How do Roads Scholars get their start, and what inspires them to go the extra mile? MnLTAP is pleased to share the journeys of recent graduates.
This month, we meet Luis Lorenzana, construction inspector for MnDOT. He is the first Roads Scholar to have earned the Civil Engineering Technician Level I Certificate and only the 13th MnDOT employee to complete the Roads Scholar Program since 2005 (overwhelmingly, Roads Scholars are from local agencies).
Lorenzana is paving the way for others by completing the newly established certification series designed to strengthen Minnesota’s civil engineering workforce. The Civil Engineering Technician Certificate helps local agencies advance current employees into hard-to-fill technician roles while offering hands-on training to those who show interest and aptitude for career advancement. The program includes three progressive levels that align with the skills and responsibilities of civil engineering technician positions at transportation agencies. Levels I and II are available now; level III is in development.
How did you get interested in transportation?
My grandma told me I was in her garden making roads and playing with my cars all day long. Today, thanks to MnDOT, I get to do all that in real life—in a “big sandbox.”
Who are/were some influential people in your career path?
My parents, because they were both hard workers and taught me that in everything you do, you should do your best, never give up on your dreams, and always keep moving forward.
How does the Roads Scholar certificate help you in your current job and career plans?
I have been able to learn valuable information, and I am trying to implement the knowledge and ideas I got from the classes into my everyday job assignments. It would be a great tool to use for future career advancements.
What’s a typical day like?
I have coffee early in the morning, drive to the project, check with the contractor and crews, get the plan for the day, and get ready for what I need. After that it all depends on the type of operation we are doing, because there is different preparation for excavations, embankments, slopes, cuts and fills, and grading. I do engineering earth work, quality control, and material testing for roadbed preparation and pavements. What I like the most is seeing the various stages in the process of making a road until the final product.
What is your favorite accomplishment?
The end of the Highway 10 Ramsey Gateway project last year. It was satisfying to make sure everything was ready to go before it opened to the public. I watched the first cars drive the new road and could see everything was working as planned. It made me feel proud of the work we do here at MnDOT.
What makes you feel proud at the end of the day?
That my work is making sure we are delivering a good, high-quality product to Minnesotans and serving my community, my city, and my state—building something from the ground up for Minnesota.
What do you do for hobbies/fun?
Mountain biking on the Minnesota off-road trail system—thousands of miles and smiles.