97 – Workforce Development 101 (Part 1)

In this episode, Peter and Sonny break down the terminology, policies, and education models shaping Florida’s construction workforce. They explain the differences between workforce development, career and technical education (CTE), vocational training, and registered apprenticeship. They highlight why Florida’s industry-led apprenticeship system has become a national model.

The conversation explores skilled trades, labor shortages, workforce policy, employer-driven education, on-the-job training, and the future of construction careers, offering valuable insight for contractors, business leaders, policymakers, educators, and anyone interested in the evolving workforce landscape.

In this episode:

• What workforce development really means
• The difference between CTE, vocational training and apprenticeship
• Why Florida’s apprenticeship model is industry-driven
• How on-the-job training creates highly skilled craft professionals
• The role of employers in shaping construction education
• Why apprenticeship is gaining national attention and policy support

The Obvious Podcast, with Peter Dyga and Sonny Maken

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The full audiovisual version of this episode is available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-a6CYqaGZs4