CIAM-UTC-REG30
Research Team
Ri Na, University of Delaware
Funding Sources
University of Delaware Federal Share: $50,000
University of Delaware Match Share: $50,000
Agency ID or Contract Number
69A3551847103
Start and End Dates
02/10/2021 — 02/09/2021
Project Description
The 2012 National Transportation Workforce Development Summit (netwc.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/NTWS_Summary_of_Results1.pdf) identified the challenges involved in developing and maintaining the transportation workforce for the future. However, there is still a general lack of awareness of opportunities in the transportation field. Delaware faces significant shortages in the construction industry. Furthermore, many of the communities with high proportions of underrepresented minorities are even less aware of the opportunities. Building on University of Delaware’s relatively new Construction Engineering and Management program, we are proposing to develop and pilot a 20-hour training course on “Blueprint Reading and Basic CAD Skills in Transportation Construction and Renewal” that provides 20 hours of online instruction and could serve as the basis for further courses.
The proposed course addresses CIAMTIS’s goal of Improving the Durability and Extending the Life of Transportation Infrastructure, and the Center’s mission of improving integrated asset management requires a knowledgeable workforce to implement the relevant technologies. This knowledge is critical for implementation of technologies in all three thrust areas. This course is a first step.
The course is aimed at new employees and potential employees from the City of Wilmington, as the community has chronic unemployment issues and a high proportion of underrepresented minorities.