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

• New Approach by the Department of Transportation - State Highway Administration and the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR)
• Construction contracts establish the Maryland Job Bank of DLLR as the "first source" for trainees (non-union contractors) for the Project.
• Maryland Job Service Office at the project construction site, managed by the DLLR Senior Advisor, Workforce Employment on the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Project. SHA provided the facility and support systems.
• DLLR also offers itself to the contractors as a recruitment source for any positions. The contractors complete a DLLR Job Order Request to obtain applicants. Job applicants are referred to the contractors who interview and make hiring decisions.

Accomplishments:

• 149 trainee positions created, 116 completed as of 4/1/07.
• Residents of the immediate project area had a local employment office for the project and the full Maryland Job Service database.
• Enhanced responsiveness of the MD Job Service by dedicated DLLR staff for the training program and contractor recruitment needs.
• For union contractors, the DLLR Senior Advisor had knowledge of the union apprenticeship programs that enabled access to union apprentice positions for applicants.

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

• A total of 40 trainees were assigned to Virginia project phases and 38 have completed On-The-Job (OJT) Program in a variety of positions, to include: backhoe, dozer, roller, loader, excavator operators as well as carpenter.
• As of January 2007, the minority workforce on all Virginia project phases totaled 79%.

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

Employment on the Project