TAMPA - These days you hear a lot about employers desperately searching for fresh faces and skilled employees. 

Hopefully, some won’t have to look very far thanks to a new batch of graduates ready to take on the workforce.

Graduates and their families lined up in their cars Saturday to get a chance to cross the stage and receive their diploma.

“They wanted their families here and so we thought this was the best way for them to participate and bring everyone in line to see their big day,” said Florida Career College President CiCi Reidy.

The school hasn’t hosted a graduation in more than a year because of COVID.

For many of these 500 graduates, family is a huge reason they’re here.

They’re expected to enter the workforce in fields like IT, HVAC, and various health care industries.

“I did it. I’m here and I’m glad. They pushed me forward,” said graduate Chanteel Harris.

Harris is a mom of two and is ready to work as a dental assistant. 

“Kind of the reason I did it was because of them. I wanted them to go to school too and be something of themselves,” she said.

Next she has plans to become a dental hygenist or maybe even a dentist.

“It took forever it felt like but I’m very proud of myself. I’ve come a long way. I’m happy,” she said.

Family ties are a common theme for these graduates.

Andrea Cochran and her mom Jacquelyn Middleton walked across the stage together.

“Everybody didn’t really know until now. I enjoyed it, it was nice,” said Cochran.

“I loved it. This was the best thing I’ve done for myself,” Middleton said.