Why offer an apprenticeship or internship program?
Internships and apprenticeships are offered by employers to address skill gaps and contribute to the growth of the community. By providing these opportunities, organizations can demonstrate their commitment to nurturing the next generation of workers. Additionally, they have the chance to assess individuals and determine if they would be a good fit for future employment based on their experience within the company. By offering internships and apprenticeships, employers facilitate skill development, create a talent pipeline, transfer knowledge, engage with the community, enhance their reputation, promote diversity and inclusion, fulfill corporate social responsibility, and benefit from fresh perspectives and innovation. Ultimately, these programs benefit both the individuals participating and the organizations offering them. Employers should decide if their business is best suited to offer an apprenticeship or internship program, or possibly both.
The Florida Department of Revenue offers the Experiential Learning Tax Credit, which provides a corporate income/franchise tax credit for up to five apprentices, pre-apprentices, or student interns employed by businesses for taxable years beginning 2022-2025. Your business could qualify for up to a $10,000 tax credit each year.
About Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are structured, long-term work experiences that enable employers to prepare and cultivate future talent within their organizations. Typically lasting between 12 to 24 months, apprenticeships provide individuals, often high school graduates or those with some post-secondary education, with in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in a specific field or industry. By offering apprenticeships, employers have the opportunity to shape and train individuals according to their company's unique needs and culture. This investment in apprentices allows organizations to bridge skill gaps, ensure a steady pipeline of skilled workers, and potentially secure committed employees upon completion of the apprenticeship. Apprenticeships also contribute to the development of the wider community and demonstrate an organization's commitment to the growth and success of the next generation of workers.
About Internships
An internship is a work or service experience related to a student’s major or career goal that integrates the knowledge and theory learned in the classroom with practical application and skills development in a professional setting under the supervision of practicing professionals. Internships give students the opportunity to gain valuable applied experience and make connections in professional fields they are considering for career paths. A distinguishing factor of internships, from a temporary job or volunteer position, is that internships have intentional “learning objectives” and deliberate mentoring by a subject matter expert in the industry. Internships, on the other hand, are related to a student's major or career goals and allow them to apply classroom knowledge in a professional setting. These short-term experiences, usually under 12 months, align with school terms such as Fall, Spring, or Summer. Many interns are pursuing postsecondary education and may receive college credit for their internship. Internships have specific learning objectives and benefit from mentorship by industry experts. They can be paid or unpaid, and while there is no obligation to hire the intern, organizations may choose to offer a job or provide a letter of recommendation to support their future opportunities. Internships are typically part-time, accommodating the intern's school schedule.
|
|
|
|
Manufacturing Industry Partnerships with AmSkills
AmSkills is a not-for-profit organization providing workforce training to the manufacturing industry, servicing Pasco, Pinellas, and Hernando Counties. AmSkills offers mobile training as well as on-site training in the Workforce Training Center in Holiday, FL in Pasco County.
Apprenticeship and Pre-apprenticeship Programs
Manufacturers can save time from needing to create apprenticeship programs by partnering with AmSkills to receive apprentice and pre-apprentice placements. AmSkills, a not-for-profit organization providing training to the manufacturing industry, is the apprenticeship sponsor that offers FDOE Registered Apprenticeship and Pre-apprenticeship programs. AmSkills coordinates the apprenticeship program with the employer, as well as provides the related training instruction and apprenticeship management for the duration of the program.
AmSkills is....
- The first registered high school pre-apprenticeship in the state for advanced manufacturing, located at Anclote High School
- The first registered adult pre-apprenticeship in the state for advanced manufacturing
- The first registered apprenticeship in the state for advanced manufacturing in the areas of Mechatronics and Robotics; and other apprenticeships offered include Machining, Milling & Turning and CNC.
AmSkills Youth Internship Program
AmSkills offers student recruitment, in partnership with Pasco County Schools and conducts a one-week hands-on bootcamp, which includes safety, foundational skills, hands-on projects, and interview preparation. At the conclusion of the Youth Bootcamp, participants interview with Pasco County and are hired for a 6-week paid internship in a variety of departments including public works, utilities, stormwater treatment, and parks and recreation. AmSkills is currently looking to expand this program into other cities.