CALTRANS NEWS
In This Issue...
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Director's Corner
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Director Will Kempton |
As many in the “Baby Boomer” generation near retirement age, we’re facing a unique challenge to ensure staffing levels while continuing to maintain a high level of service. At Caltrans, 37 percent of managers and supervisors are age 52 and older and are potentially within three years of retirement. By 2013, the state could lose up to 50 percent of its workforce through retirement.
To ensure the Department has a qualified workforce that can meet the demands of rebuilding this state’s infrastructure, Caltrans has developed and reinforced its comprehensive employee succession programs.
Training and development are key components of this effort, and we already have a vigorous training program in place. Project Delivery, Planning and Modal program, and Maintenance and Operations each provide excellent technical skills courses to meet the educational needs of the employees within those functional areas. Our Division of Training provides training programs that cross those functional lines and deliver general skills development at all employee levels.
A new Administrative Skills Certificate Program (ASCP) has been developed this year to meet the needs of our entry- and journey-level employees whose jobs include administrative duties. This competency-based program is in its pilot phase now, and new tracks can be expected in the fall.
The Business Writing Series (BWS) features eight courses designed to address skills ranging from basic grammar to business and technical report writing. Each course is offered several times throughout the year. More than 2,300 employees attended BWS courses this year. The BWS includes two English as a second language (ESL) courses.
The Maintenance Equipment Training Academy (META) trains Caltrans maintenance workers and equipment operators in the safe and proper use of motorized equipment. META also oversees and trains qualifiers to administer the Caltrans equipment qualification program. This training is available to all of our maintenance employees.
The Supervisory Training Program (STP) is designed to meet the needs of new supervisors who are required to complete 80 hours of training within their probationary period. The STP originated in the 1980s. More than 1,700 new supervisors have completed the STP over the past five years.
The Management Training Program debuted in 2005. It will have reached 800 Caltrans mid-level managers by June 2008. This program, like the ASCP and the Department’s leadership courses, is based on a set of learning and performance competencies.
The Leadership Training Program (LTP) has been a part of the Department’s ongoing succession effort since 2000. More than 500 designated managers have graduated from the LTP. In 2007, the Division of Training debuted LTP II, called The Mobility Challenge. This is a graduate course for the regular LTP. Caltrans Executive Team attended a special five-day presentation of the Mobility Challenge. Since then, a pilot track graduated and a new track begins in March.
The Executive Development Program (EDP) is designed to expand the Department’s pool of well-qualified candidates prepared to compete effectively for executive leadership positions through a rigorous program of rotational assignments, formal training, and mentorship.
If you would like to pursue an advanced degree, the Mineta Transportation Institute offers both a Master of Science and a certificate in transportation management.
I salute the Caltrans employees who have participated in one of more of our training programs to refine their skills, and I assure you that equipping all Caltrans employees to do their jobs effectively while providing ample opportunities for career advancement is a high priority. This training will allow the Department to ensure a highly qualified workforce as we continue to increase mobility in this state.
For more information about these learning opportunities and other courses, click on admin.dot.ca.gov/tr to access the Division of Training intranet site. Information about the technical skills courses offered by your respective programs may be accessed on the Staff Central Learning Management System or through your training coordinator.