How can our school or school district get involved and start a program?

Please contact the ACT office for more information. We will be happy to speak with you about expanding the ACT Program into your area.

Who do I contact if I am still in school?

Students should contact the careers and technical program specialist in their county listed below. These coordinators will be able to guide you and answer any questions you or your parents may have about the program. You may also contact the ACT office.

• Orange County Public Schools / Candice Mixon or Shayla Mack / 407-317-3200
• Osceola County District Schools / John DeRosa / 407-870-4600
• Seminole County Public Schools / Gene Tavares / 407-320-0171
• Lake County Public Schools / Lynnea Weissman / 352-988-4876

What if I already graduated from high school?

For people that are no longer in high school, the same opportunities may be available in many of the adult apprenticeship programs in your area of career interest. You can contact your local vocational school and request information on their adult apprenticeship programs. A list of registered apprenticeship programs is listed in our PROGRAM NEWS section.

What are the opportunities in this career?

Please review the Career Paths for each trade area. This flow chart was developed by industry representatives of Central Florida.

How much do I get paid?

Sophomores and Juniors are currently starting at $11.00/hr; graduating Seniors start at $12.00/hr. Students are also eligible to receive standard employee benefits as they begin full-time employment after graduation.

Who will hire me?

In April, a job fair/interview date is set for ACT students and sponsoring employers (General Contractors & Sub-Contractors) to get together. Employers hiring pre-apprentices will conduct a one-on-one interview with each student during the job fair. Employers will notify the ACT office of whom they would like to hire. Employment begins when school is out for the summer.

When do I begin on-the-job training?

Employment begins in June and continues until school resumes in the fall.

What do I learn in the classroom?

Basic construction math, introduction to hand and power tools, introduction to blueprints, CPR, First Aid and 10 hour OSHA certification.

When can I start?

Your school will determine the registration period for the following year’s classes.

What are the qualifications for acceptance into the ACT Program?

The following lists the minimum qualifications for students to be involved in the ACT Program. The student:

• must be 16 years of age.
• be on track for graduation.
• has completed and submitted an ACT student application.
• must agree to substance abuse testing, if required by employer.
• must maintain a 2.0 GPA once enrolled.
• must have transportation to and from job site once employed

Incentives for Employers to get involved

• Quality Work Force
• Reduced Recruiting Costs
• Trained/Skilled Employee
• Less Cost for Training and Wage Cost Subsistence
• Proven Work Ethic
• Less Attrition
• High Productivity and Better Quality Products
• And more…

Membership advantages

1. Participate in student interview, selection, and placement process.
2. Active participant in program development.
3. Access to National and State publications and resources.
4. Marketing advantages.
5. May satisfy Pre-bid qualifications.
6. Networking opportunities

Are students covered by Workers Compensation?

Minors can be employed and covered by workers compensation if all of the conditions of the Child Labor Laws are met, including obtaining a Student-Learner Exemption Agreement. After meeting all these requirements a minor that is legally employed would be covered by workers compensation. Students that are enrolled in the Academy of Construction Technologies receive a Student-Learner Exemption Agreement. This agreement is in compliance with the Child Labor Laws.

Can students work in Construction under 18 years old?

Yes! A “student-learner” is one who is enrolled in a course of study and training in a coopertive vocational training program under a recognized State or Local educational authority or in a course of study in a substantially similar program conducted by a private school. The Academy of Construction Technologies has a “Student-Learner Exemption Agreement” that is used for students that are not yet 18 years of age to work in construction. The Child Labor Law Hazardous Occupation, Student-Learner Exemption Agreement may only be executed in approved School To Work (STW) programs that provide specific skills training and result in placement of students in employment specifically related to that training. This waiver agreement only applies to 16 and 17-year old student-learners and specific occupations. The Academy of Construction Technologies is a State registered Youth/Pre-Apprenticeship program. Students enrolled in the ACT youth/pre-apprenticeship program can be employed in specific occupations declared hazardous by the Florida Child Labor Law.

What are the steps to begin a program like ACT?

How it began… In May of 1992, the Academy of Construction Trades (ACT), re-named to Academy of Construction Technologies, was formed. ACT is a consortium of several Central Florida Construction Trade Associations, Business and Industry Partners both union and non-union.
The consortium is dedicated to a partnership with government and the School Boards of Lake, Orange, Osceola and Seminole Counties to “Train our Future Work Force Today!” During the past few years ACT has positioned itself as a leader and model for the State of Florida in youth/pre-apprenticeship training for high school students in construction careers.
Please contact the ACT office for more information. We will be happy to speak with you about expanding the ACT program into your area.