FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ABC Institute Selected to Receive $850,000 PCOG Grant
Tied for First Among All Awardees in Florida

Coconut Creek, FL – September 5, 2024 – The ABC Institute (ABCI), a statewide leader in construction education and apprenticeship programs, announced that it has been awarded an $850,000 Pre-Apprenticeship and Apprenticeship Expansion Grant (PCOG) by the state of Florida. This prestigious honor places ABCI in a tie for the highest grant amount awarded to any organization in the state.

The PCOG grant, designed to promote the growth and development of apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, enables ABCI to expand its efforts to provide cutting-edge, industry-relevant training for the next generation of skilled workers. The funding will be used to enhance the curriculum, invest in state-of-the-art training equipment and further strengthen recruitment initiatives, connecting aspiring professionals with opportunities in the construction trades.

“We are honored to be recognized at the top tier of PCOG grant recipients and are excited about what this means for the future of apprenticeship in Florida,” said Sonny Maken, COO of ABCI. “We thank Governor Ron DeSantis, the Florida Legislature, and the Department of Education for creating and funding this grant. This award is a testament to the hard work of our team and the importance of expanding workforce development in high-demand fields like construction.”

As the state’s largest provider of apprentice education, ABCI is at the forefront of developing a workforce equipped to meet the needs of Florida’s rapidly growing economy. The grant will further support ABCI’s mission to drive economic growth and create pathways for individuals to enter fulfilling careers in construction.

This significant recognition underscores ABCI’s vital role in addressing the state’s workforce challenges, reinforcing its leadership position in construction education, and contributing to the overall strength and future of Florida’s labor market.

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About Associated Builders and Contractors Florida East Coast Chapter (ABC FEC)

The East Coast Chapter represents General and Specialty Contractors, associate and supplier members from Key West to Brevard County who share ABC’s belief in open and competitive processes, in the importance of industry education, training and safety services, and in the role the association plays in these areas. For more information, call:  954-984-0075 or visit: http://www.abceastflorida.com/

Media contact: Jennifer Clarin of BoardroomPR – jclarin@boardroompr.com or 954-816-4093