05/31/2025
This week I had the opportunity to share the Citrus High School Construction Academy’s success over the past year with a group of people who are truly invested in the success of the program. The group consisted of local business owners, school representatives, and involved volunteers. One of the school representatives, Mr. Thomas Kennedy, took the time to condense our meeting into an article that illustrates what the students have done this year. I would ask any of you reading, if you're local, to let people know that we are teaching trades in high school. Tell everyone who will listen. Collectively, if we can get the message out, we might have greater success placing our graduating seniors in trade jobs. I have found that many people have no idea we are teaching trades in high school.
This year I had eight seniors who graduated. Some of them didn’t know what they were going to do, and they graduated without a solid plan. I truly feel, if more people knew we were actively teaching the trades, we might be able to secure those students who don’t have a direction with a job. My ultimate marker of success is developing community support and partnerships which will allow us to place these students into a job in their desired trade field.
Building Futures: Citrus High School Construction Academy Celebrates Another Year of Growth and Success
This week, Citrus High School Construction Academy held its end-of-year quarterly Advisory Council meeting, highlighting the impressive achievements of the 2024–2025 school year and outlining plans for the future. Construction teacher Robert “Bobby” Tester, the driving force behind the academy, shared the “State of the Construction Academy.”
As the academy closes out its third year, Mr. Tester proudly reported that enrollment reached 138 students across the program’s three tiers: 82 students in Construction I, 38 in Construction II, and 18 in Construction III. This growth reflects a steady and strong interest in the academy’s hands-on approach to career and technical education (CTE).
A major highlight of the meeting was the academy’s success in helping students earn industry-recognized certifications. These certifications, awarded through the Home Builders Institute (HBI), are crucial for preparing students to enter the workforce with job-ready skills. This year, more than 51 students earned certifications through HBI’s Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training (PACT) program.
Among the accomplishments:
39 Construction I students earned the Construction I PACT CORE certification, which introduces foundational construction industry concepts such as workplace safety, hand and power tool use, employability skills, and basic construction math.
9 Construction II students achieved the Construction II PACT CORE certification, which builds on the introductory level and deepens students' understanding of blueprint reading, workplace communication, and advanced safety protocols.
3 students further distinguished themselves by passing the Construction II PACT Carpentry certification, demonstrating proficiency in fundamental carpentry skills such as framing, measurement, and tool use.
The Construction Academy’s use of the HBI curriculum remains a cornerstone of its program. As the nonprofit educational arm of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), HBI provides top-tier instructional materials and certification pathways that equip students with real-world, career-ready experience. HBI's programs are nationally recognized and designed to meet the needs of employers in the building industry.
Mr. Tester also shared highlights from this year’s extracurricular achievements. Among them was February’s regional SkillsUSA competition in Daytona, where two students represented Citrus High School—one in Carpentry and the other in Electrical. While the students did not place, the event provided valuable exposure to competitive standards in construction trades. Mr. Tester expressed enthusiasm about expanding student participation next year, with a goal of entering at least two students per trade category.
Looking ahead, the 2025–2026 school year marks an exciting milestone: the launch of Construction IV – Project Management. This advanced course introduces students to the key principles of professional project management as defined by the Project Management Institute (PMI). The curriculum will cover project planning, scheduling, budgeting, cost control, and risk management. The course will culminate in a capstone-style PMI project, giving students the opportunity to apply their skills in a simulated, real-world construction scenario. The addition of this course represents the academy’s ongoing evolution and its commitment to providing a complete and robust career pathway—from entry-level skills to potential supervisory roles.
Ms. Leonard, the new incoming principal of Citrus High School, was also present at the meeting. Having previously served as the administrator over the Construction Academy, she expressed strong support and enthusiasm for the program. Her continued advocacy underscores the school’s commitment to career and technical education as a vital part of student success.
As the Construction Academy continues to grow, its impact on students and the broader community becomes increasingly evident. Mr. Tester’s dedication, both in the classroom and in the field, has laid the foundation for one of Citrus County’s most dynamic and impactful CTE programs. His passion for teaching and mentoring not only equips students with technical expertise but also fosters confidence, work ethic, and character.
In an era when the demand for skilled workers in the construction industry is at an all-time high, programs like Citrus High School’s Construction Academy are essential. They bridge the gap between education and employment by giving students meaningful, real-world learning experiences that lead to recognized credentials and career readiness.
Whether students choose to continue their education through apprenticeships, technical colleges, or university construction management programs—or enter the workforce directly after high school—this program ensures they are prepared. With industry certifications in hand and practical experience under their belts, graduates are equipped to succeed in a wide range of postsecondary opportunities. In the case of the Construction Academy, some may become future general contractors, engineers, architects, or business owners; others may immediately contribute to the skilled trades that are the backbone of our communities.
Citrus County Schools is proud to be a leader in Career and Technical Education, offering students a clear pathway to success through high-quality programs like the Construction Academy. With more than 120 CTE courses and over 70 industry certifications available, students can explore more than 30 career pathways tailored to the evolving needs of today’s workforce. These programs not only prepare students for the demands of the job market but also open doors to lifelong learning and advancement.
The Construction Academy is not just about building structures — it’s about building futures.
