Oklahoma, like other states, is experiencing workforce shortages in critical industries like transportation. This industry is tasked with planning and building Oklahoma’s roadways and bridges — a massive undertaking that requires a large, highly-trained workforce. While there are ample career opportunities, one of this industry’s main challenges is students and the public simply aren’t aware of them or what education and training is needed to pursue them.
I’m proud of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) and our state’s trade associations for their dedication to addressing these shortages through school outreach programs, hands-on experiences, and other innovative learning and training opportunities.
ODOT partners with the Central Oklahoma Homebuilders Association and the Association of Oklahoma General Contractors (AOGC) for a one-day event in Oklahoma City that provides high school students hands-on experience with construction trades. Approximately 1,400 students attended the September event, and they’re planning another one for Tulsa.
They also partner with Construct My Future to host a one-week summer trade camp for students entering the 7th and 8th grades to give them insight into the exciting career opportunities in the construction industry.
This fall, they’re planning to start a new STEM program for 7th-12th graders, especially those in rural districts, with a curriculum created and provided by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO).
For those in high school or older, ODOT coordinates with various Career Techs statewide to offer specialized programs. This past year, they worked at Central Tech in Drumwright to provide CDL training to get more truck drivers on the road. They also offered week-long classes at Eastern Oklahoma County Tech Center in Choctaw focused on forklift, first aid, OHSA-10, and flagger certifications to help students gain immediate employment after graduation. Those same classes were also offered through a five-week, night program at Midwest City’s Mid-Del Tech Center but with special attention on underemployed attendees to help them gain more sustainable employment after graduation. This was successful as a prime contractor hired three attendees. Several others also immediately attended CDL certification classes to further expand their resumes.
The agency also offers their Engineering Development Program, helping civil engineers become registered professional engineers while on the job. Applicants need only a degree in Civil Engineering from an ABET-accredited college or university. ODOT recruits engineers from OU, OSU, and universities in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Texas.
ODOT is also interested in pursuing “returnships,” which are like internships for adults who previously left employment, to start a family for example, but are ready to return to the workforce. This helps them utilize their previous workforce experience and skills while learning new ones. If established, this program will be included in upcoming job fairs.
The AOGC is also working to introduce students to the lucrative career opportunities available in their industries. They’re concentrating on four areas, including participating in the Construct My Future summer camps with ODOT. They’re also doing Construction 101 in high schools statewide, which includes CAT simulators to provide additional hands-on experience. If schools are interested, AOGC will also set up AGC Student Chapter Construction Clubs and schedule field trips and competitions to provide students more career exposure.
The association also works through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Job Corps to introduce students transitioning into the workforce to the many jobs available in their various trades. AOGC doesn’t currently offer any specific college programs but supports institutions’ workforce efforts however possible, including speaking to students about road construction. I encourage you to share these opportunities with students exploring career opportunities or adults looking for a new one. There are so many great jobs available right here in Oklahoma.
