Pathways to Success: The Power of Apprenticeships Luncheon

🌟 Pathways to Success: The Power of Apprenticeships Luncheon
​Join us for a transformative luncheon event celebrating National Apprenticeship Week and the impact of apprenticeships on South Florida’s future workforce. This inspiring gathering, hosted at FIU’s Ernest R. Graham Center, brings together industry leaders, educators, and workforce advocates to discuss how apprenticeships are paving the way for economic mobility, skill-building, and career resilience across our community.

​​Co-Hosted by Miami-Dade County’s Office of Innovation & Economic Development for Mayor Daniella Levine Cava's Workforce.Miami initiative, Miami EdTech, GoSprout in partnership with FIU, this event will feature inspiring talks from current apprentices, regional employers, and insights from FIU program leaders, as well as networking opportunities to build awareness and support for these vital programs.
​FIU will showcase its innovative apprenticeship initiatives and provide an opportunity to connect with partners who share a commitment to workforce development in South Florida. It will also highlight the benefits of leveraging the GoSprout Workforce Management Solution, a local innovation that simplifies the launch and scaling of Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs).

​Event Highlights

• ​11:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Networking & Check-In
  Start the day with refreshments and meet fellow attendees, local apprenticeship advocates, and event speakers.
• ​11:30 AM - 11:40 AM | Welcome Address
  William Porro, Director of workforce.miami, will open the event with an inspiring message on Miami’s dedication to apprenticeship expansion and the vital role of upskilling in creating economic mobility.
• ​11:40 AM - 12:00 PM | Keynote Address – "Best Practices in Apprenticeships"
  Victoria Thomas, Director of Apprenticeship Programs, will share proven strategies for successful apprenticeship programs, covering effective partnerships, curriculum development, and how apprenticeships are transforming student outcomes and local talent pipelines.
• ​12:00 PM - 12:15 PM | Spotlight on GoSprout: Enabling the Future of Apprenticeships
  Hear from Carlos Vazquez, on how GoSprout is empowering colleges and companies to build scalable, registered apprenticeship programs. GoSprout is helping connect South Florida’s talent with opportunities, making apprenticeships more accessible than ever.
• ​12:15 PM - 12:30 PM | Apprenticeship Success Stories
  Meet Miami EdTech apprentices Norbert Seals and Maria Sotillo as they share their inspiring stories, showcasing how apprenticeships have opened doors to thriving careers and helped them gain real-world experience in high-demand fields.
• ​12:30 PM - 12:50 PM | Panel Discussion – "Pathways to Prosperity: Building a Stronger Workforce Through Apprenticeships"
  Join a panel of FIU apprenticeship team members, local industry leaders, and apprentices to explore how partnerships between educators and employers are creating sustainable career pathways.
• ​12:50 PM - 1:20 PM | Luncheon & Awards Ceremony
  Enjoy a catered lunch and continue the conversation about Miami’s workforce initiatives with fellow attendees, speakers, and event organizers. Information booths from Miami EdTech, FIU, and GoSprout will be available for further exploration. Hear from some of South Florida's approved Registered Apprenticeship Programs.
• ​1:20 PM - 1:30 PM | Closing Remarks