MITER Brands recently celebrated team member Andrew Clark, who was recognized with the 2024 Florida Manufacturer Apprentice of the Year award. Clark was honored at a celebration held at the company’s PGT Windows and Doors location in North Venice, Florida, in conjunction with National Apprenticeship Day on April 30.
The honor was awarded by FloridaMakes, a statewide, industry-led public-private partnership with the sole mission of strengthening and advancing Florida’s economy by improving the productivity and technological performance of its manufacturing sector.
The award is designed to recognize those who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to their professional development and who have gone above and beyond their normal duties and taken on additional responsibilities, including encouraging others to consider manufacturing as a career.
“This recognition isn’t just about technical skills, it’s about work ethic, initiative, and impact,” said Marcelo Dossantos, director of workforce development for FloridaMakes. “At a time when manufacturers across the country are facing workforce shortages and a growing skills gap, upskilling workers through apprenticeship programs is not only a talent development strategy, but also a key retention strategy.”
On Thursday, May 1, MITER Brands held a celebratory event and luncheon to recognize and congratulate Clark. More than 25 individuals were in attendance, including representatives from FloridaMakes, Sarasota-Manatee Manufacturers Association (SAMA), and CareerSource Suncoast. Also present at the event were Luis Laracuente, Senator Rick Scott’s district director for the Tampa Bay region, Steven Seville, apprenticeship and training representative for the Department of Education, and Matt DeSoto, CEO of MITER Brands.
“At MITER Brands, we’re building the next generation of master tradespeople,” said Desoto. “We have young, talented individuals who take pride in their work, want to grow, and have a desire to use their skills to advance the business. Andrew and apprentices like him are exactly the kind of talent we’re proud to have and continue to look for to help us carry American manufacturing forward.”
Clark’s recent accolade marks the third consecutive year that a member of MITER’s apprenticeship program was acknowledged by FloridaMakes. In 2023, MITER Brands team member William Merriman won the Apprentice of the Year award, and in 2022, MITER Brands team member Brentyn Szalbirak was given the same award. At the event, Merriman and Szalbirak were also recognized for their achievements and graduation from their respective apprenticeships. Both are now certified journeymen for PGT’s tool and die program.
“Innovation is more than just a word in our MITER Brands name or the new products we engineer,” said Chris Davis, vice president of operations at MITER Brands. “It shows up in how we grow our teams, strengthen our culture, and invest in the future. Our apprenticeship program is a perfect example of this spirit of innovation at work — thinking differently, acting boldly, and building something that lasts.”
Following its strong success in the tool and die department, MITER Brands’ apprenticeship program has now been expanded to include the maintenance department at its PGT location.