Pictured: Andrew Clark, full-time apprentice at PGT Innovations, with Mike Edmunds, Journeyman Tool and Die maker at PGT Innovations.

PGT Innovations (NYSE: PGTI), a national leader in the premium window, door, and garage door industry, is achieving results with its Pathway to PGTI program, as it recently welcomed Andrew Clark, a Venice High School alum, into its four-year apprenticeship program in the Tool and Die Department at the company's Venice facility. Clark is the first hire to come from the program, which aims to build interest and awareness in manufacturing career opportunities. The program places PGT Innovations at the forefront of the movement to provide local students with a direct pipeline to rewarding, growth-oriented jobs. Clark was introduced to PGT Innovations in 2022 as a high school senior enrolled in the Pathway to PGTI program. In the program, Venice High School students spend two hours of each school day at PGT Innovations, with part of that time dedicated to classroom training at PGT Innovations’ on-site training center and the rest of the time working alongside a skilled mentor. The program provides an opportunity for high school juniors and seniors to develop skilled trade experience while still in school, and students benefit from a technical education path, guided training, and a viable employment opportunity after graduation. After completing the Pathway to PGTI program earlier this year, Clark was invited back to PGT Innovations for a full-time paid summer internship opportunity in the Tool and Die Department. During his time interning, Clark had access to more hands-on activities throughout the department, including working on the mill and grinder, welding, and learning a variety of new skills. Upon completion of his summer internship, Clark was admitted into the four-year apprenticeship program for the Tool and Die Department at PGT Innovations, starting Aug. 1. Clark is working directly with Mike Edmunds, a Journeyman Tool and Die maker with over 45 years of experience, who will serve as his mentor throughout the apprenticeship. PGT Innovations launched its apprenticeship program, sponsored by CareerSource Suncoast, in 2018 for the Tool and Die Department, and currently has one in development for Line Maintenance. The apprenticeship programs must be designed, developed, and then approved by the Department of Education before they can operate. Per the Department of Education's annual apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship report for 2021-22, an increasing number of employers across the state recognized the value of such programs, with 275 active apprenticeships, 53 active pre-apprenticeships, and 3,600 participating employers reported. As PGT Innovations continues to lead the industry in workforce development, it proudly champions the impact of innovative programs like Pathway to PGTI in shaping the future of manufacturing.

Pictured: Andrew Clark, full-time apprentice at PGT Innovations, with Mike Edmunds, Journeyman Tool and Die maker at PGT Innovations.