ORLANDO, Fla. – The sound of power saws and drills pierced the afternoon air as dozens of high school students from Orange County received a hands-on introduction to the construction industry.
The juniors and seniors could be seen high up in a boom lift or carefully controlling the arm of an excavator as they got a crucial assist to their career path exploration from CareerSource Central Florida’s High School Career Express program.
This year, the 10-week program includes 100 students from four local high schools — East River, Jones, Edgewater, and Lake Buena Vista — who will visit different businesses including Addition Financial, Disney, UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management, Marriott Vacation Worldwide, Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, and more. The program, which launched in spring 2024, pays the students $100 per week, for a total of $1,000 if they attend all 10 sessions.
Brianna Ali, a student from Lake Buena Vista High School, joined the program after hearing about it from a friend.
“There are so many different options, and honestly, I haven’t seen all of it,” Ali said. “I just wanted to see what would really click with me.”
Ali found herself particularly drawn to The Amphibious Group, which provides medical support on construction sites. She received hands-on instruction in one of their CPR training demonstrations.
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Marcela DeFaria with CareerSource Central Florida says, “having hands-on opportunities really showcases to the students exactly what it is to do a job.” DeFaria added that the program focuses on industries that are essential to the region’s economy.
“We want to make sure that the students have great salary opportunities in the future,” DeFaria said. “There are about 60,000 high school students in Orange County alone, and we’re only touching 100. Can you imagine what it would be like if we gave this opportunity to all of them?”
A recent national survey found that 74% of high school students believe it is important to have a career plan upon graduation. However, only 13% feel fully prepared to choose their career path. The High School Career Express program hopes to address that gap by giving students the opportunity to explore their options before entering the workforce.
Michele Daugherty, CEO of Associated Builders and Contractors, hosted the event and emphasized the vast opportunities available in the construction industry.
“There’s every opportunity from flying drones on job sites to being safety directors, project managers, superintendents, plumbers, carpenters, electricians. There’s something for everyone in our industry,” Daugherty said.
She also highlighted Central Florida’s growing job market and the major projects shaping the region.
“We’re doing epic things here in Central Florida. We’re building amusement parks and hospitals and all of these things,” Daugherty said. “And we want to show the young folks all of the different career opportunities right here in Central Florida.
CareerSource Central Florida also offers a Summer Youth Program that offers three paid internship options for students aged 14-19. They can earn a minimum of $1,200 while exploring and training for careers.
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