Community College participation and endorsement is integral to the success of a National Transportation Workforce Development Strategy. Working with the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), information was collected on what community colleges currently tuaght and what they could do to provide for greater engagement in transportation workforce development efforts. Research results suggest that a solid foundation exists within community colleges to deliver transportation-related training, but that additional investment and coordination will be necessary to support future workforce needs. The final report addressed best practices for community colleges looking to increase their transportation programs and recommendations for how the USDOT can best stimulate and support the evolution of community colleges as a key pillar in transportation workforce development. The TRC worked with the Community College of Vermont (CCV) to develop and pilot an Associate Degree Program (Applied Business Operation) with a transportation focus. The program design process tested a number of assumptions in showcasing career pathways to specific transportation jobs for incoming students as well as a bridging options for second career workers looking to transfer skills to the field. Needs of incumbent transportation workers, seeking new opportunities, were also addressed in the study. While significant insights were gained benefiting CCV and TRC efforts, and employer participants, the program was not continued after the pilot offerings. For more information, contact the TRC Outreach Manager Glenn McRae (glenn.mcrae@uvm.edu or 802-656-1317).

Read the final report: Transportation Workforce Development at Community Colleges.