Apprenticeships
Registered apprenticeships combine paid, on-the-job learning with structured, related instruction to prepare individuals for skilled careers in high-demand industries. Apprentices gain practical experience while working directly with employers and receive progressive skill development aligned with industry standards. This model allows participants to earn wages, build competencies, and progress toward long-term employment while completing their training.
In the state of Florida, registered apprenticeship programs are overseen by the Florida Department of Education, Office of Apprenticeship, which serves as the official state apprenticeship agency authorized by the U.S. Department of Labor. These programs are developed in partnership with employers, educational institutions, and workforce development organizations to ensure training meets current workforce needs. Through this collaborative approach, registered apprenticeships serve as structured pathways for workforce preparation, career advancement, and industry-recognized credential attainment.
Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Program (Pending State Approval)
The Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Program is a competitive, employer-sponsored program developed through a partnership between Seminole State College of Florida and local business partnerships. The program allows apprentices to combine full-time, paid on-the-job training with working toward the Information Systems Technology (IST) Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and a Florida Department of Education certificate of completion. Apprentices gain hands-on cybersecurity and IT support experience, preparing them for professional roles in the cybersecurity workforce.
This registered apprenticeship is designed for students who already hold an associate degree (or equivalent credits) and are pursuing a career in cybersecurity, network operations, or information technology support.
Program Highlights
- Work toward an Information Systems Technology B.S. degree while employed by a local business partner
- No tuition or college fees for classes in apprenticeship program
- Structured on-the-job training with a qualified mentor
- Support from Seminole State College faculty and program advisors
- Ongoing mentoring, feedback, and performance evaluation
Program Length and Structure
During the 12-month program, apprentices:
- Complete the eight (8) required courses:
- CNT 4504 Computer Networks and Distributed Processing
- CET 1600C Cisco Introduction to Networks
- CET 3505 Computer Operating Systems
- CIS 3360 Principles of Security
- CNT 3406 Enterprise Security
- CNT 4422 Securing the Cloud
- CNT 4514 Wireless Networks and Portable Devices
- CNT 4704 Network Design and Planning
- Work 40 hours per week.
- Complete a minimum of 2,008 hours of on-the-job training.
- Prepare for and attempt an industry-recognized certification.
- Receive structured, supervised work experience directly related to cybersecurity and IT operations.
Eligibility
Please refer to the Admissions Requirements for the Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Program.
Tuition
Tuition and standard program-related fees for the eight (8) required certificate courses are covered.
Apprentices receive a salary and benefits as community partner employees during the program.
Application and Selection
Applicants must be enrolled in or eligible to enroll in the Information Systems Technology B.S., in addition to further requirements outlined in the Admissions Requirements for the Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Program section of the catalog. Qualified applicants are reviewed by a joint selection committee composed of Seminole State College and representatives from the local employer. The process may include application review, interviews, and evaluation of academic and technical readiness.
Final selection decisions require unanimous approval by the committee.
To remain in good standing, apprentices must:
- Maintain a minimum of 2.0 cumulative GPA.
- Meet satisfactory job performance standards as evaluated by the employer.
- Comply with all College and employer policies and procedures.
- Progress successfully through the IST-BS required coursework and on-the-job training requirements.
Failure to meet academic or employment expectations may result in removal from the program.
Employment Status and Program Completion
Apprentices are considered at-will employees of the local business partner. Program participation and employment may be terminated by the College, the employer, or the apprentice under certain conditions outlined by program policy.
Completion of the apprenticeship results in a certificate of completion from the Florida Department of Education.
While the employer may consider apprentices for employment after successful apprenticeship completion, continued or permanent employment is not guaranteed. This program is subject to change based on employer partnership agreements, regulatory requirements, and workforce needs.
Students who hold an A.S. degree, an out-of-state A.A. degree, or an A.A. degree from a private institution in Florida must complete all civic literacy, general education, and foreign language requirements to be eligible to complete both the apprenticeship and the IST-BS program. See Graduation Requirements for Baccalaureate Degree Students for additional details.
Contact Information
For more information about the Cybersecurity apprenticeship program, including application timelines and academic advising, contact the Seminole State College Apprenticeship Programs Office at apprenticeship@seminolestate.edu.
Florida Automatic Sprinkler Training (FAST) Apprenticeship
The Fire Sprinkler System Technology Apprenticeship Program is a competitive, employer-sponsored program developed through a partnership between Seminole State College of Florida and Florida Automatic Sprinkler Training, Inc (FAST). The program allows apprentices to combine full-time, paid, and on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Students will learn about construction, repair, and hydraulic design methods, and fundamentals of fire pumps. Standards provide a schedule of work processes, from simple to the most complex, which the apprentice must follow during the on-the-job training. Upon completion of the program, the apprentice will receive a nationally recognized certificate from the Florida Department of Education.
