Suncoast Apprenticeship Academy secures facility and launches fundraising campaign
The Suncoast Apprenticeship Academy (SAA), a 501(c) (3) nonprofit workforce development organization, recently announced it has secured a permanent facility at 5591 Fruitville Road in Sarasota and officially launched a major fundraising campaign to support renovations and the creation of a state-of-the art workforce development center. The project represents a public-private collaboration among local, state and industry partners committed to addressing the growing workforce shortages impacting Manatee and Sarasota counties.
The newly acquired facility will serve as the future headquarters and primary training hub for the Academy, providing hands-on education, industry-recognized certifications and direct career pathways in high-demand construction trades. Renovations are scheduled to begin in spring 2026.
“This milestone reflects years of collaborative planning and a shared commitment to workforce readiness,” said Jon Mast, CEO of Suncoast Builders Association. “This is an innovative, community-driven solution to a regional challenge.”
The Suncoast Apprenticeship Academy was established to respond to unprecedented population growth, increased construction demand and a critical shortage of licensed and trained trades professionals across Southwest Florida.
The academy will operate through close alignment with the Suncoast Builders Association, national curriculum and workforce standards provided by the Home Builders Institute, early career pipeline development through Future Builders of America, and scholarship access supported by the Lloyd Williams Scholarship fund. These efforts are further strengthened through support from the State of Florida, as the state has awarded the academy with a $200,000 grant to purchase and or build out the property, as well as support from a growing network of local employers, contractors and community partners working together to ensure a sustainable workforce pipeline.
“As a builder and employer in this region, we see firsthand the urgent need for a strong, skilled workforce,” said David Hunihan, life director and board member of the Suncoast Builders Association, and CEO of Lee Wetherington Homes.
Hunihan who was among the first donors to support the initiative, along with his wife Lauren.
“This academy is about creating real opportunities to build lasting trade careers while ensuring our industry and our communities continue to thrive,” said Hunihan. “Lauren and I were proud to be among the first donors because we believe deeply in the mission and the long-term impact this will have on the Suncoast.”
Once renovated, the Fruitville Road facility will support instruction and certification across 10 high-demand trades, including carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, masonry, solar installation and building construction technology. The phased redevelopment plan will culminate in a modern training campus, featuring classrooms, instructional labs and dedicated workshop spaces designed to provide real-world, hands-on learning environments.
The academy’s mission will be to connect students with the skills and certifications needed to build successful careers in the construction industry. Its model prioritizes access for individuals ages 18 and older, with a focus on low- to moderate-income students, ensuring that local employers have access to a trained, ethical and job-ready workforce while expanding economic opportunity throughout the region.
The Suncoast Apprenticeship Academy has launched a comprehensive fundraising campaign to support facility renovation, classroom and lab build-out, workforce training equipment, program staffing and long-term operational readiness.
“When you invest in the Suncoast Apprenticeship Academy, you are investing in people, in local industry and in the long-term resilience of our community,” said Hunihan.
About the Suncoast Apprenticeship Academy
The Suncoast Apprenticeship Academy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing ethical, sustainable building practices through education, outreach, and hands-on skilled trades training. Serving Manatee and Sarasota counties, the Academy delivers high-quality instruction, mentorship, and industry-aligned certifications that prepare individuals ages 18 and older for successful careers in the construction industry. Through strong partnerships with industry leaders, educators, and public-sector stakeholders, the Suncoast Apprenticeship Academy is building the next generation of skilled trade professionals and strengthening the region’s economic future. For more information, go to www.suncoastapprenticeshipacademy.org