Power Design Partners With USF Athletics on Student-Athlete Career Development

A new industry-university partnership in Tampa Bay will connect student-athletes with construction professionals, internships and career development opportunities as contractors continue to seek qualified talent and strengthen workforce pipelines.

Highlights

• Power Design entered a multiyear partnership with South Florida Athletics.
• The program will connect USF student-athletes with Power Design leaders and employees.
• Students will receive exposure to internships, career paths and professional development.
• More than 150 University of South Florida alumni currently work at Power Design.
• The initiative expands workforce connections between the construction industry and higher education.

Partnership Creates Construction Career Pipeline

Power Design and South Florida Athletics are establishing a career development partnership focused on helping USF student-athletes explore professional opportunities beyond college athletics.

The program will provide opportunities for student-athletes to interact with Power Design personnel and learn about internships and potential career paths. The effort builds on South Florida Athletics' Enhancing U program, which prepares student-athletes for professional life after graduation.

For construction employers, partnerships with universities can provide an avenue for identifying prospective employees before graduation and introducing students to career opportunities across construction operations, engineering, project management and related functions.

Tampa Bay Workforce Connections Expand

Power Design's relationship with the University of South Florida also reflects the company's existing connection to the university. More than 150 USF alumni are employed by Power Design, according to the company.

The partnership is centered on mentorship and professional development, giving students opportunities to develop industry connections and gain insight into workplace expectations.

The initiative comes as construction companies continue to develop workforce strategies that combine recruiting, internships, mentorship and education partnerships. Connecting students with employers earlier in their academic careers can help contractors build longer-term talent pipelines in competitive labor markets.

Why It Matters

For construction companies and owners, university partnerships can support workforce development while giving students a clearer path into industry careers. Programs that combine mentorship and career exposure can also strengthen local talent pipelines and help contractors compete for emerging professionals.

Source: Power Design Inc.