Across Florida, safe and dependable public transportation keeps our communities connected, our goods moving, and our economy thriving. Behind every well-maintained road, every reliable traffic system, and every efficient fleet is a team of highly trained technicians who ensure that the state’s transportation network runs with precision. Technicians are the unsung heroes of transportation. At the center of preparing those skilled professionals is a powerful partnership between Lively Technical College and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)—a collaboration built on innovation, workforce excellence, and a shared commitment to Florida’s future. The partnership, known as The Lively Paratransit Technician Instructional Program (LPIP) provides continuing education to the State’s network of transit bus technicians.

Without technicians, the gears stop turning! This partnership began as a strategic solution to industry needs but has grown into a statewide model for workforce development. Together, Lively and FDOT are equipping transit agency technicians with the hands-on training, technical expertise, and professional readiness required to keep Florida moving. They receive comprehensive training in vehicle maintenance technology, electrical and mechanical systems, safety and industry regulations, as well as instruction in the specialized areas of accessible transportation. Lively’s LPIP program blends classroom instruction with extensive hands-on experience. FDOT reinforces this learning with real-world context, ensuring that graduates are not only technically capable but fully prepared and industry certified to meet the demands of modern transportation work.

Through the Lively–FDOT partnership, technicians gain the skills required to keep those gears running smoothly. They become problem-solvers, safety champions, and technical experts capable of responding to challenges with confidence. This collaboration doesn’t just train individuals—it elevates the entire transportation workforce across Florida. By standardizing high-quality training statewide, the partnership ensures that technicians from Pensacola to Miami receive consistent instruction grounded in industry best practices.