Six State DOTs Receive FHWA Workforce Training Grants

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) recently awarded $4.2 million in grants to 16 programs nationwide under its Highway Construction Training Program, funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. These grants aim to address critical workforce shortages in highway construction, maintenance, and operations by recruiting, training, and placing individuals in high-demand roles. Six state departments of transportation received funding for specialized initiatives, including training heavy equipment operators, expanding pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs, and helping participants obtain commercial driver’s licenses. These programs emphasize outreach to underserved populations, including women, minorities, veterans, and previously incarcerated individuals, offering comprehensive support such as childcare, transportation, and career development services. The FHWA’s ongoing Strategic Workforce Development Initiative builds on the success of earlier programs, demonstrating the importance of integrated job training and placement services for strengthening the nation’s transportation infrastructure workforce.