ADOT's Construction Academy prepares participants for the workforce

ADOT’s Construction Academy is a pre-apprenticeship training program that gives individuals a great start in the construction industry…

Hosted by ADOT’s Business Engagement and Compliance Office, the academy is open to veterans, minorities and women interested in a career with the construction industry.

The three-week program is funded with federal grant money and is free to participants, who get to experience a variety of trades. The program includes introductory courses in the transportation construction industry that are taught by experts. Some of these courses include heavy equipment, highway electrical, materials, traffic technology and highway survey. Program participants graduate with a Traffic Control Flagger Certification, along with OSHA 10 training.

There is also a focus on life skills, resume-building and interview help. At the end of the three weeks, Academy participants have the opportunity to attend an onsite career fair to gain jobs and possible apprenticeships. Preparing people for the workforce is the one of the academy’s main objectives, says OJT/Workforce Development Manager Olga Diaz.