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8 | Transportation Today Wisconsin™ Online Edition: www.transportationtodaywi.com
Wisconsin DOT’s Highway Construction Skills Training
Program Offers Path To Career In Road Construction Industry
safety regulations — even other skills like
putting yourself out there, interviewing and
landing your new job.
The training is a six- to eight-week com-
mitment in a hands-on environment. It includes
on-site visits with construction contractors and
trade unions as well as classroom instruction
by WisDOT and other industry partners.
The HCST program has many connec-
tions to the construction marketplace, most
graduates line up good-paying jobs as labor-
ers, flaggers, ironworkers and equipment
operators upon completion of training. Many
graduates frequently talk about the experience
as life-changing, and reference a sense of pride
and accomplishment in their newfound work.
ighway and bridge construction jobs It’s also a chance to chart a stronger financial
are in demand, and these jobs are a future as many opportunities start at $20-plus
Hgreat way to earn a living. You might per hour with room to grow. pewa Community College and Lac Courte than 1,000 HCST graduates have been placed
wonder, “where would I even start?” A good Prospective applicants are encouraged Oreilles Ojibwe University. with employers as laborers or apprentices.
answer is to check out the Highway Con- to visit wisconsindot.gov/HCST to review Completion of the HCST program is Take action on your new career path in
struction Skills Training (HCST) program, testimonials and find more information on reliant upon passing a Commercial Driver highway and bridge construction:
managed by the Wisconsin Department of upcoming sessions. Employers, as well, are License (CDL) written exam, passing an • Visit wisconsindot.gov/HCST to find
Transportation (WisDOT). encouraged to get to know the program and apprenticeship test from one of the skilled application materials, an interactive tool
benefits of hiring skilled HCST workers.
No prior construction experience is HCST classes are held in Milwaukee, trades, receiving flagger certification, and to find a class near you and links to testi-
required. You may even be surprised how Racine, Madison, Green Bay, Crandon and completing OSHA 10 safety training. While it monials.
quickly you develop new skills. HCST is a Hayward. HCST sessions at any of the six may sound like a daunting list, WisDOT staff • Keep your eye out too! WisDOT Labor
certified pre-apprenticeship program taught locations are open to qualified applicants. Core and the service providers work very hard to Development Specialists also work to
by knowledgeable and passionate instructors. service partners include: WRTP Big Step, coordinate an effective program with expe- promote the HCST training program at
They will help you learn everything from Forward Services Corp., WisDOT’s Tribal rienced professionals. Instructors work with many career fairs and other outreach
the terminology to the tools, methods, math, Labor Advisory Committee, Sokaogon Chip- students every step of the way. To date, more engagements across the state.
Highway Construction Skills Training Highway Construction
Highway Construction Skills Training (HCST) is an Skills Training Centers
intensive 6-week training course taught by industry
professionals. With us, you will learn the skills Contact Information:
needed to start your career in construction:
Milwaukee Area Southwest Area
Kimberly McGowan Lori Thompson
OSHA 10 CDL Preparation Kmccgowan@wrpt.org lthompson@fsc-corp.org
Construction Safety Plan and Blueprint 414-937-3630 608-640-9518
Flagging Certification Reading Racine Area North Central Tribal
CPR/First Aid Tool Identification Jon Anderson Area
Certification Construction janderson@wrtp.org Noel Vandiver
Construction Math Terminology 262-619-6560 noel.vandiver@scc-nsn.
and Measuring Apprenticeship Test gov
Physical Conditioning Preparation Northeast Green Bay Caleb McGeschick Sr.
Area
caleb.mcgeshick.sr@
Ranard Morris
See at right for contact information rmorris@fsc-corp.org scc-nsn.gov
for HCST Training Centers 920-518-1733 715-478-7633
