Building Division Promotes Apprentice Program at Palm Beach State College
On April 25, 2024, Building Division (Division) representatives from the Palm Beach County's Planning, Zoning and Building Department spoke to over 38 students at Palm Beach State College in Lake Worth enrolled in the constructions services program.
Building Coordinator Michael Gauger, Plans Examiner Richie Rosales and Inspections Apprentices Skyler Foley and Sarrah Turba provided insight on career opportunities available in the building safety industry, including within the Division.
They also discussed the Division's 4-year Apprenticeship Program where candidates receive paid training and mentoring to obtain state licenses for plans examiners or inspectors for trades of structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical disciplines.
PBSC Business and Community Relations Director Matthew Lenihan said, “The students thoroughly enjoyed the presentation, and many are very interested in pursuing the next steps for the Apprentice program. What an awesome opportunity and hopefully a sign of more collaboration to come."
Available positions in the Apprenticeship Program are advertised the county's
website. Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent and be able to obtain a Florida driver's license within 60 days. Once accepted into the program, apprentices obtain hands-on “real world" experience while they learn technical aspects of plan review or inspections. Successful apprentices become proficient at reading construction plans and documents and acquire a complete working knowledge of the Florida Building Code, and related applicable codes and regulations to prepare them to test for licensure.
Building Division Coordinator Michael Gauger and Plans Examiner Richie Rosales
Building Division Coordinator Michael Gauger, Plans Examiner Richie Rosales, and Inspection Apprentices Skyler Foley and Sarah Turba.