MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — As the need for more people in the manufacturing industry increases, one local center has created a training camp for those with disabilities in hopes of them choosing a career in construction.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023 had the highest recorded number of people with disabilities getting hired since 2008.

John McClain loves anything he can build with his hands.

"Putting it all together,” he said.

He and his high school classmates are making a screen.

"Yeah, it was hard to make. It feels good. I got a screen now,” he said.

McClain is 17 years old and has autism. He attends the High School at The Haven, a school designed for students with complex learning needs. The group recently had a field trip to Progressive Glass Technology as part of their 4-week manufacturing camp.

"See, you've got a spot to put this, and this is what we would call problem-solving when we are trying to put this together,” he said.

McClain said he’s proud of what he creates—assembling something is often easier than verbal communication.

"Speaking and stuff, it's hard to speak,” he said.

He aspires to work in construction and hopes to find a job with opportunities to grow.

"And work my way up,” he said.

Before this field trip, the students spent two weeks learning what the school calls “soft skills” in the classroom, like communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

To set these students up for future job interviews.

"It's pretty much, oh, pretty fun. And met new people there and pretty nice. And hopefully I can work there,” he said.

But McClain’s favorite part is the tour and seeing firsthand what a job at PGT would be like.

“That’s satisfying. I want to do that,” he said.

He could see himself working with a machine.

"So I can work with my hands and be organized,” he said.

And believes a career would help him live independently.

"Making some money and move out, and be independent, and get a house and stuff and get a car,” he said.

It’s a job he knows he would look forward to doing.

“It’s exciting and fun,” he said.

With the help of a unique approach to education, McClain’s goal is within reach.

Right now, The Haven is working to create an internship for John at PGT after he turns 18 next month.