Top: Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones welcomes more than 500 participants attended the Miami Works Construction Expo held at Jungle Island.  Bottom:  Mayor Manny Diaz addresses participants at Miami Works Construction Expo.  Photos: Jorge R. Perez/City of Miami.

(Miami, FL)- The City of Miami conducted the first Miami Works Construction Expo at Jungle Island.  More than 500 individuals attended and interacted with trade unions, exhibitors and experts in the construction business.  Many of the participants took the opportunity to meet, greet and sign up to receive training that will prepare them for the future. 

“The success of the Miami Works Construction Expo shows that our residents and local companies are ready to be trained to take full advantage of the many exciting projects that will soon begin in the City of Miami,” said Mayor Manny Diaz. “We will work with the local unions to ensure that Miami’s workforce has the technical and employability skills needed by employers in the construction industry.”

The Miami Works Construction Expo created an exciting opportunity for the community and small businesses to learn about upcoming construction projects planned in the City of Miami. Attendees had the opportunity to find out more about these construction projects, get access to information regarding state-certified apprenticeship and training programs, and lay the groundwork for a successful business. 

“Miami Works Construction Expo was successful in getting to the people that need it the most,” said Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones.  “The mix of individuals that participated in the event – from small business owners, non-profits, the employed and unemployed individuals had the opportunity to learn more about upcoming projects that will be available in the City and learn about training programs that can help prepare them for future job opportunities.”

Miami Works Construction Expo is made possible by the sponsorship of Office of Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones, South Florida Workforce, Miami DDA, Miami CRA, and the Minority Business Enterprise Center. Among the City’s partners for Miami Works are: the Hospitality Institute, Florida Carpenter Regional Council, Florida Construction Laborers Union Local 1652, Plumber’s Union, Painter’s Union, Pipe Fitter’s Union, and Electrical Union. 

For more information call ACCESS Miami Office at 305-416-1481 or visit www.miamigov.com. 

About Miami Works
With the leadership of Mayor Manuel A. Diaz and Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones, the City developed Employ Miami, a Workforce Master Plan for the City of Miami which comprises of the Miami Works program.  Miami Works is aimed at training and assessing businesses and individuals for planned construction projects coming up in the next few years.  It is an effort that can significantly boost our economy by opening up contract opportunities for small businesses and jobs for persons in the construction trade.