Suncoast Apprenticeship Academy closes on future headquarters at former Perkins property
The Suncoast Apprenticeship Academy, in partnership with the Suncoast Builders Association, has closed on its future home at 5921 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, Florida 34232, formerly the Perkins Restaurant property.
This landmark achievement represents years of planning, collaboration, and determination to create a permanent training center dedicated to preparing the next generation of skilled trades professionals throughout Manatee and Sarasota counties.
The purchase of the property was made possible through support from members of the Suncoast Builders Association and assistance of a private donor whose commitment helped turn this long-standing vision into reality.
“This is an exciting day for our Association, our Academy, and our entire construction industry,” said Jon Mast, CEO of the Suncoast Builders Association. “Closing on this property is a major milestone, but it is only the beginning. Together, we now have the opportunity to build something that will serve our community for generations.”
The new headquarters will become home to the Suncoast Apprenticeship Academy and the Suncoast Builders Association, providing the resources necessary to educate and prepare students for rewarding careers in the skilled trades. Once complete, the facility will help address the growing workforce shortage while creating pathways to meaningful, high-paying careers in construction.
The Suncoast Builders Association extends its sincere appreciation to everyone who helped make this milestone possible, with special recognition to Association President Ryan Lieberman and its board of directors for their extraordinary efforts in bringing the project across the finish line.
While the property has been secured, significant work remains. The Association is now calling upon builders, trade contractors, suppliers, manufacturers, and community partners to help transform the building into a world-class apprenticeship training facility. Financial contributions, donated building materials, professional services, equipment, and volunteer support will all play a vital role in the renovation effort.
“This is our opportunity to create a lasting legacy and a pipeline of skilled laborers for our industry and our community,” Mast added. “The construction industry is experiencing a dire shortage in skilled laborers across multiple sectors. This not only affects businesses but it also affects the community looking to fill service needs at their homes. This endeavor will collaboratively help solve this critical issue and we’re incredibly proud of this important milestone. We’ve secured the property. Now it’s time to come together and build the future of the skilled trades.”
Organizations and individuals interested in supporting the renovation of the Suncoast Apprenticeship Academy are encouraged to visit www.suncoastapprenticeshipacademy.org to learn how they can become part of this transformational project.
About the Suncoast Apprenticeship Academy
The Suncoast Apprenticeship Academy is a nonprofit initiative established by the Suncoast Builders Association to address the growing shortage of skilled construction professionals across Florida’s Gulf Coast. Through industry partnerships, hands-on education, and workforce development programs, the Academy is creating pathways to careers in carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and other essential construction trades while strengthening the region’s workforce for generations to come.
