MTC reports growth in apprenticeships, secures state grant to expand technical apprenticeships

Manatee Technical College officials briefed the Bates County School Board on a recent expansion of registered apprenticeship programs and a state grant intended to support classroom instruction, equipment and outreach.

Kevin Robertson, the college’s apprenticeship supervisor, said MTC and its industry partners increased registered apprentice enrollment and expanded program sponsorships in 2023–25. Robertson said the college’s partnership with PGT (window installers) has grown from an initial six apprentices to roughly 40 students now enrolled statewide under MTC’s program; other sponsor partners include the Technical Education Council (electrical) and the Manatee Area Air Conditioning Contractors Association (MACA) for HVAC apprentices.

“I'm really excited about what MTC has in apprenticeships and the direction that we're heading,” Robertson said during the workshop.

Dr. Jody Kirk and Robertson described how registered apprentices combine employer-based on-the-job training (OJT) — typically about 2,000 hours per year for a multi-year apprenticeship — with related technical instruction delivered by MTC (often about 144 hours annually per level). The apprenticeship model differs from the college’s standard credit programs: apprentices are typically already employed by a sponsoring company that provides OJT and workplace supervision while MTC delivers the formal instruction and testing.

Robertson said the college recorded a net gain of apprentices in the 2023–24 cycle and has grown programs to include levels 1–4 in electrical and HVAC. He reported overall gains of 72 apprentices in the most recent reporting period and said MTC expects roughly 200 apprentices countywide in the next academic year as the new programs scale.

MTC staff said it received a Pathways Opportunities grant in March 2025 for $299,202 to cover part-time instruction, equipment and supplies for apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship activities. Officials said that grant money will be used for marketing and outreach, salaries for part-time instruction, equipment purchases and materials to grow the registered programs.

The college also described early-career outreach, such as pre-apprenticeship planning with local high schools and a pre-apprenticeship construction application the district anticipates sending to the state for approval. MTC said it is coordinating with local employers, chambers of commerce and regional partners to place apprentices close to students’ homes where feasible and to recruit employer sponsors.

Board members asked about program timelines, employer recruitment and whether apprenticeships accept trainees who are not yet employed; staff said sponsor organizations and dealer networks typically funnel apprentices into employer placements, while MTC will help candidates identify potential sponsors and employer partners.