Construction Training for the Current and Next Generation of Technicians (TA-32)

Abstract

Technicians are a vital component to the success of any roadway projects. Unfortunately, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) is experiencing significant shortages of technicians among all aspects of construction and maintenance. Training and developing the adequate numbers of qualified technicians is a substantial endeavor that requires a comprehensive examination of the adequacy of current training program versus the anticipated skill needs of technicians on future projects. Two questionnaires were developed to identify this gap. One is to investigate the skills and training that the Cabinet's technicians possess and received; and the second is to investigate the skills and/or knowledge which section engineers believe are required among their technicians. Through the analysis of the two surveys, this research found current training programs in Kentucky could cover most of the necessary knowledge and skills for transportation technicians, although more wide cooperation and reciprocity with outside training agencies should be built. However, current training programs are not sufficient enough to satisfy the future technician training needs, especially in the area of grading, structure, soil and maintenance and environment. The research also found technicians' most favorite training methods are on-the-job and classroom hands-on, but on-the-job training has not become one of the major sources where the Cabinet's technicians received their training. Inability to help promotion and increase salary, schedule conflict and certificates' short validness are the major barriers which prevented technicians' training participation.