Program Highlights
- No cost to participate
- Apprentice's wages increase as skills and knowledge increase
- Earn Workplace Safety (OSHA 10) certification
- Support from Seminole State College faculty and program advisors
Program Length and Structure
During the four-year program, apprentices will:
- Work full-time with a participating employer while completing on-the-job training under the supervision of a qualified industry journeyman mentor.
- Document and report a minimum of 8,000 hours of on-the-job training.
- Complete required courses from fundamentals through advanced.
Eligibility
This is a limited-access program. Candidates must:
- Have approval from an apprenticeship coordinator to register for classes.
- Apply and be accepted at Seminole State College.
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Be physically capable of performing the work of the trade.
- Be able to read, write, and speak English.
- Provide proof of Florida residency for waiver status.
- Be employed by a sponsoring company.
Tuition
This apprenticeship is financially supported by the participating employers in this program and the FAST Committee. Students must be hired and sponsored by a participating employer and are not assigned any tuition or fees. Their employers will be responsible for the previously stated costs.
Please contact the Seminole State College Apprenticeship Programs Office at apprenticeship@seminolestate.edu for more information.
Application and Selection
Admission to the Fire Sprinkler Apprenticeship Program involves both program eligibility and employer sponsorship. Participating employers are solely responsible for interviewing applicants and selecting apprentices to sponsor. Selection criteria may vary by employer; therefore, all questions regarding hiring decisions or selection requirements should be directed to the individual employer.
New apprenticeship cohorts begin each Fall term in August. Students seeking information on how to connect with participating employers may contact the Apprenticeship Programs Office. Questions related to wages, schedules, or employee benefits should be addressed directly with the sponsoring employer.
Contact Information
For more information about the Fire Sprinkler System Technology apprenticeship program, including application timelines and academic advising, contact the Seminole State College Apprenticeship Programs Office at apprenticeship@seminolestate.edu..
Teacher Apprenticeship Program (TAP)
The Teacher Apprenticeship Program (TAP) is a collaborative partnership between Seminole State College and local school districts. TAP allows aspiring teachers to earn a bachelor’s degree in education while working full-time in a local public school, gaining paid, hands-on classroom experience under the guidance of an experienced mentor teacher.
Graduates of this 24-month apprenticeship program are prepared to teach in Exceptional Student Education (K–12) and are eligible for full-time employment with the school district upon successful program completion.
Program Highlights
- Earn an Exceptional Student Education B.S. while employed at a public school
- No tuition or fees for program participants
- Full-time, paid employment with benefits through the school district
- Structured, on-the-job training with a qualified mentor teacher
- Possibility of full-time employment upon successful completion
- Support from Seminole State College faculty and program advisors
Program Length and Structure
During the 24-month program, apprentices:
- Work 37.5 hours per week in a school-based instructional role
- Complete 12 credit hours per semester, totaling 60 credit hours
- Students enroll in Exceptional Student Education (K-12) B.S.
- Participate in ongoing mentoring, performance feedback, and professional development
- Begin with team teaching and guided practice
- Gradually take on increased instructional responsibility
Eligibility
Please refer to the Admissions Requirements for the Teacher Apprenticeship Program.
Tuition
Tuition and course fees for TAP are fully covered for apprentices enrolled in the approved education baccalaureate program. Apprentices receive a salary and benefits from the school district during the program.
Application and Selection
Admission to TAP is jointly coordinated by Seminole State College and the participating local school district.
- School district identifies and recommends currently-employed eligible candidates.
- Candidates apply for admission to Seminole State College and the Teacher Apprenticeship Program.
- Final selection is made by the apprentice sub-committee, which includes representatives from Seminole State College faculty, admissions, and advising staff, as well as a school district appointee.
Program Completion
Completion of the apprenticeship results in a certificate of completion from the Florida Department of Education.
A.A. degree, or an A.A. degree from a private institution in Florida must complete all civic literacy, general education, and foreign language requirements to be eligible to complete both the TAP apprenticeship and the Exceptional Student Education B.S. degree program. See Graduation Requirements for Baccalaureate Degree Students for additional details.
Contact Information
For more information about TAP, including application timelines and academic advising, contact the Seminole State College Apprenticeship Programs Office at apprenticeship@seminolestate.edu.
