FDOT hosts 5th annual Construction Career Days

MILTON, Fla. (WALA) - All of this heavy machinery is giving students across Northwest Florida a potential glimpse into their future. Construction career days is all about exposing high school juniors and seniors to job opportunities they might not have considered while they’re still thinking about life after graduation.

“When you’re in 11th and 12th grade it’s very difficult to try and pin down what am I interested in, what do I want to choose to do for the rest of my life,” said Elizabeth Graham, co-chair for Construction Career Days. “This gives them an opportunity to see things they may have never thought was an option for them.”

In its fifth year, the Florida Department of Transportation says this is the biggest construction career days yet after expanding to seven counties and reaching 1,300 students. For many, the experience was eye opening.

“I love it. I just learned about how asphalt is made, and it is literally my new favorite thing,” said Emma Williams from Jay High School. “It’s really a beautiful process with all the binding and making of it.”

“It really impacts my learning and things I didn’t know before like certain times you can’t work on the highway, you can’t work on the road because of temperature so now I know this,” said Rene Rosales from Walton High School.

Students rotated through hands-on stations, trying simulators, visiting the career center, and even testing out real equipment used on the job.

“Now I know how to work construction equipment and stuff so it’s a great opportunity,” said Williams.

“Just getting to play around with it they get to see and get excited as well to bring them also to work with contractors and come into the industry,” said Graham.

While the students were going through different challenges with the equipment, students also got to ask questions and connect with professionals already working in the field.

“Now that I’m a senior I’m looking for a career, I’m not sure which way I’m taking so I think construction is the one for me,” said Rosales.

FDOT says over the past couple of years they’ve also been able to hand out $50,000 worth of scholarships to help students pursue careers in the industry.