A transformative investment aimed at shaping the next generation of skilled workers is taking root in Jacksonville, as Miller Electric Company and Milwaukee Tool expand their commitment to workforce development through both innovative learning experiences and strengthened career pathways in local schools.

Miller Electric Company and Milwaukee Tool have committed $40,000 as founding sponsors of Junior Achievement of North Florida’s Experiential Learning Center (ELC), a transformative workforce readiness and career exploration facility currently under development at Florida State College at Jacksonville’s (FSCJ) Downtown campus and projected to serve more than 30,000 students annually. At the same time, the companies are partnering with United Way of Northeast Florida and Duval County Public Schools with a $50,000 investment to restore and strengthen career and technical education (CTE) programs, beginning with the reestablishment of an electrical training program at Westside High School.

Together, these efforts are designed to address a growing shortage of skilled trades professionals while ensuring students have clear, accessible pathways from classroom to career.

“We see this as a generational workforce solution,” said Patty Keenan, Chief Talent Officer at Miller Electric Company. “These programs provide early exposure to meaningful careers, not just jobs, in industries poised for tremendous future growth. When students can see a future for themselves in these careers early, it can change the trajectory of their lives while strengthening the workforce and community we all depend on.” 

Addressing a Growing Workforce Need 

Across Northeast Florida, demand for skilled labor continues to rise while access to training programs has declined due to instructor shortages, funding gaps, and inconsistent program availability.

The Experiential Learning Center will help bridge this gap by serving more than 30,000 students annually through immersive learning experiences that connect classroom education to real-world careers. Students will explore industries including construction, manufacturing, transportation, healthcare, finance, technology, and STEM while developing the skills and confidence needed to pursue high-demand careers. 

“Our goal is to help young people connect what they are learning in school to the opportunities that exist right here in Northeast Florida,” said Shannon Italia, President of Junior Achievement of North Florida. “Through the Experiential Learning Center, students will explore careers, understand the skills those careers require, and begin building a vision for their future. Partnerships like this help ensure that workforce pathways are both visible and accessible.”

Rebuilding and Expanding Career Pathways 

Complementing the ELC investment, Miller Electric and Milwaukee Tool are working with United Way of Northeast Florida to rebuild critical career pathways within Duval County schools.

A key focus is the restoration of the electrical CTE program at Westside High School, creating a direct pipeline into apprenticeships and careers in the electrical and construction trades. The partnership will also expand career exposure into middle schools, helping students explore opportunities earlier and make more informed decisions about their future. 

“One of the most important investments we can make is helping young people connect to meaningful careers that offer stability and opportunity,” said James Ellout, Vice President of Community Impact at United Way of Northeast Florida. “This funding will allow us to launch schoolbased career and technical education programs that give students the skills, hands-on experience and industry connections needed to succeed in today’s workforce. We are grateful to Miller Electric Company and Milwaukee Tool for their commitment to creating pathways to opportunity for Duval County students.”

“When we invest in students, we invest in the future of our community,” said Dr. Christopher Bernier, Superintendent of Duval County Public Schools. “Our responsibility is to ensure every student graduates with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities needed to succeed. This partnership with Miller Electric Company, Junior Achievement, Milwaukee Tool, and United Way of NE Florida will help us expand experiences that connect classroom learning to future careers, preparing students for success in college, the workforce, and life.”

Data-Driven Pathways into the Trades

Through Junior Achievement’s career exploration programming, students will engage in career interest and aptitude assessments that help connect their strengths and interests to potential career pathways. The resulting data helps educators, employers, and community partners better understand workforce interests and align future opportunities with student aspirations. 

In a recent Tampa-area rollout involving approximately 15,000 students:

• 28% demonstrated aptitude for construction careers
• 17% for manufacturing 
• 50% for STEM-related fields

This data-driven approach enables partners like Miller Electric and Milwaukee Tool to better target outreach and engagement efforts, strengthening the long-term talent pipeline. 

“Developing the next generation of skilled trades professionals requires long-term investment,” said Scott Teson, Senior Vice President of Skilled Trades at Milwaukee Tool. “This partnership reflects Milwaukee Tool’s commitment to workforce development and our goal of investing $200 million in the trades by 2030.”

Expanding Access and Opportunity 

The combined initiatives create stronger connections between education and industry by linking students to:

• FSCJ pre-apprenticeship programs 
• IBEW/NECA Electrical Apprenticeships
• Hands-on training, mentorship, and real-world career experiences

As a signature sponsor, Miller Electric will also maintain a visible presence within the Experiential Learning Center, supporting instruction and helping guide career pathway development. 

“This is how you build a workforce; early exposure, hands-on learning, and clear connections to real careers,” added Scott Teson, Milwaukee Tool.

Investing in Jacksonville’s Future 

“This is about building a stronger city.” added Keenan. “Beyond workforce readiness, our investment reflects a broader commitment to economic mobility, community resilience, and long-term growth. 

By restoring critical training programs and expanding access to experiential learning, the partnership aims to ensure more students graduate with both the skills and confidence to pursue high-demand, high-quality careers.

About Miller Electric Company 

Founded in 1928 and headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, Miller Electric Company is a leading provider of electrical and infrastructure solutions with more than 5,000 employees, delivering energy and technology infrastructure solutions to commercial, healthcare, institutional, industrial, and mission-critical clients across the United States. Miller Electric is a subsidiary of EMCOR Group, Inc. 

About Milwaukee Tool 

Milwaukee Tool is a leading manufacturer of heavy-duty power tools, hand tools, and accessories, delivering innovative solutions for professional users worldwide. Known for its commitment to performance, safety, and productivity, the company serves the construction, industrial, and skilled trades sectors through continuous product innovation and industry partnerships.

About Junior Achievement of North Florida 

Junior Achievement of North Florida inspires and prepares young people to succeed in a global economy. Through hands-on learning experiences focused on financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurship, JANFL serves more than 35,000 students annually across Northeast Florida. Its upcoming Experiential Learning Center will provide immersive career exploration and workforce readiness experiences for more than 30,000 students each year, helping connect education to high demand careers and economic opportunities. For more information, visit janfl.org.

About United Way of Northeast Florida 

For more than a century, United Way of Northeast Florida has walked alongside individuals and families, helping them move through today’s challenges and realize tomorrow’s possibilities. We deliver services, provide funds and mobilize volunteers where they’re needed most to strengthen financial security, create youth opportunities, and build a healthy community. As a respected and trusted philanthropic organization, we have a long tradition of helping families thrive across Duval, Baker, Clay, Nassau and northern St. Johns counties. Our work is made possible thanks to the commitment of thousands of volunteers, donors, and community partners. To learn more and get involved, visit unitedwaynefl.org, or follow United Way of Northeast Florida on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Media Contact
Miller Electric Company 
Kerri Stewart
Chief Administrative Officer
 (904) 962 9425
kstewart@mecojax.com