PALMETTO, Fla. — Workforce leaders, employers, and educators from across the Tampa Bay region will gather on Thursday, April 30, 2026, for “Apprenticeship Works,” a regional summit highlighting how Registered Apprenticeships are helping address workforce shortages and prepare the next generation of skilled workers.

The event will take place Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto, Florida.

The summit is being held during National Apprenticeship Week, which runs April 26 through May 2, 2026, and celebrates Registered Apprenticeship as a vital, industry-driven workforce strategy. The 12th annual observance is themed around building the future and strengthening the American workforce, with events nationwide designed to connect employers, educators and career seekers while expanding awareness of apprenticeship opportunities.

Hosted by CareerSource Suncoast, the Apprenticeship Works summit will bring together workforce organizations, employers, and education partners to discuss strategies that align training programs with the evolving needs of local industries.

“Registered apprenticeships are one of the most effective ways to connect education and industry while creating real career opportunities for Floridians,” said Joshua Matlock, president and chief executive officer of CareerSource Suncoast. “Apprenticeship Works brings employers, educators, and workforce leaders together to share strategies that help businesses build talent pipelines and support long-term economic growth across our region.”

The summit will feature Adrienne Johnston, president and CEO of CareerSource Florida, who will address the attendees on the future of Florida’s workforce, and the role apprenticeships play in expanding economic opportunity across the state.

Sessions will also include expert insights and networking opportunities focused on expanding high-quality training programs and strengthening partnerships between employers, educators, and workforce organizations.

“Registered apprenticeships allow individuals to earn while they learn, while giving employers a proven model for developing skilled talent,” said Keidrian Kunkel, chief executive officer of CareerSource Tampa Bay. “By collaborating with regional partners, we can help businesses address workforce shortages and create pathways to high-demand careers for residents across the Tampa Bay region.”

The event is sponsored by regional workforce development boards — CareerSource Suncoast, CareerSource Tampa Bay, CareerSource Pasco Hernando, and CareerSource Polk — working together with workforce partners to expand registered apprenticeship opportunities across Florida and strengthen the region’s workforce pipeline.

CareerSource Suncoast is the state-designated workforce services provider in Manatee County and Sarasota County. A private, non-profit organization with a diverse Board of Directors, CareerSource Suncoast’s primary focus is to help businesses grow by offering proven talent recruitment and development solutions.

More information and registration details are available at:

https://careersourcesuncoast.com/apprenticeship-works/

 For more information, contact Curt Preisser, at CareerSource Suncoast Communications.