Youth Apprenticeship
Youth Apprenticeship
The Academy of Construction Technologies (ACT) provides Youth Apprenticeship/Pre-apprenticeship curriculum in electrical, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) and other trade areas. ACT was founded in 1992 and is a partnership of more than 70 industry members of the Central Florida construction contractors and trade associations representing both union and non-union trade associations. ACT works closely with Orange, Osceola, and Seminole school districts to utilize curricula developed by industry professionals. These programs are offered to juniors and seniors as dual enrollment, programs in which students attend their home high school for their academic classes and a Tech Center for their technical training. Students then spend the summer between their junior and senior year in a paid summer on-the-job training experience (OJT).
During the first year, students are taught tool and work safety, CPR and Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) requirements as well as trade-specific technical skills. Upon completing the first year of classroom instruction, students become involved in OJT with a local participating contractor. Second-year apprentices take an advanced apprenticeship course with the opportunity to continue their OJT experience. After successfully completing two years of pre-apprenticeship, students receive one year of credit in the corresponding trade adult apprenticeship program as well as future college credit.