Training and Educational Opportunities
2025 Motor Grader Operator Workshops – May 6 to 15
Registration is now open for the 2025 Motor Grader Operator (MoGO) Workshops. This program is led by a team of experienced instructors who teach others efficient and safe operating practices. The classroom session includes instruction and presentations primarily focuses on blading techniques for different tasks, roadway/roadside cross-section elements, safety, and equipment. Participants are often from several cities or counties, which promotes discussion and exchange of ideas and techniques. The dates and locations for these workshops are:
May 6 – Oelwein
May 7 – Webster City
May 8 – Ainsworth
May 13 – Storm Lake
May 14 – Chariton
May 15 – Atlantic
Registration and more information can be found here. If you have questions about workshop content, contact Paul Albritton at 515-294-1231, palbritt@iastate.edu
APAI Design Lunch and Learn: Pavement Rehabilitation Solutions – May 21
Please join us for a lunchtime educational opportunity that is being offered both in-person and virtually. Learn about the various rehabilitation strategies available to address deteriorating HMA and PCC roadways. The in-person session will be held at Snyder & Associates South Building in the Community Conference Room. This is part of the continuing series of educational opportunities offered by the Asphalt Paving Association of Iowa and hosted by APAI Member Snyder & Associates.
Advanced registration is required to determine a head count for lunch and to obtain email addresses for virtual attendees.
You can expect to learn about:
- Various Types of Overlays
- Use of Interlayers
- Cold-in-Place Recycling & Full Depth Reclamation
Best Practices for Utility Management in the Public Right of Way – May 22, June 5, June 12
This training presents utility permitting requirements and the variability of permitting practices found during a recent study. The study findings suggest that there are best practices for working toward more uniform utility permitting across cities, counties, and municipalities for building practice efficiency and data uniformity. This training will discuss the research findings and present best practices.
Best Practices for Utility Management in the Public Right of Way 2025 Flyer
REGISTRATION
Please register for controlling space limitations:
https://iastate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1zBAP3SA6jX0Sk6
CDL Training for Maintenance Equipment Operators
Under a new federal rule, all providers (individual locations) of entry-level commercial driver’s license (CDL) training must be listed on Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Training Provider Registry (TPR). To be listed on the TPR, the lead trainer at each location must certify that the location meets these requirements:
- Follows a training curriculum that meets specific criteria for theory and behind-the-wheel training.
- Utilizes facilities, vehicles, and instructors meeting federal requirements.
- Meets federal record-keeping requirements.
- Complies with any applicable state laws and regulations.
For a complete overview, please click here.
Additional resources:
- Dane Robinson, Arapahoe County Public Works, CDL Training Log (three tabs, first is the driving log with the lesson plan check on back, and the second tab is driver trainer notes)
- FMCSA Field Offices
- Clear Roads – Entry-Level Driver Training (CDL) for Maintenance Equipment Operators
- Ohio LTAP CDL Theory Training
- Kentucky Transportation Center Link (Summer 2022)
- Minnesota LTAP Commercial Drivers License Mentimeter Survey Pre-presentation
- CT LTAP ELDT Presentation
Iowa’s Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP)
The Iowa Local Technical Assistance Program is dedicated to providing technical and management assistance to Iowa’s local governments. And to accomplish their mission—of improving traffic safety through locally coordinated multidisciplinary efforts built on trusted relationships—the Iowa LTAP offers a variety of programs and resources aimed toward assisting local agencies with the ever-growing demands on the roads, streets, bridges, and public transportation of Iowa. Click here for a current list of LTAP events.
Institute for Transportation (InTrans)
The Institute for Transportation is a hub of local, regional, and national transportation-focused research, education, workforce development, and technology transfer. InTrans administers 15 centers and programs, and several other distinct research specialties, and a variety of technology transfer and professional education initiatives. Click here for a current list of InTrans events.
Research
Check out the latest research publications from the Iowa Highway Research Board. Information related to research activities including project highlights and successes, requests for proposal, unique collaborations, and more are available through the News section of the DOT’s Research Ideas site.