AÂ Highway Construction Workforce Partnership (HCWP) partnersâ meeting
held November 4th provided insights into the solutions to federal programs aimed at addressing
workforce issues, including shortages and developmental programs.
The meeting was hosted by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)âs Center for Transportation Workforce Development at the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Headquarters in Washington, DC. In addition to the key agencies, other partners include Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA), American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)âs Employment and Training Administration, and National Asphalt Paving Association (NAPA).
Opening remarks we given by by Tony Furst, Chief Innovation Officer-FHWA, and Nancy Rooney, Deputy Assistant Secretary-U.S. DOL. Leif Wathne, Executive Vice President-American Concrete Pavement Association (ACPA) and Jay Hansen, Executive Vice President â Advocacy for the NAPA both shared comments with the group.
The meeting covered a variety of topics:
Outreach
Marketing
FHWA HCWP Grants
Proposed rulemaking for an apprenticeship program
Participants also received a summary of HWCP activity in various states and cities:
STATES:
Connecticutâmodified the Connecticut âBuilding Pathwaysâ programto emphasize highway construction job training with a focus on developing trade curriculum in high schools
Rhode Islandâfocused on bringing women into highway construction jobs through the Rhode Island Building Futures Program
Alabamaâdeveloped highway construction workforce curriculum to be delivered by 3 community colleges’ geographic locations throughout the state
Idahoâparticipation and support from CEOs of the Idaho Transportation Department, Idaho Workforce Development Board, Idaho Associated General Contractors of America, and FHWA Division is driving a comprehensive Idaho HCWP
âIdaho AGC also secured a grant from the Idaho Workforce Development Board for training in construction trades included highways
Arizonaâstrong leadership from the Arizona AGC and the Arizona Workforce Development Board through its âArizona At Workâ program; Working Group developed a one week âIndustry Readinessâ class for prospective highway construction workers; and conducted 4 Industry Readiness Programs
South Dakotaâgood participation from the key partners including the AGC Chapter, SD Department of Labor, FHWA Division, and SD Department of Transportation
CITIES:
Pittsburghâdeveloped highway construction training curriculum; AGC affiliate Constructors Association of Western Pennsylvania (CAWP) developed highway construction career awareness computer application: âFuture Road Buildersâ (FBR)âserves as introduction to highway construction jobs as well as pathway to highway construction apprenticeships
Atlantaâ2Â major projects identified to run in next 5 years: 1) Stateâs Major Mobility Investment Program (MMIP)âtargets improvements on the highways around Atlanta to add capacity and safety 2) Fulton Transportation Pilotâencompasses surrounding of Atlanta
Dallasâgood collaboration among partners/contractors. Dallas Workforce Solutions (Dallas WDB) has extensive experience in training and placement and is developing a good understanding of the transportation sector. The WG focused on identifying effective approaches for outreach and training
Denverâstrong highway workforce development sector strategy in placeâfocus on project that provides comprehensive program for highway career awareness, recruitment, training and placement. Local Workforce Boards have formed an alliance with the Colorado Department of Transportation, Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, state workforce board, employers, and other stakeholders. Plan are to extend HCWP partnership activities…
St. LouisâHCWP has been slow: 2 major highway construction projects delayed, plus little activity due to lack of leadership despite efforts by the FHWA Division. New projects will need to be identified for the HCWP, key partners need to regroup
Los Angelesâgood representation from across the partner spectrum including FHWA, Caltrans, Workforce Development Boards (10 in LA the area), contractors, unions, government, universities, and community colleges. HCWP developing apprenticeship programs in 2 multi-billion-dollar projects
For all of the details in the summary HCWP activities above in PDF form, please go to: http://www.acpa.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Highway-Construction-Workforce-Partnership.pdf