AASHTO Journal - Connecticut Salutes First CTDOT Maintainer Apprentices

Several Connecticut agencies recently joined the Connecticut Employees Union Independent (CEUI) to recognize a new partnership between labor and state government that brings registered apprentices into Connecticut Department of Transportation maintainer jobs – a collaboration that is a first for Connecticut and marks workforce development innovation in public service jobs.

[Above image via CTDOT]

The inaugural class of nine apprentices completed 2,044 training hours over 12 months and are now officially commercial driver license-holding transportation maintainers doing critical highway work, such as snow plowing, construction, landscaping, and highway maintenance.

“This registered apprenticeship program is an innovative way we can provide on-the-job training to workers while maintaining the workforce needed to support Connecticut’s transportation system,” explained Governor Ned Lamont (D) in a statement. “I strongly encourage anyone who is seeking a new job and who is interested in a position with the Connecticut Department of Transportation to enroll in this apprenticeship program and get connected with a new opportunity that can lead to a long-lasting career.”

“By becoming an apprenticeship employer, we are opening new opportunities into public service to build a stronger, more prepared transportation workforce,” added Garrett Eucalitto, CTDOT commissioner and immediate past president of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. “This partnership ensures we are investing in the people who keep our roads safe and our state moving.”

[Editor’s note: The Colorado Department of Transportation video below illustrates the work performed by its maintainer personnel.]

“This apprenticeship program is a win for workers and for the state of Connecticut. It opens the door for more people to build lifelong careers in public service while ensuring we have the skilled, dedicated workforce needed to maintain and improve our transportation system,” noted Carl Chisem, president of CEUI Local 511. “We congratulate the first class of graduates on this incredible achievement.”

Registered apprenticeships are considered the “gold standard” in workforce training, CTDOT noted. Depending upon the industry area, they will train from one to four years – including thousands of classroom hours and on-the-job learning – before being credentialed as an expert in their field.

Currently, there are more than 6,500 registered apprentices working across 50 occupations for approximately 1,800 Connecticut employers, CEUI noted.