Deeper than Ditches

Construction Career Days returned to Tampa last month after a nine-year absence caused by the recession.

The April 13 event, with nearly 700 students, was held at the Hillsborough County Public Utilities Department in Riverview, according to a statement. Hosts included the Suncoast Utility Contractors Association; Hillsborough County; the Florida Department of Transportation; and the Florida Transportation Builders Association.

Students participated in a variety of construction activities. They operated heavy equipment, tested materials, simulated bridge design and worked on asphalt paving operations, concrete mixing and traffic safety. The goal of the event is to expose students to a career in construction and to attract people interested in current employment, as well as future opportunities.