WILDWOOD, Fla. – On Monday, March 16, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will host a Road to Your Future transportation industry hiring event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Wildwood Community Center located at 6500 Powell Road in Wildwood.

This free event provides job seekers with the opportunity to connect directly with Lane Construction and Southland Contracting, two contractors actively hiring for positions supporting current and upcoming FDOT transportation projects in the region. In addition, their subcontractors and representatives from Sumter and Lake County governments will be present, giving job seekers the chance to learn more about their work and available career pathways. While FDOT is hosting the event as part of its statewide workforce development efforts, hiring will be conducted exclusively by the participating contractors and partners.

“Road to Your Future is about connecting people to real career opportunities that strengthen our transportation system and our communities,” said John E. Tyler, P.E., FDOT District Five Secretary. “By partnering with industry leaders, we are helping create a direct pathway from interest to employment. Events like this demonstrate how collaboration between FDOT and the private sector builds a skilled workforce prepared to deliver Florida’s critical infrastructure.”

A wide variety of positions are available, including heavy machinery operators, carpenters, underground pipe layers, and general labor roles.

Many opportunities offer on-the-job training and pathways for career advancement within the transportation construction industry. Qualified candidates may be interviewed or hired on site by participating employers.

Launched in 2024, Road to Your Future is a groundbreaking FDOT initiative that recruits talent for Florida’s growing transportation sector through hiring events hosted around the state. Thanks to strong support from Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature to enhance Florida's transportation infrastructure, FDOT remains committed to cultivating a robust workforce through such hiring events and ongoing workforce development efforts. By strengthening the workforce, FDOT is ensuring the continuous delivery of a safe and efficient transportation system that further drives advancement and economic growth within the communities it serves.

The Statewide Workforce Development Program, instituted and operated by FDOT since late 2019, is the culmination of key initiatives that provide a pathway to opportunities for experienced and entry-level workers alike in any field, allowing them to build successful careers in Florida’s transportation industry.