Florida lawmakers convened on Tuesday to discuss a new bill that seeks to create a career pathway for students in civil construction, specifically targeting road and bridge workers.

House Bill 567, introduced by State Representative Fiona McFarland, proposes a $5 million investment into workforce development, aimed at addressing the state's labor shortage in civil engineering.

“We care very much about workforce development, particularly in the industry of civil engineering and road building,” McFarland said. “It provides $5 million of workforce development incentives.”

The funding for the initiative will be allocated from the State Transportation Fund. Florida College System institutions and high schools will be given priority for grants. Schools that participate in the program will be required to establish an elective course focused on a “heavy civil construction curriculum.”

As part of the program, students will get hands-on experience operating real civil engineering equipment and controls. They will also have the opportunity to earn certifications in Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10 and equipment simulator training.

If the bill passes, the program is set to run for five years, concluding in the 2029-2030 fiscal year.

With a growing need for skilled workers in civil construction, especially in the fields of road maintenance and bridge building, the program aims to cultivate a new generation of workers equipped with the necessary skills to fill these roles. The bill is seen as a proactive step toward bridging the gap in Florida's workforce shortage in civil engineering and ensuring that future infrastructure projects are carried out by a well-trained workforce.

Representative McFarland emphasized the importance of investing in education and training to keep up with the increasing demand for civil construction workers. "This bill is designed to ensure that our students are not only learning in a classroom but also gaining practical, real-world experience that will set them up for long-term success in the field," she added.

The initiative has the potential to improve the state's infrastructure while providing students with valuable career opportunities.

Originally reported by WMNF.