Workforce Development Services
Workforce Development Services
Building Careers in Highway Construction
Since 1971, the US Federal Highway Administration On-the-Job Training (OJT) Program has mandated state transportation agencies to establish apprenticeship and training programs targeting underrepresented segments of the U.S. workforce, including Minorities, Women, Veterans and Disadvantaged individuals. ADOT’s Workforce Development Services manages the FHWA OJT Supportive Services program which play a crucial role in enhancing both training and retention in construction crafts, helping meet the steady demand for labor required to repair and expand the nation’s infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and water lines.
What is the OJT Program?
The OJT program was created to accelerate expansion of the pool of qualified women, minorities and disadvantaged individuals in the highway-construction industry.
Participants in our Trades Readiness and Certification (TRAC) program can expect to gain working knowledge of:
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Work readiness skills
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Flagger Certification
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OSHA 10 Certification
Teachers and High School students in our STEM Bridge Builder and National Summer Institute programs will:
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Learn about the world of transportation and civil engineering
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Explore opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics
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Engage in hands-on engineering lab activities
What are the Contractor's benefits?
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They can train on any federal or state job
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Training can be completed over multiple jobs
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Contractors and Consultants are able to retain a skilled workforce
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Contractors and Consultants will not pay full price for the training classes
Why Consider a Career in Highway Construction?
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Growing Industry Demand: The construction industry is experiencing steady growth in employment opportunities, with 12.1 million workers employed as of February 2026. The expansion of infrastructure projects has led to an increase in job openings.
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Support for Underrepresented Groups: The OJT Supportive Services program supports minorities, women, veterans, and economically disadvantaged individuals in gaining skills and securing jobs in highway construction, aiming to diversify the workforce.
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Opportunities for Women: Women currently make up 11.3% of the construction workforce, according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, with ongoing efforts to increase this representation through numerous rewarding career opportunities.
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High Demand for Skilled Labor: There is a significant demand for skilled laborers, with 88% of firms reporting difficulties in filling hourly craft positions according to the 2025 AGC & NCCER Workforce Survey.
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Economic Benefits: A career in construction offers competitive wages and job stability, playing a vital role in the nation's economic growth.
Explore the Demand for Construction Crafts!
Interested in learning more about which construction crafts are in high demand? Visit the Craft Labor Map to see the top crafts with the most demand through December 2026. This map, updated quarterly, provides valuable insights for those looking to start or advance their careers in construction.
Questions About Existing Programs?
Email: [email protected]
Call: 602.712.7761
Mail Address: Arizona Department of Transportation
1801 W Jefferson St, Suite 101, Maildrop 154A
Phoenix, AZ 85007
