Florida Trade Academy

What Florida Trade Academy does

Florida Trade Academy (FTA) is a Tampa, Florida-based non-profit vocational training organization founded in 2003 by Chris Pello, Chuck Burgess, and Jeffrey Stone as a partnership between Livingstone School, Inc. and the Gulf Coast Chapters of Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC). FTA operates as a registered pre-apprenticeship program sponsored by the ABC Florida Gulf Coast Chapter and serves as an official sponsor of U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs), handling program development, registration, compliance, and administration for employer partners.

The academy's core offering combines online technical instruction with on-the-job apprenticeship training delivered through employer partnerships. Programs cover electrical, HVAC, plumbing, carpentry, pipe fitting, sprinkler fitting, sheet metal, roofing, automotive, and hospitality trades, with curricula aligned to industry-recognized credentials (NCCER Core and Level 1; ASE certifications). Two proprietary frameworks differentiate the delivery model: a competency-based apprenticeship structure where apprentices advance upon demonstrated mastery, and the C.A.R.E. (Career Advancement & Retention Excellence) wrap-around service model providing post-program mentorship, job placement, and retention support.

FTA's business model is non-profit and B2B sales-led, generating revenue through professional services for RAP sponsorship, technical instruction delivery, and via the Florida Trade Academy Scholarship Foundation, which pairs donor businesses with students for tax-deductible funding. The customer base spans three segments: employers (primary, including Morgan Automotive Group and BMW of Tampa) seeking skilled workforce pipelines; career seekers and job hunters (primary) seeking debt-free credentials; and community organizations (secondary) including the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice and re-entry non-profits. With 1-10 employees and an extensive partnership network spanning 16+ strategic alliances, FTA's scale is partnership-dependent rather than headcount-dependent, positioning the organization as a workforce-development intermediary rather than a traditional training operator.

Name

Florida Trade Academy

Legal name

Florida Trade Academy

Website

https://floridatradeacademy.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Florida Trade Academy is a Tampa-based non-profit that sponsors and delivers USDOL-registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs across construction, automotive, and hospitality trades, partnering with employers, industry associations, and government agencies to train career seekers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Vocational Training & Apprenticeship Services

NAICS

Apprenticeship Training (611513), Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Professional and Management Development Training (611430)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYEDABALAI

Education & Training Providers

Education/Corporate Training & Professional Development/Industry-Specific Professional Training (e.g., Healthcare, Manufacturing, Construction)

Keywords

• Registered apprenticeship programs
• Pre-apprenticeship training
• Vocational trade education
• Workforce development services
• Apprenticeship sponsorship

Headquarters

HQ city

Tampa

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Apprenticeship Program Sponsorship Services: FTA serves as the sponsor of registered apprenticeship programs, overseeing development, registration, and administration while ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations. Revenue derived from employer partnerships for RAP sponsorship services.
2. Technical Instruction Delivery: FTA develops and delivers high-quality online technical instruction that allows apprentices to access education flexibly. Related technical instruction is provided to complement on-the-job training.
3. Florida Trade Academy Scholarship Foundation: A non-profit foundation created by FTA's founders that pairs donor business partners with students. Businesses receive tax deductions while funding student education, creating a pathway to employment for graduates.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Florida Trade Academy is a registered pre-apprenticeship program sponsor and Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) sponsor that delivers hands-on vocational training and related technical instruction across trades such as electrical, HVAC, plumbing, carpentry, pipe fitting, sprinkler fitting, sheet metal, roofing, and automotive. The academy serves as the official apprenticeship sponsor, handling DOL/state registration, compliance, and administration on behalf of employer partners, and supplements training with the proprietary C.A.R.E. wrap-around support model and the Florida Trade Academy Scholarship Foundation.

Product overview

Florida Trade Academy is a registered pre-apprenticeship program sponsored by Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Florida Gulf Coast Chapter, offering a comprehensive portfolio of vocational training programs. The core offerings include Pre-Apprenticeship Programs across multiple construction and hospitality trades (electrical, HVAC, plumbing, carpentry, pipe fitting, sprinkler fitting, sheet metal, roofing, and hospitality), supplemented by Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAP) approved by the U.S. Department of Labor. The academy provides wrap-around support services through its C.A.R.E. (Career Advancement & Retention Excellence) program and financial support via its Scholarship Foundation. Florida Trade Academy currently focuses on sponsoring electrical and automotive apprenticeship programs, with specialized automotive training in partnership with Morgan Auto Group. Students earn industry-recognized NCCER and ASE certifications, with programs designed for adult learners featuring flexible hybrid delivery options.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Pre-Apprenticeship Programs Pre-apprenticeship programs preparing individuals with hands-on training, practical skills, career guidance, and core courses to enter a Registered Apprenticeship Program; covers electrical, HVAC, plumbing, carpentry, pipe fitting, sprinkler fitting, sheet metal, and roofing trades.
• Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAP) Industry-driven, structured apprenticeship training initiatives combining on-the-job learning with related technical instruction, approved by the U.S. Department of Labor or State Apprenticeship Agency; includes minimum 2,000 on-the-job training hours and 144 hours of related technical instruction. FTA serves as the official sponsor, handling registration, compliance, and administration.
• C.A.R.E. Program (Career Advancement & Retention Excellence) Wrap-around service model providing continuous support to graduates, including connections to community-based agencies, mentorship, and job placement assistance to reduce turnover and foster employee loyalty.
• Florida Trade Academy Scholarship Foundation

