‘Expanding the Transportation Workforce’ project creates tools for local agencies

Local transportation agencies in Minnesota are facing a growing workforce shortage. In a recent project, Minnesota LTAP led the creation of tools to help expand the transportation workforce and fill open positions—today and tomorrow.

The tools take a two-pronged approach: One set helps local agencies attract and retain workers in the short term, while another set helps agencies promote career opportunities to students and feed the longer-term worker pipeline. The project was sponsored by the Minnesota Local Road Research Board (LRRB).

The project was guided by a technical advisory panel of experienced transportation professionals representing local agencies and private firms from around the state, as well as workforce leaders and technical school representatives.

The tools include:

Recruitment Toolkit for Local Agencies
Training Roadmap for Civil Engineering Technicians (spreadsheet and user guide)
Community Outreach and Communication Guide (with accompanying spreadsheet of activities for K-12 students)
Local Agency Careers in Minnesota brochure

Minnesota LTAP is interested in coordinating outreach activities to introduce youth to careers in local agency transportation departments. If you are interested in participating, please email Katherine Stanley at sell0146@umn.edu.