Construction Backlog & Confidence Outpace Year-Ago Levels in March
April 20, 2026
A packed room at ABC Florida East Coast set the stage for a major workforce announcement as Congressman Byron Donalds unveiled his “Launchpad for Success” initiative during a stop on his Defending the Florida Dream Tour. The industry-driven program aims to expand apprenticeship opportunities, eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy, and create direct pathways from training to high-paying careers with little to no tuition cost. The strong turnout highlights the growing momentum behind workforce development solutions that align education with real job demand.
During his visit, Donalds also experienced ABC’s cutting-edge ABC Labs virtual reality training platform firsthand. The immersive technology, designed to enhance hands-on learning across trades, drew high praise from the congressman, who highlighted its potential to modernize workforce training and accelerate skill development at scale.
ABC OF FLORIDA ENDORSES DONALDS
The event also marked a significant show of industry support, as Associated Builders and Contractors of Florida, representing all five chapters across the state, formally endorsed Donalds’ campaign for governor. The endorsement reflects the alignment of key priorities, including reducing regulatory burdens, strengthening workforce pipelines, and supporting economic growth across Florida’s construction sector.
Both the announcement and endorsement position ABC-FEC at the center of the Florida workforce development conversation. It reinforces our organization’s role as the leading provider of apprenticeship education and workforce development expert in the State of Florida.
