Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida showcased its newest workforce initiative, the Pre-Apprenticeship Program, during its 2025 Laureate Society Luncheon, which brought together Rep. Byron Donalds, local business leaders and community partners to celebrate collaboration and investment in the region’s future workforce.
The Pre-Apprenticeship Program is designed to prepare high school students for in-demand careers in the skilled trades, including electrical, plumbing and heating, ventilation and air conditioning. The six-month program combines classroom instruction with hands-on training at Tri-County Apprenticeship Academy, providing students with real-world experience and professional certifications such as OSHA-10, CPR and forklift safety.
In addition to technical instruction, participants learn essential career-readiness and life skills such as resume writing, interview preparation, goal-setting, financial literacy and teamwork. The program also connects students directly with local employers seeking qualified candidates for trade careers.
From left: Brian Willard, education manager of Junior Achievement’s Pre-Apprenticeship Program; John Ford, owner of John Ford Drywall and Stucco; program graduates Elexsi Rodriguez, Jan Leon and Jaime Acosta; Sophia Chen, JA student success coach; and Jessica Carr and Derek Scalzi of John Ford Drywall and Stucco. The graduates were recently hired by Ford’s company through the program.
“Junior Achievement’s mission is to prepare young people for economic success by equipping them with financial literacy, entrepreneurship skills and real-world career pathways,” said Angela Fisher, president and CEO of Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida. “Our Pre-Apprenticeship Program bridges the gap between education and employment, empowering students to enter the workforce with confidence and purpose.”
Congressman Donalds praised the program’s role in strengthening the regional workforce. “The jobs of tomorrow will require adaptability, creativity and resilience,” he said. “Junior Achievement is helping students build those skills today.”
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