Power Design spends millions on St. Petersburg training campus

Power Design is investing tens of millions of dollars in a 77,000-square-foot facility in St. Petersburg to train the next generation of construction workers.

The company operates under the premise that the current supply of skilled labor cannot meet future demand. Stephanie Morge, the vice president of learning and development, stated that the market lacks the necessary personnel for various project types, ranging from hospitals to data centers. She described the situation as a mismatch where the supply does not match the demand.

Industry data supports the urgency of this investment. A report on the state of skilled trades indicates that approximately 1.7 million trade jobs will open annually for the next nine years. The workforce is aging, with about one-quarter of current workers aged 55 or older. In contrast, only 11% of workers are younger than 25.

Power Design’s program, named PowerU, currently includes about 380 students nationwide. The initiative uses an earn while you learn model, allowing apprentices to work on the company’s 350 active projects while completing coursework. The goal is to double the number of new apprentices next year. The program is certified by the U.S. Department of Labor and the Department of Education.

The St. Petersburg campus, known as CAMP, serves as the central hub for this training. Students spend one week there each quarter for in-person instruction. The curriculum covers electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and systems technologies. Upon completion, students are prepared to take the journeyman exam, which certifies them in their trade. Eligibility requires a high school diploma or equivalent and English proficiency.

The training includes practical exercises designed to mimic real-world conditions. One station simulates an apartment where students must identify construction errors and code violations. These defects include misaligned screws on light switches or doors that open in the wrong direction. Instructors monitor attendance and grades in a format similar to a traditional classroom.

The company aims to challenge the perception that trade jobs are low status. Morge noted that the view of trades as lesser careers has discouraged younger generations from entering the field. To support this shift, Power Design provides dorm rooms for students and pairs them with mentors who are near the end of their own four-year programs. The campus also offers amenities such as cryotherapy chambers, massage pods, and Pilates sessions to all employees.

Alex Fox, the senior director of marketing and brand strategy, emphasized the long-term value of trade skills. He stated that workers who learn a trade remain valuable for their careers and contribute to the physical infrastructure of cities. Fox cited a projected need for $6.7 trillion in construction by 2030. He highlighted the specific demand in the Tampa Bay area, where new high-rises and housing projects are accelerating the need for skilled labor.