ABC North Florida and Lively Technical College Celebrate New Education and Training Facility

November 17, 2025
Ribbon Cutting at the ABC Education and Training Facility on Lively’s campus
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The North Florida Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) and Lively Technical College proudly celebrated the grand opening of the new ABC Education and Training Facility on Lively’s campus—a collaboration made possible through the support of Leon County Schools. This partnership marks an important milestone in advancing workforce education and creating career pathways for both students and community members across North Florida.
Located on Lively Technical College’s main Campus at 500 Appleyard Dr., the new facility will serve as a hub for construction education and professional development. Through this partnership, students enrolled at Lively Technical College will gain access to jobsite-relevant training, tools, and direct connections with employers in the commercial construction industry. Community members and current professionals will also have the opportunity to participate in continuing education courses, safety training, and certifications offered by ABC North Florida.
ABC and Lively Technical College: Building a successful workforce together.
“We had a great outpouring of support at the ribbon cutting,” said Lively Technical College Director BJ VanCamp. “It was exciting to see so many of our partners and supporters come together to celebrate this next chapter for our students and the local workforce.” Among those in attendance were City Commissioner Curtis Richardson, Superintendent Rocky Hanna, School Board Members Rosanne Wood, Alva Smith, and Laurie Cox, and Assistant Superintendents Sunny Chancey and Tonja Fitzgerald, along with multiple industry leaders and members of the North Florida construction community, including Shaffield Building Specialties, Inc., Culpepper Construction, and Sperry & Associates.
“This partnership is about more than filling jobs—it’s about creating lasting and meaningful careers,” said DeeDee Rasmussen, President of ABC North Florida. “With Lively providing foundational education and ABC offering ongoing professional development, we’re ensuring that our industry remains strong, safe, and prepared for the future.”
Community members and staff present at the opening event
The collaboration between ABC North Florida and Lively Technical College represents a forward-thinking approach to workforce readiness. Students studying construction-related programs will benefit from expanded access to modern tools and instruction, while ABC’s presence on campus allows for seamless transitions from classroom learning to apprenticeships and employment opportunities.
In addition to supporting students, the new facility will serve as a community resource where local workers can upskill, earn certifications, and continue advancing in their careers. “Skilled trades offer not just jobs, but futures—with competitive wages, benefits, and the opportunity to grow,” Rasmussen added. “We want students and families to see that these careers provide security and dignity, without the burden of student loan debt.”
Other community and staff members present at the opening event.
The ABC Education and Training Facility stands as a model of what collaboration between education, industry, and community can achieve. Together, ABC North Florida, Lively Technical College, and Leon County Schools are building more than classrooms—they’re building careers, confidence, and a stronger future for North Florida.