April 26, 2023

NOVA’s Pensacola, Florida team had an incredible time volunteering at the Northwest Florida Construction Career Days event. This event offers interactive experiences, an introduction to industry experts, contests, and even scholarship opportunities for high school students. The event allows students the chance to get a feel for the field by participating in activities like operating machinery and speaking to experienced industry veterans.

As more people relocate to or visit Florida, the demand for qualified construction workers grows. The booming population calls for additional housing, business expansion, and improved roadways, which also leads to a rapid need for skilled workers. In order to increase the number of workers in the construction industry, transportation industry officials began this educational outreach program for high school students, which was named Construction Career Days, in 1999.

The event is organized by transportation industry partners from the public and private sectors. Nearly all 50 states hold at least one event. Currently, Florida holds events in the Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Tampa, Pensacola, and Orlando areas. Partner agencies and organizations responsible for the event include the Florida Department of Transportation, the Florida Transportation Builders Association, the Suncoast Utility Contractors Association, the National Association of Women in Construction, and the Federal Highway Administration.

Participating in events like this demonstrates NOVA’s commitment to promoting careers in the rapidly expanding construction industry. We were honored to have this opportunity.