workers are needed
Florida needs 439,000 new skilled tradespeople to keep up with current development and infrastructure demands.
Inspiring a new generation to choose the skilled trades
WareWorks is a state of the art innovation hub and nonprofit workforce development organization dedicated to connecting high school students to careers in the skilled trades.
The need is here
Demand is rising while experienced professionals are leaving the workforce. The next generation needs a clear path in.
Florida needs 439,000 new skilled tradespeople to keep up with current development and infrastructure demands.
More than 40% of the current trades workforce is nearing retirement age, accelerating a generational skills gap.
For every five experienced workers who retire from the industry, only one new worker joins.
Contractors report significant difficulty finding and hiring skilled craft professionals.
WareWorks connects the ecosystem
We connect students, educators, and industry employers by offering hands on training environments, flexible classrooms, career pathway guidance and tools, and specialized workshops.
It gives aspiring professionals what they need to move from career exploration to employment.
Explore the Community Resource Map ↗
Florida's designated partner
National initiative
A national movement, brought to Florida
WareWorks is proud to be the official Florida partner for the Be Pro Be Proud initiative, a national movement redefining the skilled trades as a premier career choice for today's students.
Through our Mobile Workshop, we bring interactive trade simulators and industry connections directly to thousands of students, actively closing the state's technical skills gap.
From curiosity to career
We have developed a streamlined journey designed to guide high schoolers from their initial spark of interest to a secure career in the trades.
Awareness
Media partnerships amplify skilled trades opportunities to students and parents.
Exploration
Mobile workshops and simulators allow young adults to practice the trades in real time.
Connection
WareWorksFL.com serves as a career roadmap in one intuitive hub.
Open Career Pathway ↗Tracking real impact
Participant engagement and platform activity
Event, QR code, and simulation participation
Website engagement and digital reach analytics
Chris WareA vision born from experience
Jacksonville business owner and entrepreneur Chris Ware founded WareWorks after witnessing the severe skilled labor shortage while building his multistate HVAC enterprise.
He launched the nonprofit hub to remove barriers and empower the next generation of highly skilled tradespeople to achieve financial independence.
WareWorks is a Jacksonville, Florida nonprofit that connects students, educators, employers, and community partners to skilled trades career pathways across Northeast Florida. We work to close the gap between open jobs in the trades and the people ready to fill them.
Students, parents, educators, and employers across Northeast Florida. Whether you’re a student exploring career options, a teacher looking to connect your classroom to industry, or an employer looking for trained talent, WareWorks is built to meet you where you are.
No — WareWorks isn’t a school. We’re a hub that supports and connects existing workforce and education efforts, while also building new programs, tools, and hands-on training opportunities that give students direct exposure to skilled trades careers.
You can volunteer, donate, or bring your organization to the table as a partner. Visit our Get Involved section to start the conversation, or explore our partner page to see current partnerships and how your organization can join in.
Looking to learn more? Check out our FAQ for a more information.
Skilled Trades Institute
WareWorks is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN: 41-3110203. Contributions are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.