Florida’s construction boom shows no signs of slowing — but the workforce needed to support it is falling dangerously behind. Industry experts warn that more than 400,000 construction workers are needed across the state this year alone, according to the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). From apartment developments and commercial builds to massive roadway expansions, nearly every corner of Central Florida is buzzing with activity — yet contractors struggle to find enough skilled hands.
That’s where iBuild Central Florida, a workforce development initiative launched in 2016, is stepping in with a mission: train the next generation of builders through accessible, skills-based education.
The organization offers hands-on courses and industry-recognized certifications to both high school students and adults looking to enter the trades. So far, more than 2,000 participants have earned certifications, and over 9,000 high schoolers have completed introductory construction classes.
“For me, it was a vision of how do we get people that normally don't look like the people in our construction industry, and how do we change that view, because the construction industry is for everybody,” said Debbie Rodriguez, founder and president of iBuild.
The labor shortage is reaching critical levels, according to Michele Daughtery, president and CEO of ABC Central Florida.
"The crisis is so large right now that for every three individuals that are retiring from our industry, only one individual's coming in," she said.
Daugherty believes programs like iBuild are essential to reversing that trend. "A young lady can come in today breaking concrete, and tomorrow she'll be breaking the glass ceiling because of these amazing iBuilD programs," she added.
The impact of the program is already visible among its participants.
Olivia Gonzales, an aspiring architect, said the classes helped her understand the fundamentals behind the career she hopes to pursue.
"I've been wanting to do architecture, so this helped me get like the background knowledge," she said. "I learned several things... We build like tables and different (things) and like bird houses. Which I probably wouldn't have known how to do otherwise."
Amik Leafgree, another student, joined iBuild to explore his options.
"There's so many jobs," he said, adding that he hopes to one day help build the very communities he grew up in.
As Florida pushes forward with unprecedented levels of infrastructure and development, workforce programs like iBuild may prove to be the backbone of its economic sustainability.
More information on enrollment, class schedules, and certifications can be found at www.ibuildcentralflorida.com.
Originally reported by Kristine Barclay in Yahoo News.
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