Eight States Share $3 Million in Highway Worker Training Funds
According to DOT estimates, more than half of the existing U.S. highway construction workforce is older than 45, and more than a 500,000 highway construction jobs will be available during the next decade. These grants target specific workforce needs.
The Federal Highway Administration has awarded about $3 million to eight states for highway-related job training, DOT announced June 14. U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx announced the Ladders of Opportunity Initiative On-The-Job Training/Supportive Service grants, saying they are part of an ongoing federal effort -- it includes outreach and the creation of FHA's Center for Transportation Workforce Development -- to improve apprenticeship and training opportunities for underrepresented or disadvantaged people seeking careers in transportation, engineering, or construction.
"Providing individuals with the job training opportunities they need is critical to keeping our highway system up and running. Training programs like these create opportunities for workers in the short term and ensure that the next generation is ready for the challenges that will face America's transportation system in the years ahead," he said.
According to DOT estimates, more than half of the existing U.S. highway construction workforce is older than 45, and more than a 500,000 highway construction jobs will be available during the next decade. These grants for California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Missouri, Montana, Pennsylvania, and Virginia focus specifically on supporting innovative, nationally and regionally significant highway construction workforce development programs that target specific workforce needs.
"On-the-job training along with other strategies reflected in these awards can connect people who need jobs with job opportunities," said Federal Highway Administrator Gregory Nadeau. "By giving people the specialized training our transportation system needs, we can ensure that our transportation system remains safe and efficient for decades to come."