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.”
