Apprenticeships open doors for students to earn, learn and lead. Seminole State College of Florida is proud to offer apprenticeship programs that help support Florida’s workforce and prepare students for success in high-wage careers. As part of the Florida College System, the College adds $1.3 billion to the local economy and thousands of graduates that fuel Florida’s workforce. Seminole State is devoted to providing high-quality, affordable postsecondary education.
Seminole State offers apprenticeship programs in Fire Sprinkler Systems Technology and a Teacher Apprenticeship Program with a Cybersecurity Apprenticeship scheduled to launch later this year. The following events were designed to help expand students’ understanding of apprenticeships and how they can help build the future students envision for themselves and their families. These free events were open to both students and community members.
Wiginton Fire Systems and Delta Fire Sprinklers, Inc. Information Tables
On Tuesday, April 28, and Wednesday, April 29, students and community members stopped by the information tables in the library on the Sanford/Lake Mary Campus to learn all about Seminole State’s apprenticeship programs. The tables included our partnering employers, Wiginton Fire Systems on April 28, and Delta Fire Sprinklers on April 29, to discuss how apprenticeships provide students with the opportunity for paid, hands-on training. Participants could ask questions and hear more about real world opportunities and explore new paths for their future.
Apprentices Reveal How They’re Building Their Careers Webinar
To hear how current apprentices were learning from their experiences, participants joined an online information session on Wednesday, April 29. The inspiring session featured an apprentice panel who spoke directly about their individual paths, how they learned on the job, and the ways apprenticeships were helping them grow in their careers.
How to Excel as an Apprentice Webinar
Finally, on Thursday, April 30, students and community members could hear insights directly from employers. Participating employers had the chance to speak to what they look for in apprentices and offer practical tips on how to succeed.
Student Success: Apprenticeships building confidence and real-world skills
As a part of the Fire Sprinkler System Technology Apprenticeship program, Ahiezer Cruz is currently working as an apprentice with Titan Fire Protection. The program has helped him build a strong foundation and taught him what to anticipate on a job site. “This training has increased my confidence, efficiency, and overall performance in the field,” Cruz said. “Additionally, it has prepared me to participate in meetings with supervisors and project stakeholders, where I can confidently address field-related issues and provide informed solutions based on my training and experience.”
Tommy Watt, a fourth-year student, is a fire sprinkler apprentice with Wayne Automatic Fire Sprinklers and is nearing the completion of his apprenticeship. Both his father and his brother completed the fire sprinkler apprenticeship, so the path was a natural choice for Watt. “This trade keeps your mind moving,” he said. “Every job requires critical thinking and adaptability.” The changing environments keep the job engaging and challenge Watt and his fellow fire sprinkler professionals to remain adaptable in a field dedicated to the safety of people and property.
The college is proud to champion hands-on pathways that turn talent into opportunity. Whether you're planning to stay for a semester, earn your associate, complete your bachelor's degree, or advance your career, you can get a high-quality, affordable education at Seminole State. Learn more at
seminolestate.edu/go.
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About Seminole State College of Florida
Seminole State College of Florida, established in 1965, serves more than 24,000 students across six sites in Central Florida. A full-service education provider, Seminole State has thrived by adapting to and meeting the needs of an ever-changing, vibrant community. Seminole State offers 11 bachelor’s degrees in high-demand, high-growth fields; two-year associate degrees; specialized certificates; continuing professional education; adult education and guaranteed admission via DirectConnect to UCF® to the University of Central Florida for Associate in Arts (A.A.) graduates. By offering flexible, affordable, high-quality educational programs and services, the College continues to help students learn, succeed and GO Far. For more about Seminole State, visit seminolestate.edu.