#United States #Tallahassee #CTE #Ron DeSantis #Workforce Education

Florida's Journey to Workforce Education Excellence

In a remarkable announcement made on February 19, 2026, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared that Florida has achieved the status of the number one state in the nation for workforce education, ahead of a projected 2030 goal outlined in Executive Order 19-31. This monumental achievement is a testament to the state's commitment, with over $12 billion dedicated to workforce education under Governor DeSantis’ leadership.

As we commemorate Career and Technical Education (CTE) month, this milestone reflects a broader narrative of Florida's commitment to establishing a robust educational infrastructure designed to prepare future generations for high-wage careers. Governor DeSantis highlighted that the state’s educational system not only meets the demands of the present labor market but also opens doors to better economic prospects.

"Florida has built an education system that delivers outcomes, opens doors to high-wage careers, and strengthens our state's long-term prosperity. Workforce education is a crucial part of this effort," stated Governor DeSantis during his announcement.

Significant Achievements in Workforce Education

The impact of Florida's sustained focus on workforce education is evident through several impressive statistics:

• - In the 2024-25 academic year, enrollment in Career and Technical Education reached an all-time high, serving over 818,000 K-12 students and nearly 512,000 postsecondary students. This represents a 30% increase from the 2018-19 academic year.
• - Furthermore, Florida's adult education initiatives now engage more than 189,000 individuals statewide, significantly enhancing access to educational and career opportunities.
• - The state’s Integrated Education and Training (IET) programs have also expanded, currently boasting a record 582 programs statewide, providing over 11,000 students with the opportunity to earn credentials while completing their high school diplomas.
• - Notably, the state's apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship systems have realized historical milestones, supporting 25,000 active participants—a year-over-year increase of 11% and a 14% rise in newly registered apprenticeship programs.
• - Additionally, the Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant Program has allocated $240 million to elevate workforce education and training, benefiting 80 agencies and resulting in a 94% increase in workforce capacity for awarded programs.
• - The Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant, focused on expanding registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, has distributed over $105 million in total, funding more than 350 proposals and serving over 20,000 participants.

The Way Forward

As Florida celebrates its designation as the top state for workforce education, this achievement is a clarion call to continue investing strategically in educational and vocational pathways to ensure that students are equipped with the necessary skills for the jobs of tomorrow. The commitment to prioritize workforce education will ultimately support not just the individuals involved but also the state’s economic growth, reinforcing Florida's status as a national leader in education and vocational training.

This CTE month serves as an essential reminder of the strides made in workforce development across Florida and sets the stage for continued excellence and innovation in education aimed at preparing the current and future workforce for emerging career opportunities. Florida's significant investments and innovative programs exemplify how dedication to education can transform lives and fortify the state’s economy for years to come.