PORTSMOUTH--Upcoming construction work at the Midtown and Downtown tunnels has opened up an unexpected job market.
Underwater construction workers will soon be a hot commodity in Hampton Roads, and the Underwater Construction Academy in Chesapeake is ready to train people with the right skills.
Paul Wood started the academy just a year ago, and it's the only school of its type in the state.
He brought on board Shannon Holloway, an experienced diver who inspected the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel from start to finish.
"We're actually almost turning people away," said Holloway. "The need for a trained diver is definitely out there."
The academy gets new applicants daily, and Wood expects to see even greater interest as construction on the new Midtown Tunnel approaches.
