This past weekend, John and I had the joy of celebrating my nephew Brady’s high school graduation, a meaningful milestone for our family. As the youngest of the six children raised between my brother and me, Brady marks the final high school graduate among them. He’s now preparing to begin his college journey at Florida State University. Having worked at FLCC and completed a Building and Trades program during high school, we’re hopeful that his early exposure to the construction industry may eventually bring his initial interest in finance full circle, perhaps even leading him back to our field. Only time will tell.

During one of the graduation speeches, the speaker noted that 2025 is projected to be the year with the highest number of high school graduates in U.S. history. What they didn’t mention is why. According to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE), approximately 3.9 million students are expected to graduate in 2025, a historic peak driven by the high birth rates of 2007 when over 4.3 million babies were born, the most since the post–World War II baby boom.

WICHE also reports that after this year, the number of graduates will decline steadily through 2041, with projections falling to around 3.4 million. This demographic dip stems largely from the drop in birth rates after the 2008 recession. While states like the Northeast and Midwest will likely see sharp declines in graduating classes, states such as Florida, Texas, and North Carolina are expected to maintain growth or stability.

By Fall 2025, an estimated 19.57 million students will be enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs across the U.S., with 73.2 percent attending public institutions (Education Data Initiative). Among recent high school graduates, 62 percent enrolled in college in 2023, 16.9 percent in 2-year colleges and 45.1 percent in 4-year institutions. However, only about 41 percent of students complete a bachelor’s degree within four years.

For those pursuing Construction Management, over 150 bachelor’s programs exist nationwide. Right here in Florida, we have several standout options:

University of Florida (M.E. Rinker Sr. School of Construction Management)
One of the oldest and most respected programs in the U.S.

Florida International University (FIU)
Offers a Construction Management degree through its College of Engineering and Computing

Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU)
Emphasizes technology and innovation in its B.S. Construction Management program

Florida Atlantic University (FAU)
Focuses on applied management and industry engagement

Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech)
Integrates engineering and business skills

Everglades University
Offers practical leadership training across multiple campuses

Florida Technical College (FTC)
Highlights safety, scheduling, and code compliance

Seminole State College of Florida
Focuses on project supervision, budgeting, and building systems

For those who prefer hands-on or practical learning, Florida also offers several excellent 2-year associate degree programs in construction-related fields:

Broward College
Offers evening classes and apprenticeship credit options

Seminole State College of Florida
Allows smooth transfer to its bachelor’s program

Santa Fe College
St. Petersburg College
Miami Dade College
State College of Florida, Manatee–Sarasota
Florida State College at Jacksonville
Tallahassee State College

Many professionals in our industry began in the trades and completed a formal apprenticeship before advancing into construction management. These programs combine classroom instruction with on-the-job training, allowing individuals to earn while they learn.

Skilled Trades Programs in Florida include:

Carpentry
Masonry
Electrical
Plumbing
HVAC
Welding
Roofing
Framing
Drywall
Flooring Installation
Sheet Metal Work
Heavy Equipment Operation
Concrete Finishing
Painting
General Construction Technology

These programs are offered at institutions like:

Florida Technical College (FTC)
Immokalee Technical College (iTECH)
Atlantic Technical College
Sheridan Technical College
Manatee Technical College
Fred K. Marchman Technical College
Seminole State College of Florida

Each student’s journey looks different. Most people will experience five graduation milestones through K–12, then face a choice between more than 15 skilled trades or eight possible higher education milestones (Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, etc.). No matter which path you take, remember that formal training is a powerful tool in your professional toolbox but it’s not the only one.

Whether you hold an apprenticeship credential or a master’s degree, your long-term success and satisfaction will be shaped by how you apply what you’ve learned and who you become on the job. In our industry, the best performers combine technical skill with the fundamentals of

1. Delivering Measurable Results
   Complete responsibilities with excellence and impact team goals
2. Communicating Effectively
   Keep others informed, ask questions, and resolve issues proactively
3. Continuously Improving
   Grow your skills, apply feedback, and increase your value to the team

As Brady’s milestone reminds us, graduation is more than a ceremony, it’s a launching point. Whether you’re pursuing your first trade certification or your final degree, may you take ownership of your path, stay curious, and commit to learning, doing, and growing.  If you need help along the way call/text us at 305-361-0094.

To Your Right Number of Graduations,

Suzanne Breistol