City of Tavares Public Works Operations Center

The City of Tavares constructed a regional workforce training and innovation center in partnership with Lake Technical College in what is considered one of the most innovative projects combining government and education resources that have ever been created.

The Public Works Operations Center accommodates the complete operations of the Public Works division and serves as the new training location of Lake Tech’s Diesel Systems Technology programs. Utilizing this innovative model, students train in an authentic environment as they work alongside the City’s technicians. This allows for increased opportunities in job shadowing, cooperative work experiences, internships, and apprenticeships. The entire Public Works/ Regional Training Center project provides additional space in the complex to relocate additional transportation programs in the coming years.

The project included the following, which is built on city-owned land: An 8,532-square-foot public works facility for the City. A combined 28,980-square-foot building includes a 9,350-square-foot vehicle fleet storage space, a 12,670-square-foot space for Lake Technical College’s diesel mechanic program, and 6,960 square feet for the college’s automotive program. Additionally, this complex includes a 10,540-square-foot operations building.