April 2021

Spring 2021 e-Newsletter

Developing Tomorrow’s Workforce 

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) work with educators across the Nation to inspire students of all ages to enter the transportation industry. USDOT sponsors the University Transportation Centers Program (UTC), which focuses on transportation research, education, and information sharing. While UTCs often involve graduate students in research, many offer outreach and education programs to teach students in grades K–12 about transportation.  

FHWA sponsors National Summer Transportation Institute programs for high school and middle school students. The 1- to 2-week sessions combine classroom instruction with site visits to help students understand how U.S. transportation systems work and spark interest in transportation career opportunities.

On-the-Job Training

Support for highway construction workforce development continues with hands-on training opportunities across the industry. FHWA’s On-the-Job Training (OJT) Supportive Services Program provides funding to States for workforce training. OJT/SS funds may also be used for transportation to training and job sites, personal protective equipment, child care, and other services that help workers take advantage of professional development. Funds are generally managed by civil rights managers in State departments of transportation and FHWA divisions.   

The National Center for Construction Education and Research offers quality construction curriculum and assessments and recently developed a Heavy Highway Training Curriculum. Many States offer training through NCCER.

Community colleges also are partnering with departments of transportation to offer education to keep construction jobs filled. Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo, Iowa, provides highway construction training, while the Illinois Department of Transportation has an extensive highway training program that involves community colleges statewide. 

These types of partnerships also exist in Los Angeles (Coastline Community College), Alabama (Bishop State Community College), and Pittsburgh (Community College of Allegheny County), among other locations.

Technician Certifications – Means, Methods, and Results 

The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies and the National Society of Professional Engineers have teamed up to offer certifications for engineering technicians and technologists. Technician certification requires written testing and documentation that includes a work history, recommendations, and supervisor verification of experience. Technologist certification requires a four-year engineering technology degree. A work history and endorsements are required for advanced certification. Get started.  

The American Traffic Safety Services Association provides top-quality roadway safety training and certifications. Its programs are offered in a variety of formats, including through virtual training. View courses.  

The U.S. Department of Labor manages a national apprenticeship program that provides OJT training for highway-related jobs. The program includes training from entry-level to management positions, helps meet industry demands for skilled personnel, and reduces unemployment nationwide. Learn more.

Construction Workforce Management Improvement Training

The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) offers a course to help construction project managers work more efficiently, increase productivity, and grow business. The interactive program explores critical areas of project management, including:   

• Planning 
• Scheduling
• Productivity
• Subcontractor and vendor management
• Legal issues and contract clauses
• Record-keeping 

The AGC course covers problem-solving techniques, team building, and wellness initiatives that participants can share with colleagues. Participants also earn credit hours toward licensing, plus expand their professional networks. Learn more about upcoming AGC courses.

Recent Events

Feature in Every Day Counts Newsletter for Strategic Workforce Development

The strategic workforce development initiative provides new resources and innovative strategies for identifying, training, placing, and retaining individuals in the contractors’ workforce. This initiative will help the transportation sector compete with other industries and demonstrate the value of a career in transportation.

This initiative features a partnership between FHWA, State departments of transportation (DOTs), local public agencies, contractors’ associations, and State/local workforce boards to develop the contractors’ workforce to continue moving the Nation’s highway infrastructure forward.

Posting and Distribution of the Highway Construction Workforce Video

This video offers a brief overview of HCWP. With a national shortage of skilled trade workers in the highway construction industry, this partnership brings a critical amount of attention to finding the best practices to address this pipeline to fill vacant opportunities.

Be sure to click the “Sign Up” button below to receive the most up-to-date information on the
Highway Construction Workforce Partnership (HCWP) and future programs.