Workforce Development MPC’s technical training program is having a major impact in the region. Online modules, short courses, webinars, and on site/videoconferencing events are reaching state and local transportation department employees and tribal transportation planners. By harnessing the capabilities of the four LTAP centers located at the MPC universities and the multimedia capabilities of the Transportation Learning Network (which was founded and is partly funded by MPC) more than 45 technical training events were offered in the first half of 2014. These training modules and short courses are critical to transportation agencies that need to improve or renew the skills of engineering technicians and other frontline workers. Many MPC courses or training events result in the certification of workers. Even when certification is not required, TLN’s online learning management systems allow employees and employers to set learning goals and monitor progress towards these goals. MPC is making another major impact in workforce development. Altogether, 107 graduate students are working on MPC research projects under the tutelage of faculty researchers. These graduate students represent the researchers and technical analysts of tomorrow. Without the MPC program and the stipend funds that it provides, these students may not be specializing in transportation; but, instead would be seeking career opportunities in other fields. The MPC research program allows faculty to mentor graduate students while allowing the students to work on projects for federal and state transportation agencies—thereby, gaining valuable practical experience.