Quantifiable outcome

• 150% ROI for employers per apprentice placed
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Morgan Automotive GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExclusive automotive partnership with FTA to invest in the next generation of skilled automotive professionals. Together they provide hands-on training and career opportunities through a Registered Apprenticeship Program. The Morgan Auto Group RAP program is expected to expand statewide over the next 18 months.
• DEWALTcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDEWALT partners with FTA to empower the next generation of skilled trades professionals through access to industry-leading tools and resources, preparing students for success in demanding trade careers.
• ABC: Associated Builders and ContractorscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerABC partners with FTA to deliver cutting-edge training and resources for the construction industry's future workforce. Through this collaboration, students gain valuable skills, certifications, and opportunities to thrive in construction careers. FTA is a registered pre-apprenticeship program sponsored by ABC Florida Gulf Coast Chapter.
• Florida Department of EducationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Florida Department of Education supports FTA by ensuring high-quality education standards statewide. Through innovative programs and resources, the department aims to prepare learners for success in college, career, and life.
• NCCERcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe National Center for Construction Education & Research partners with FTA to build a skilled workforce by providing standardized training, industry-recognized credentials, and career development resources for construction professionals.
• Florida Department of Juvenile JusticemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHistoric partnership providing at-risk youth with meaningful career skills through comprehensive vocational training, educational resources, and support services. FTA's C.A.R.E. program provides wraparound services including mentorship and job placement assistance.
• ASE Education FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerASE Education Foundation works to strengthen the automotive service industry by providing accreditation, resources, and career development opportunities for aspiring technicians. FTA automotive programs prepare students for ASE certifications.
• IEC Florida: Independent Electrical ContractorsmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIEC Florida partners with FTA to advance excellence in the electrical trade through education and hands-on training, equipping students with skills, certifications, and connections needed to power their careers.
• CareerSource FloridamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCareerSource Florida drives economic growth by connecting businesses with skilled talent and providing Floridians with tools and resources to achieve career success through statewide workforce development initiatives.
• Florida MakesmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFlorida Makes is dedicated to strengthening Florida's manufacturing sector by providing innovative solutions, resources, and expert guidance to boost productivity and growth for manufacturers statewide.
• Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHCSO, led by Sheriff Chad Chronister, is dedicated to serving the community through innovative initiatives and collaborative partnerships. FTA works with HCSO to provide workforce development opportunities for community members.
• Skill Builders SolutionsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSkill Builders Solutions empowers individuals with tailored workforce development programs and skills training to meet evolving industry demands, helping bridge the gap between talent and opportunity.
• Abe Brown MinistriesmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAbe Brown Ministries transforms lives by providing support, education, and second chances to individuals impacted by incarceration, promoting workforce readiness and community reintegration.
• Operation New HopemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOperation New Hope provides life-changing support to individuals transitioning from incarceration through workforce training, job placement, and wrap-around services, empowering people to rebuild their lives.
• The Dottie Rose FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Dottie Rose Foundation empowers young women in technology through innovative education, mentorship, and hands-on opportunities in coding and STEM, bridging the gender gap in tech.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Home Builders Institute: National nonprofit trade education provider for the residential construction industry, operating pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs. Highly comparable to FTA in apprenticeship sponsorship model, construction trade focus, and DOL-aligned credentials.

Broad incumbents

• Universal Technical Institute: Nationwide for-profit provider of technical and trade education, with strong automotive and diesel programs. Comparable to FTA on automotive training and employer partnerships, but at much larger scale and with a for-profit tuition model.
• Lincoln Tech: Multi-campus for-profit trade school offering automotive, HVAC, electrical, and welding programs. Comparable to FTA on trade curriculum and employer placement, with broader geographic reach and different ownership model.
• Goodwill Industries International: Major nonprofit workforce development provider with career training programs across multiple trades. Comparable to FTA's C.A.R.E. wrap-around service model and second-chance employment focus.

Emerging players

• Year Up: Workforce development nonprofit offering career training and corporate partnerships. Overlaps with FTA on B2B employer-driven training and wrap-around support services, though focused on tech/business roles rather than skilled trades.
• Per Scholas: Nonprofit providing tuition-free technical training and career support. Comparable to FTA's wraparound C.A.R.E. model and employer-driven placement, though focused on IT rather than skilled trades.
• BuildStrong Academy: Nonprofit construction trade training provider serving underrepresented populations. Comparable to FTA's mission-driven construction trade training and employer partnerships.
• NPower: Nonprofit technology workforce development organization with employer partnerships and wrap-around services. Comparable to FTA on B2B employer-driven training and post-program support model.

Regional players

• Apprenticeship Carolina: South Carolina statewide apprenticeship intermediary sponsored by the technical college system. Comparable to FTA's DOL-registered apprenticeship sponsorship model and employer engagement, but operating in a different state.

Others

• FloridaMakes: Statewide manufacturing workforce development partner of FTA. While not a direct competitor, it represents the manufacturing industry association ecosystem within which FTA operates and sources employer partnerships.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/floridatradeacademy

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Florida Trade Academy