Last Updated on September 2, 2026 by Seth Lieberman
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – The Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) Moving
I-4 Forward Program is pleased to celebrate one year of training more than 250 people
through its Florida Transportation Academy Construction Training Program in Kissimmee.
The six-week program is designed to expand the pool of skilled laborers to help deliver
transformational infrastructure projects in the Moving I-4 Forward Program.
“This program changed my life,” said graduate Shaquille Brown. “Thanks to the
Kissimmee Construction Training Program, I now have an incredible job at Preferred
Materials as a ready-mix truck driver. This job wouldn’t have been possible without the
licensing and certifications I received.”
Following completion of the program, participants gain access to a variety of full-time work
opportunities. After an initial four-week classroom and heavy equipment simulation
training, students choose to either earn a Class-B commercial driver’s license (CDL) or
enter the workforce. Additionally, we work with industry partners to help each graduate
have an opportunity for full-time employment following the training.
FDOT is also constructing a multi-use training track designed to prepare participants for
licensure and provide hands-on experience with heavy equipment. The new training track
is expected to be operational later this month.
“By providing hands-on training and real-world experience, this program is equipping
students with the skills and confidence they need to be successful in high-demand
construction positions,” said Chief Operations Officer and Assistant Secretary Will N.
Watts Jr., P.E. “Our graduates are creating long-term careers, and we are helping to build
a skilled workforce that will shape our communities for years to come.”
Classes are held Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. in Kissimmee. For more
information, visit Construction Training Program – MovingI4Forward.
The Moving I-4 Forward Program will improve miles of I-4 from west of U.S. 27 in Polk
County to east of State Road 536 in Orange County with an expected completion date of
summer 2031.
