Lively Technical College and Wakulla High School recently hosted a celebratory event on Friday, January 23, to recognize student achievement in diesel and transit technician training programs and spotlight the growing partnerships between education and industry that are strengthening Florida’s transportation workforce.

The event brought together Wakulla High Students Career Dual Enrolled at Lively Technical College, Lively instructors, and representatives from Four Star Freightliner and Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) for classroom discussions and demonstrations centered on career opportunities in diesel, transit, and fleet maintenance. As part of the celebration, Wakulla High students were awarded a Freightliner 114SD heavy-duty diesel truck, providing additional hands-on training opportunities for students in both programs.

“Technicians are the unsung heroes of transportation,” said Todd O’Neal, lead technician for Lively Technical College’s Transit Technician program and instructor for the statewide Lively Paratransit Instructional Program (LPIP). “Without skilled technicians, the gears stop turning. Programs like this ensure students are prepared to keep Florida’s transportation systems safe, reliable, and moving forward.”

Lively Technical College maintains a strong partnership with Four Star Freightliner and DTNA through its Medium/Heavy Truck Technician Training Program, which utilizes DTNA’s Get Ahead dealer-training solution. Among more than 250 technical colleges nationwide participating in the program, Lively consistently ranks as a top provider, and in 2024 achieved a 100% job placement rate for graduates of its Transit Technician program.

“Events like this demonstrate the impact of strong partnerships between education, industry, and state agencies,” said Rod Duckworth, administrator at Lively Technical College. “By aligning training opportunities with real-world workforce needs, we are preparing students for meaningful careers while helping meet the workforce demands of our community.”

Through collaborations with Wakulla High School, the Florida Department of Transportation, and industry leaders such as Four Star Freightliner and DTNA, Lively Technical College continues to elevate workforce education, expand career pathways, and support student success across the region.