ABC Florida East Coast and Space Florida Partner to Boost Workforce, Aerospace Development

supporting Florida’s evolving space economy

BREVARD COUNTY • CAPE CANAVERAL, FLORIDA — Associated Builders and Contractors Florida East Coast, its educational and training arm, the ABC Institute Apprenticeship College, and Space Florida have formalized a groundbreaking partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding recently at Cape Canaveral.

The collaboration aims to strengthen Florida’s construction workforce and accelerate growth in the state’s aerospace and space-related industries.

As part of the agreement, Space Florida will form a partnership to assist ABC FEC and ABCI in developing a new regional headquarters on the Space Coast.

These facilities will serve as a base for expanded training, education, and workforce development initiatives to support Florida’s evolving space economy.

The MOU outlines joint efforts to expand skilled trades training, workforce education, and innovation to meet the growing demands of space-related infrastructure and facilities. Signed in front of local dignitaries, industry leaders, and special guests, the agreement marks a bold step forward for the construction and aerospace sectors.

“This is more than a signing–it’s a strategic alignment of two industries critical to Florida’s future,” said Peter Dyga, President and CEO of ABC Florida East Coast.

“By bringing together the state’s leading commercial construction association, Florida’s leading expert in workforce development, and the state’s aerospace finance and development authority, we are laying the foundation for long-term success in workforce development, infrastructure, and innovation.”

ABCI, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, operates the single largest apprenticeship education program in Florida. It offers exceptional training and debt-free pathways into the construction trades, including specialties aligned with Florida’s growing space and aerospace sectors.

The partnership aims to establish a regional hub for training and education in the skilled construction trades, particularly in sectors that support space-related infrastructure and facilities.

“At Space Florida, we are committed to building up the aerospace workforce to meet the growing demand for skills across our state,” said Rob Long, president and CEO of Space Florida.

“Florida is a global hub for aerospace innovation and talent, and through partnerships like this, we can strengthen the pipeline of skilled workers who will continue to lead our industry forward.”

This collaboration comes as demand for a highly trained construction workforce is rising across Florida, especially in specialized fields that serve the aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing industries.

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