pacific nw transportation consortium region 10 Pactrans

On Tuesday, February 6, 2024,  PacTrans Workforce Development Institute (WDI), the Northwest Tribal Technical Assistance Center (NW TTAP), and the Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT), met to discuss collaboration opportunities between WDI and the Washington State Local Technical Assistance Program.

The meeting kicked off highlighting the immense demand for civil engineers and the significant opportunities the WDI presents for the community’s future. There was an emphasis on early recruitment (particularly from underrepresented groups) and practical experience, sparking discussions on the Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) and the Tribal Technical Assistance Program (TTAP), and thus the development of a Washington State Road Scholars Program, similar to programs already established in other states. This program aims to ensure streets are safe and properly constructed and maintained by providing high-quality training for transportation workers. 

The WDI, founded in 2017, seeks to assist the transportation industry in the Pacific Northwest by (1) attracting more students to pursue careers in the transportation field, and (2) ensuring working professionals have opportunities for continued learning so that they have the tools they need in a rapidly evolving industry. We are excited to continue down the path toward partnerships on these efforts.