LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. — Halfacre Construction Company, a Lakewood Ranch-based commercial construction company, recently donated $1,000 to a new construction technology program launching at Riverview High School.
The high school is the first in the area to develop its own program and will utilize hands-on experiences in the construction and trades industry alongside the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) curriculum to meet industry standards.
Upon completing the program, high school students will graduate with industry recognized credentials and gain access to local internships, apprenticeships and jobs.
Currently, the Gulf Coast Builders Exchange (GCBX) is working with its members through donations and in-kind services to transform an art lab at the high school into a functioning shop for the students for when the program launches this August. Halfacre donated $1,000 to go towards these renovations.
Along with other GCBX members, Halfacre will support the classroom activities for the program by providing guest speakers, internship and apprenticeship opportunities.
“We are grateful to be able to support such an impactful program,” said Jack Cox, president and CEO of Halfacre Construction. “Sarasota County has been experiencing workforce issues surrounding the construction industry for a number of years. Since many students don’t have an immediate plan after graduation, providing industry-specific training for them while they’re still in high school is a step in the right direction in finding a solution to this problem. Hopefully one day, we will be able to hire these students for our team.”
The four-year program has already reached its capacity of 60 students. A waitlist is being offered for additional interested individuals.
Over the years, Halfacre’s corporate culture has been focused on supporting the local community through giving, fundraising, donating building projects and serving on nonprofit and organizational advisory boards in order to improve the quality of life in the region.
The commercial construction company takes great pride in giving back to organizations like Loveland Center, The Haven, Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County, Suncoast Charities for Children, Special Olympics Florida – Sarasota County, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast and SKY Family YMCA, among others.