The Northeast Florida Builders Association announced Dec. 16 that it is $2.1 million shy of reaching a $7.5 million goal to complete construction of its new Workforce Development Center and headquarters.
Reaching the goal will allow NEFBA to finish the project without having to take on debt, the organization said.
Construction is underway with hopes of NEFBA moving into the facilities at 4932 Old Sunbeam Road in March. Auld & White Constructors is the contractor.
NEFBA plans to consolidate its apprentice training for the carpentry, electrical, HVAC and plumbing trades in the building. Members of the apprentice program are doing a portion of the work.
“Apprentices building for apprentices,” said Jessie Spradley, NEFBA executive officer, at the breakfast meeting.
The city of Jacksonville provided $1 million and the state provided $750,000 for the project. The Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Foundation initially donated $350,000 and followed that with a $500,000 challenge gift.
The apprentice program started in 1973. Class size has grown from 181 in 2015 to 540 in 2025.
Employers sponsor apprentices in the program. The cost is $900 per apprentice per year. Students work days on the jobsite and attend class two evenings during the workweek.
After four years, graduates receive national credentials and 27 college credits toward an associate of science degree in industrial management at Florida State College at Jacksonville.
NEFBA’s trade schools operate among sites that include space donated by Keiser University. The goal is to bring the program into a centralized location.
Plans for the 43,000-square-foot building include 11 classrooms, with lab spaces for each trade, plus an auditorium, conference rooms and offices for the NEFBA headquarters.