LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - Graduation day has come for the first class of a program created to give minority and female workers skills for a career in construction.

The program, called Bridges to Opportunities, is part of the $2.3 billion Louisville-Southern Indiana Ohio River Bridges Project at Louisville. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet says while that project was the catalyst for the program, it is intended to prepare participants for a career and not just a single project.

Those attending last week’s ceremony in Louisville are among 293 men and women who completed training for industry-recognized certifications and college credit.

Warren Whitlock of the Federal Highway Administration spoke at the ceremony, which was also attended by government, education and business leaders. Whitlock said the program offers graduates “skills and training for a lifetime of good jobs.”