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Civil Rights / DBE Programs
Employment, Training and Workforce Development
The Federal Highway Administration requires that training positions be established for federal-aid construction contracts. The purpose of the on-the-job training (OJT) program is to increase the participation of minority individuals and women in the highway construction industry with full journeyperson status, to enhance skills in individuals for a particular craft and to maintain an adequate number of journeypersons in the industry. Additionally, since it is of the utmost importance for the transportation construction industry to ensure an adequate workforce, the Project participates extensively in area career fairs and expos.
Maryland
Accomplishments:
Workforce facts
Over 76% of the employees working on the Maryland Woodrow Wilson Bridge Contracts are classified as minority individuals as of April, 2007. They include such positions as equipment operators, cement masons, carpenters, ironworkers, pipelayers, truck drivers, laborers and pile drivers.
Virginia
Trainee Recruitment
A partnership between VDOT and the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) was formed to increase the labor force needed in large bridge and road projects managed by VDOT. This partnership, called the Placement Initiative, serves to stimulate the process of recruiting and hiring needed workers for the major transportation construction projects in Northern Virginia . Part of the Placement Initiative involves close cooperation by VEC with their counterparts in Maryland , the District of Columbia , and West Virginia . In addition, the Virginia and District of Columbia offices refer people to DLLR for Maryland employment opportunities.
Accomplishments
Development and Preparedness for the Future Top Virginia 's Workforce Efforts
Virginia 's workforce goals center around the development and preparedness of the transportation construction industry's future workers. To achieve workforce development and awareness, the Virginia DBE Program staff members hold a Transportation Construction Career Fair for High School Students in Northern Virginia . The event theme is "Transportation: Your Ride To The Future!"
The purpose of this event is to expose high school students and their parents to the rewarding and diverse careers in the Architectural, Engineering, Construction, Environmental, Transportation and related industries. The transportation industry is facing a severe shortage of skilled workers, and unless education and recruitment occur early, the shortage will only get worse. The Career Fair offers students the opportunity to see demonstrations, participate in hands-on activities, become aware of the many specialty careers in transportation construction, and consider those careers as they plan their futures. The 2006 Career Fair featured more than 60 exhibitors, and provided information to more than 550 students.
2007 Career Fair
The 2007 Career Fair will be held on Thursday, October 4 th at the Prince William County Fair Grounds in Manassas , Virginia . All high school students in the jurisdictions of Alexandria City , Arlington County , Fairfax County , Falls Church City , Fauquier County , Loudoun County , and Prince William County have been invited through their guidance counselors. For more information on this event, please call 703-329-3433.
In addition, the Civil Rights Program Offices of both Maryland and Virginia have worked closely with programs supporting people in non-traditional areas of employment, notably the YWCA's Nontraditional Employment for Women Program (NEW) a program in Washington , D.C. for women in construction, the Center for Employment and Leadership & CASA of Maryland, Inc. of Silver Spring , Maryland.
Employment on the Project
The ability to coordinate resources is the Civil Rights Program's greatest asset. Yet, linking available jobs to qualified individuals has always been a formidable challenge. Skills development, on time training, and job placement assistance have been our primary goals. The participating jurisdictions have each designated points of contact for individuals interested in jobs or needing training assistance. Employment offices/assistance and applications are also be available at the Project site. For further assistance, contact the offices listed below.
Maryland Department of Labor Licensing and Regulation (DLLR)
Thomas E .Perez, Secretary
Job Search Hotline:
Toll free: 1-800-765-8692
Baltimore: (410) 949-0020
http://www.careernet.state.md.us
The DLLR WWB Project site office:
6711 Oxon Hill Road
Unit D
Oxon Hill , MD 20745
Or call
Mr. John Jefferies (301) 567-0094 ext. 251
Or fax at
301-567-0532
District of Columbia Department of Employment Services
Susan O. Gilbert, Interim Director
One Stop Full Service Centers - Mail Number (202) 724-7000
Franklin Street NE Center - Office Number (202) 576-3055
Naylor Road SE Center - Office Number (202) 645-4000
http://www.does.dc.gov/does/cwp/view,a,1233,q,538261.asp
Virginia Employment Commission
Dolores Esser Commissioner
Employment Centers
