Skanska is leading the construction of the first-ever Plant City Technical College in Hillsborough County, Florida. The $41 million project aims to address the growing demand for skilled workers in trades like HVAC, electrical systems, and welding. Located on a 16-acre site, the 52,000-square-foot campus will be a state-of-the-art facility designed to equip students with the necessary skills for today’s workforce.

The project is part of Hillsborough County Public Schools’ initiative to provide modern technical education to its student population. The dual-building campus, designed by Harvard Jolly & PBK, will include lab spaces and classrooms to accommodate up to 900 students at a time. With programs focused on construction-related skills, including computer technology, Plant City Technical College will help bridge the skills gap in the region.

Construction is set to be completed by the third quarter of 2025, with Skanska’s role emphasizing its experience in large-scale educational infrastructure projects. Daniel Abou-Jaoude, vice president at Skanska, highlighted the importance of such developments, noting that technical education institutions like this will play a key role in workforce development across Florida.

A community-focused initiative

Hillsborough County Public Schools, which is the seventh-largest school district in the United States, has prioritized the creation of technical education programs to meet the growing demand for tradespeople in the region. As of 2024, over 94% of construction companies report difficulties in hiring skilled laborers, making this project crucial for local economic development.

Plant City Technical College will offer computer technology programs in addition to the construction trades, supporting a broader range of technical careers. The project is poised to provide significant opportunities for both students and local businesses, helping to foster a bigger workforce.