By Andrew Wrucke, MnLTAP Director
This fall, MnLTAP is gearing up for our most extensive training lineup yet. Throughout the months ahead, we’re excited to welcome new instructors and new students into our expanding programs.
The Roads Scholar Civil Engineering Technician Level 1 Certificate program has been energized with two new instructors as well as new fall and winter offerings of Introduction to Surveying (October), AutoCAD Software and Civil Plan Development (November–January), and Introduction to Civil 3D Practical Application (February–April).
With more than 80 enrollments in the Level 1 Certificate program, we have shifted focus to developing the Level 2 program to include inspection, drafting, and leadership topics. We expect these courses to start becoming available by next spring, with a projected final curriculum rollout by the end of 2026.
In 2024, the Roads Scholar Program saw a record number of Maintenance Operations and Technical Certificate graduates (48) and Leadership, Supervisory, and Operations Management Certificate graduates (32). We look forward to continuing annual training offerings, including sessions at the annual Fall Maintenance Expo, scheduled and requested Truck-Weight Education Training, and leadership certificate courses.
In anticipation of the winter release of the updated Temporary Traffic Control Field Manual, we are actively expanding our instructor pool and refining our intake process to accommodate agency requests for on-site Core Temporary Traffic Control Training. Online MnLTAP training courses and webinars covering the 2018 field manual will be sunsetted and replaced by a 12-module online series. That new series will include education for work-zone visitors (such as elected officials) and utility workers.
We are also excited to expand our commercial driver’s license (CDL) training offerings. In addition to our on-demand CDL Theory Training Online Modules, MnLTAP will conduct a three-day CDL Behind-the-Wheel Instructor Workshop this November. Please check out our training calendar for the most up-to-date listings and registration information.
I’d like to give a shout-out to the dedicated MnLTAP team and many, many valued partnerships that enable us to grow and enhance our training initiatives. It truly is an honor to serve this community—supporting education, improving workforce skills, and sharing transportation knowledge across Minnesota. MnLTAP appreciates your continued engagement and feedback as we foster current and new relationships in the future. Thank you!