After a potential employee is identified, they need to receive training. The HCWP Playbook provides detailed information on how to set up a training program and how to work with partners to train employees for the construction field.
The playbook is a short document filled with specific actions - plays - that you can take to start filling construction jobs in your area. The playbook includes:
Here are some other interesting programs, practices and tools from across the country that may help you plan your own workforce development activities. Each example includes a one-page profile on the program and contact information.
Alabama Road Construction Training Course. This curriculum takes a modular approach to preparing workers for highway construction jobs. An initial orientation phase provides trainees with foundational skills, including basic math, written and interpersonal skills, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10- hour Safety Certificate. Other sessions teach more advanced skills, such as team building, critical thinking, and conflict resolution. The course culminates by connecting graduates to construction firms for job interviews. Download Alabama Road Construction Training Course Profile (PDF)
Arizona Industry Readiness Course. This one-week training course prepares potential workers for a career in highway construction. Covering the basic work and life skills required to obtain a position, trainees also participate in field trips to highway construction sites where they are directly exposed to the real-world conditions they will encounter on the job. Download Arizona Industry Readiness Course Profile (PDF)
Idaho Heavy Equipment Operator Training. The Idaho HCWP has established a Heavy Equipment Operator Training program that includes certifications in Heavy Equipment Operation, and Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response. Studenst also receive forklift training, Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA)-10 certification, and NCCER Construction and Safety certification. Download Idaho Heavy Equipment Operator Training Profile (PDF)
National Center for Construction Education and Research. The National Center for Construction and Education Research (NCCER) Heavy Highway Construction Training Program provides an introduction to the trade and includes training modules on trucks, heavy equipment, cranes, below-grade construction, earthmoving, plan operations, paving and structures. Download National Center for Construction Education and Research Profile (PDF)
Pittsburgh Heavy Highway Construction Course. Developed by the Pittsburgh location of the United States Department of Labor's (USDOL) Job Corps program, this training covers a wide range of skills needed by the highway transportation industry, including rigging and signaling, scaffolding, rod tying, pipe laying and forklift operations. Students between the ages of 17.5 and 24 graduate with industry-recognized construction credentials. Visit the USDOL's Jobs Corps website. Download Pittsburgh Heavy Highway Construction Course Profile (PDF)
The National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse is dedicated to providing the transportation construction industry and the general public with comprehensive information to improve motorist, worker, and pedestrian safety in roadway work zones. The website includes links to free training and education via the ARTBA Work Zone Safety Consortium Online Learning System which was funded by an FHWA grant. Visit the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse's Online Learning Management System website.
Denver WORKNOW Navigator Program. WORKNOW saw a need to help potential construction workers with the smaller life needs that were keeping them from getting, or sometimes even seeking, employment. Volunteer "Navigators" assist candidates with everything from finding training to help filling out job applications and more. Learn more. Download Denver WORKNOW Navigator Program Profile (PDF)
Construction Apprenticeship Readiness Program. This 8-week / 180-hour training offered by Long Beach City College, CA exposes participants to the construction industry and prepares them for apprenticeship opportunities. Trainees receive hands-on trade skills and safety training using nationally-recognized curricula. Learn more. Download Construction Apprenticeship Readiness Program Profile (PDF)
Future Road Builders Gaming App. This free game has videos, images, and assessment questions that give users a better understanding of the highway construction industry. The app allows prospective workers to interact with each phase of a virtual highway construction project across several skilled trades. Learn more. Download Future Road Builders Gaming App Profile (PDF)
From Part-time Restaurant Worker to Heavy Equipment Operator
Francisco "Frank" De La Torre was looking for a new opportunity.
"I was working at a restaurant," Frank said. "It was bad hours and low pay, so I wanted to try something new."
He saw a sign-up sheet for a highway construction training program at a local Workforce Development Center. He signed his name and received a call from a program representative the next day.
Frank completed the training through ARIZONA@WORK, a part of the American Job Center network. Now he is a heavy equipment operator, driving scrapers, dump trucks, and other machinery at job sites throughout Arizona.
"The training really changed my life," Frank said. "Now I'm doing something that is really cool. I don't know what I would be doing if I didn't do this."
