graduated from the OUC-sponsored pre-application program — a free, four-month training that opened the door to a brand-new career.
“I was in the construction field, and I link electricity, I mostly work with electricity,” he said. “Hands on, physical labor. It’s a bit of physical labor, but you do something that you love, you don’t work a day in your life.”
The program aims to meet Central Florida’s urgent need for skilled trades workers; teaching safety, math, carpentry, electrical, and plumbing skills while offering pre-certifications that help participants get ahead.
“Even though we train in the areas of electrical, plumbing, carpentry and building and maintenance, what we have found is that even if you work in water distribution, the same skill set that it took to finish the pre-apprenticeship program actually shows that it has great results in other skilled areas as well,” said Alandus Sims with the Orlando Utilities Commission.
Sims said more than 40% of OUC’s workforce is nearing retirement, making programs like this one critical for Central Florida’s future.
“Last year we had about an 89% completion rate. People are being connected not just to training but to jobs,” Sims said.
OUC hired Gordon after he graduated as an apprentice water technician. Nearly a year later, he calls it a fresh start.
“If you ever dreamed to work in utilities, go ahead, do it,” Gordon said.
OUC officials said they hope to expand the program to offer even more opportunities in other trades. People who are interested can apply for Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program | OUC.