Tampa Bay Construction Industry To Host Hundreds Of Students During Annual Career Day

DOVER, FL — An estimated 1,000 high school students will be treated to a hands-on, interactive glimpse into the construction industry during Tampa Bay Construction Career Day Thursday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, 215 Sydney-Washer Road, Dover.

During the event, students can operate heavy machinery and learn about bridge construction, paving, concrete, traffic control and engineering. Students will be introduced to the large number of career paths available in the transportation, structural, engineering and building industries.

This is a chance for students to learn first hand about construction careers and interact with representatives from the Florida Department of Transportation, engineering firms, contractors and consultants involved in all aspects of the transportation industry.

The event also spotlights companies committed to opening doors for the next generation.

"Construction Career Day is a unique opportunity for high school students to experience and explore careers in the transportation construction industry," said event chairwoman Penny Danielecki with Technical Sales Corp. "This event allows our industry to showcase the many career choices for young people of all backgrounds and skill levels."

Organizers expect students to attend from dozens of high schools throughout Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk and Hardee counties.

Among companies participating in the event are: ACEC, Ajax Paving, American Consulting, Carbon Design & Architecture, CPWG, HNTB, Hubbard, Linder Industrial Machinery Co., LIV Development, Middlesex, Nelson Construction, PCL Construction, Quest Corporation of America Inc., RS&H, Sunshine 811, Synergy, Technical Sales Corp. and The de Moya Group.

"Tampa Bay has billions of dollars of construction activity lined up for the next decade, and FDOT is committed to creating a pipeline of workforce and long-term economic opportunities," said Rasheia Freeman, program manager for FDOT's Statewide Workforce Development Program. "Construction Career Days is a fun, inspirational event for these high school students. We're introducing them to careers in great demand with entry-level positions available coming right out of high school with good pay and substantial benefits."

"The Tampa Bay Construction Career Day has proven to be an excellent opportunity for FDOT to meet and connect with our future workforce," said Conrad Campbell, district construction engineer for FDOT's West Central Florida region. "Through this event, our contractors have been able to interview and extend employment opportunities to some of these fine young men and women as they prepare for their next phase of life beyond high school."

Tampa Bay Construction Career Days is hosted by the FDOT, Federal Highway Administration, Florida Transportation Builders' Association, Suncoast Utility Contractors Association and other industry leaders.

To learn more about the event, click here.