By GARETT VALCOURT
Students from the College & Career program at Bethlehem High School, Ponce De Leon High School, Chipley High School, and Vernon High School recently attended Northwest Florida Construction Career Days in Milton, gaining hands-on exposure to a wide array of career pathways in the construction and transportation sectors.
Organized by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), the event introduced students to numerous professions related to road and bridge construction, including heavy equipment operation, drone technology, graphic design, and traffic signal management. Representatives from various agencies and companies provided demonstrations and insight into industry demands and workforce opportunities.
Northwest Florida’s FDOT District 3, which encompasses 16 counties and spans nearly 11,500 square miles, supports a population of approximately 1.4 million residents who collectively travel more than 26 million miles daily. FDOT plays a critical role in maintaining and expanding the region’s infrastructure, offering capital and grant funding to support three deep-water ports, four major rail lines, and 80 public and private airports.
The event was part of a broader initiative to connect students with viable career opportunities in a growing field vital to Florida’s transportation and economic development.
