Thrive
FDOT launches local workforce development initiative
“The end goal is to create careers for these folks.”
St. Petersburg College is facilitating OnBoard Tampa Bay, a new regional workforce development initiative that ensures residents can participate in planned infrastructure projects totaling over $6 billion.
OnBoard Tampa Bay connects contractors with a pipeline of skilled and unskilled workers, and over 140 are currently hiring through the platform. The Florida Department of Transportation-sponsored program also provides wraparound services, including mentoring, transportation assistance and career coaching, to ensure job retention and career advancement.
SPC will take a hands-on approach when preparing and placing residents into high-demand transportation and infrastructure jobs. FDOT awarded 459 construction contracts totaling $4.69 billion in fiscal year 2022-23, creating a critical need for a local talent pipeline.
“The end goal is to create careers for these folks,” said Elizabeth Winters, transportation planning manager at FDOT. “If they’re willing and they want to, we want to make sure they have what they need to make that happen.”
OnBoard Tampa Bay’s overarching goal is to meet critical workforce demands while increasing economic mobility for local communities. Belinthia Berry, dean of workforce development & corporate partnerships for SPC, said FDOT selected the college to facilitate the program following the proven success of St. Pete Works.
The previous initiative connected hundreds of underserved St. Petersburg residents to training and employment through collaborations with the city and area organizations. While it ended in June after five years, St. Pete Works created the foundation for a regional model.
“They (FDOT) did a tour and saw all the work we have done in the community, and that’s how the partnership came about,” Berry said. “We’re covering five counties, and we’re used to doing that, because we get people from all over the state that come to work with us at SPC.
“One thing we are really good at is outreach – ensuring individuals get jobs within the communities and different industries.”
OnBoard Tampa Bay’s website notes that the nascent program already has 1,662 daily active users and 100 open positions. FDOT’s District 7 has 116 local projects.
An interactive map highlights multiple projects in St. Petersburg for applicants. Anyone, regardless of prior transportation or infrastructure construction experience, can create a profile and apply.
Job opportunities range from entry-level maintenance to drone operations. Winters said FDOT contractors often hire people “on the spot” at OnBoard Tampa Bay events.
Applicants will either receive a phone call or an email outlining recommended opportunities. Winters noted that there is “no commitment necessary.”
Program partners will also help eliminate any potential barriers to employment. SPC will offer training, credentials and certifications as needed.
Berry said applicants will receive the resources they need to “stay on that job, and that’s something we did really well with St. Pete Works.” While participants could potentially travel throughout the region or state to work on specific projects, Winters said program partners work to accommodate everyone.
She noted that laborers could become foremen and, eventually, supervisors while gaining paid work experience on high-profile projects. “There are many different paths out there for upward movement,” Winters said.
“The contractors are very open to this – they want to invest in people who are going to stay with them.”
Winters believes the comprehensive support facilitated by SPC and regional collaboration between area workforce boards and community organizations show underserved job seekers that “they’re not alone.”
“We’re here and willing to help,” she continued. “Every individual that applies and will apply – we want them to be successful. To let them know they have someone in their corner, I think, is priceless.”
Winters said FDOT will need an estimated 500,000 construction workers in positions “across the board” throughout 2026. Berry noted that many credentials are lifelong and allow people to pursue other high-wage jobs once a project concludes.
To participate in the program, visit the website here.
