BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – NextEra Energy is piloting a mobile office concept designed to support teams working at smaller, remote operational sites while also creating hands-on workforce development opportunities for young people through Project LIFT, a South Florida nonprofit that provides mentorship, job training and career pathways for at-risk youth.
The first-of-its-kind unit is currently being evaluated at a renewable natural gas facility in Brevard County. Developed in collaboration with Project LIFT, the portable office was designed to provide a practical, flexible solution for field teams operating in locations where permanent infrastructure isn’t practical.
Built on a trailer and engineered for Florida’s hurricane conditions, the mobile office includes desks, climate control, running water and restroom facilities—supporting small teams while remaining easy to relocate between projects.
“For smaller sites, you don’t always need—or have space for—a traditional building,” said Jonathan Napoli, senior director of renewable natural gas operations at NextEra Energy Resources. “This gives teams a comfortable, functional workspace that can adapt as operational needs change.”
Mark Lemasney, executive vice president of NextEra Energy’s Power Generation Division and chairman of Project LIFT’s board, helped connect the organizations after recognizing an opportunity to combine a field need with hands-on workforce training for young people in the program.
From there, the project became a collaborative effort involving operations teams, engineers and Project LIFT participants working side by side throughout the design and construction process.
Project LIFT, which serves communities across Martin, Palm Beach and St. Lucie counties, partnered with NextEra Energy employees to build the unit, giving participants hands-on experience in construction and manufacturing through a real-world project.
“This project gave our young people the opportunity to build something meaningful while learning valuable skills,” said Shawn Keil, director of social enterprise for Project LIFT. “They weren’t just practicing in a classroom, they were creating something that’s now being used in the field.”
In addition to technical training, Project LIFT provides mentorship, life-skills development and mental health support designed to help participants build long-term stability and confidence.
“Supporting these young people goes far beyond teaching a trade,” Keil said. “We’re focused on helping them create a path forward.”
The project is already creating additional opportunities in the community. After seeing the prototype, a neighboring organization ordered two additional units—creating more work for Project LIFT and the young people in the program.
As the pilot continues, the collaboration shows how practical problem solving and community partnership can come together—supporting field teams today while helping train the workforce of tomorrow.
