As the training and education arm of FHWA, NHI offers classroom-based instruction and web-based training from leading industry experts through more than 300 courses, applications, and job aids.
National Highway Institute – Improving the Performance of the Transportation Industry through Training
In 2017, NHI trained record numbers of transportation professionals while expanding its course offerings and delivery methods to provide innovative and timely resources.
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Innovation in Training
The concept of training is changing. Transportation professionals need low-cost training solutions that can be accessed at their time and place of need. Each year NHI strives to evolve with the industry’s needs, utilizing newly-developed technologies to support training across the country.
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A Focus on FHWA Priorities
NHI’s mission is driven by FHWA’s priorities, and NHI’s Training Program Managers work directly with program offices to determine training solutions across all 50 States.
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National Highway Institute – Improving the Performance of the Transportation Industry through Training
In 2017, NHI trained record numbers of transportation professionals while expanding its course offerings and delivery methods to provide innovative and timely resources.
As the training and education arm of FHWA, the National Highway Institute (NHI) has a rich history of innovation and expertise in delivering transportation training. NHI offers classroom-based instruction and Web-based training from leading industry experts through more than 300 courses, convenient applications, and relatable job aids.
NHI experts determine the best and most flexible training solutions available to meet the needs of State and Federal transportation personnel, local public transportation agencies, academics, and countless other industry organizations and professionals. Instructors are experienced professionals qualified to teach through NHI’s rigorous Instructor Certification Program, and are consistently rated an average of 4.6 on a 5-point scale by NHI’s training participants.
2017 at a Glance
- Held training sessions in every U.S. State; Washington, DC; Guam; and Puerto Rico
- Offered 345 training courses in 19 different transportation-related program areas
- Held 655 instructor-led trainings, training more than 15,000 participants
- Had more than 32,000 enrollments in Web-based training, with nearly 20,000 Web accounts created for new users
- Offered nearly 200 transportation-related materials through the NHI Website including reference manuals, case studies and student workbooks in electronic and hard copy formats
In 2017, the National Highway Institute:
Innovation in Training
In 2017, NHI released a free mobile application for the Bridge Inspector’s Reference Manual (BIRM). The BIRM app conveniently includes all the content from the 2,000-page physical manual in an easily-accessible digital format. Bridge inspectors, designers, engineers, owners, and other users can download the app on multiple platforms, and use it in the field while performing inspections. This convenience saves valuable time during inspections. To download the app and obtain more information, visit www.fhwa.dot.gov/bridge/birm.
This year NHI also adapted the Safety Inspection of In-service Bridges for PEs course into a shortened version specifically for learners with the Professional Engineer (PE) distinction. Combined with our award-winning virtual bridge technology, the new streamlined five-day format is perfect for veteran bridge inspectors who don’t have training time to spare.
NHI worked with FHWA’s Office of Planning, Environment, and Realty to provide more distance-learning options in their training initiatives. In January 2017, NHI launched Basics of Transportation Planning in web-based training format (WBT). In the first nine months since its launch, more than 500 participants accessed the course, and 242 completed it-a 400% increase! Similarly, Fundamentals of Environmental Justice was launched in August 2017 as a remote option to the existing classroom version. It was accessed by more participants in the first six weeks of its launch than had attended the instructor-led training (ILT) version in the previous five years. Overall, the WBT option has given greater access to FHWA expertise across the globe.
A Focus on FHWA Priorities
In 2017, NHI worked closely with partners in the Transportation Performance Management office to develop and release courses in conjunction with associated regulations as a resource for state and local partners. The result-two new instructor-led training (ILT) courses have been launched, The Role of Data in TPM and Effective Target Setting for TPM. Three additional TPM courses are expected in early 2018.
NHI’s Risk Management training was updated to show the application of risk management techniques at enterprise, program, project, and activity levels. This engaging and pioneering approach allows agencies to work across teams and individual positions to develop a baseline for measuring and leveraging risks, known as a “risk register.” NHI also launched Introduction to Financial Planning for Transportation Asset Management, and updated two other asset management courses, Introduction to Transportation Asset Management with Workshop and Developing a Transportation Asset Management Plan.
NHI is partnering with the new OTS Knowledge Management team to develop resources to support and advance the skills of FHWA trainers. In 2018, NHI expects to launch an internal Training Community of Practice.
A complete listing of all NHI courses is available at https://www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/course-search. Better yet, by signing up for NHI email alerts, one can stay informed of the latest transportation training releases and course updates, NHI news, and transportation issues, delivered straight to one’s inbox.
See other OTS stories:
Find out what the Resource Center achieved in 2017.
See what the Knowledge Management Unit focused on in 2017.
