At just 16 years old, Zytabreyious “Zy” Marshall, a student at Franklin Central High School, became the youngest person in Indiana history to earn his INDOT Certified Technician Program (CTP) certification—an achievement that set him apart in the construction industry before he even graduated high school.

His journey started in Spring 2024 at a career fair hosted at Franklin Central High School and facilitated by EmployIndy’s Talent Bound program, a program that connects students with work-based learning experiences and industry professionals. It was there that Zy met Jason Mann, Business Development Manager at Howard Companies. That single conversation led to an opportunity that would reshape Zy's future.

“I almost walked right past their booth,” Zy admitted. “But I stopped, introduced myself, and told them I wanted to work in road construction. That moment changed everything.”

Seeing Zy's interest and drive, Howard Companies brought him on as an intern, allowing him to gain hands-on experience and begin developing industry-recognized skills while still in high school.

From Student to Skilled Technician

Unlike a traditional high school job, Zy’s internship placed him in a materials testing lab, where he quickly learned the technical skills behind asphalt testing and quality control—a critical part of infrastructure development.

“It’s not easy work,” said Mann. “There’s a lot of technical knowledge involved, and it takes time to master. But Zy caught on quickly. When he went out to INDOT’s headquarters in Greenfield for testing, he passed everything on his first try. That’s rare, even for experienced professionals.”

Beyond technical skills, Zy’s internship gave him valuable experience in time management, problem-solving, and working in a professional environment—skills that will benefit him no matter where his career takes him. The experience also gave him clarity about his future. He hopes to return to Howard Companies in the immediate future to gain more experience and certifications with a goal of eventually starting his own business building residential homes.

“If you have a career path and an internship is available, take it,” Zy advises his fellow students. “It gives you experience, helps you decide if it’s right for you, and puts you ahead of the game.”

Howard Companies fully funded Zy’s training and certifications, covering all the associated costs. In just two to three weeks, he completed a preparation and testing process that typically takes months for seasoned technicians. In addition to earning his INDOT certification, Zy also completed the OSHA 30 certification, a nationally recognized credential in workplace safety. By gaining both certifications before finishing high school, Zy proved he was not only technically skilled but also prepared to meet the safety standards required in the industry.

With his INDOT and OSHA 30 certification in hand, Zy now has a significant competitive advantage, setting him apart from many of his peers. His success demonstrates the power of work-based learning—giving students an early start on their careers while helping them make informed decisions about their future.

For students wondering what to do next, Zy has a simple piece of advice: Start now. Explore internships, apprenticeships, and certification programs—even if you’re not completely sure what career you want. Hands-on experience and industry credentials help you figure out what interests you while also making you more employable.

Work-based Learning as a Benefit to Businesses

Zy’s experience also highlights how work-based learning not only benefits students, but also businesses, creating a win-win opportunity for workforce development. By providing structured work-based learning opportunities like internships, employers can identify promising young talent early, train them in real-world skills, and build a workforce pipeline that supports growth for their organization and industry.

“We don’t just put students to work,” said Mann. “We give them real industry experience that helps them decide if this is the right career for them. We’re investing in young talent, and in return, we’re building a stronger workforce for the future.”

To address the lack of skilled and diverse workers in our region, EmployIndy connects youth with real-world work experiences that align with emerging economic trends. During the 2023-2024 program year, EmployIndy facilitated or supported 48,220 work-based and career-connected learning activities for students in Marion County, with 599 employers engaged in delivering career exploration, engagement, and experience activities during that period.

To learn more about Talent Bound, and how both students and employers can get involved, visit www.talentbound.org.