Skanska announced the construction completion of the new Rick Lott Technical College in Plant City, Fla., a 52,000-sq.-ft. project that will serve as Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) premier vocational education campus.
Situated on 16 acres, the two-building complex, formerly known as Plant City Technical College, will significantly expand workforce training opportunities for both adult learners and high school students. Named after former Plant City Mayor Rick Lott, the revitalized technical college will host up to 900 student stations and will provide Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses designed to meet the evolving needs of local industries.
Despite challenging weather and site conditions delaying the start of the project, the Skanska construction team was able to deliver the technical college project on schedule with some components completed weeks ahead of schedule.
"Florida is experiencing remarkable growth in workforce development and CTE programs that are expanding access to high-demand career pathways," said Daniel Abou-Jaoude, vice president of Skanska. "We're honored to play a role in this momentum by delivering the modern Rick Lott Technical College that will equip students with the skills needed to fulfill in-demand jobs."
Designed by the architecture firm Harvard Jolly | PBK, the vocational college showcases a layout that supports student success and long-term career development. The facility boasts lab spaces, modern classrooms and fully equipped with administrative areas. It will offer Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs across high-demand fields including automotive, computer technology, construction, diesel technology, electrical systems, HVAC and welding.
This project is among the latest workforce development centers in Florida, highlighting the growing demand for skilled trades careers both locally and nationally. The new educational campus will enable the seventh-largest school district in the country to expand and enhance its post-secondary educational programs, providing students with greater opportunities to pursue in-demand careers.
As a result, Skanska has spearheaded the construction of numerous workforce-focused facilities across Florida that are now open, including the Dr. Michael A. Grego Leadership Center in Pinellas County and the Wilton Simpson Technical College in Hernando County. The firm also has recently delivered several K-12 projects across the state, including Newsome High School, NeoCity Academy and Collins K-8 School.
For more information, visit skanska.com.
