PWSB

Iowa Public Works Service Bureau

Training and Educational Opportunities

Appia Training

The class will include an overview of the application, a demonstration of the application, and a hands-on training exercise.  This class is meant for new users and those who need a substantial refresher, but attendees of any knowledge level are welcome.  Although a license is required for actual product use, an agency/business does not need an Appia license to attend training.

Participants will be required to bring their own wireless-capable electronic device, such as a tablet or laptop.  A phone is not suitable for this training.

The use of Appia will be required for cities starting with the April 2025 for DOT-let projects.  The use of Appia has been required for DOT-administered county projects since the April 2022 letting.  If a city or county staff member who performs construction inspection or administration has not yet attended an Appia training or has not attended in the last two years, they need to attend one of these.  All local agency personnel are encouraged to attend if they have not attended an Appia training within the last few years.

The following trainings will be held from 9:00am – 3:30pm (registration from 8:45am-9:00am):

  • January 15 – Manning, Timmerman Shelter House (Park Avenue)
  • February 3 – Washington Public Library, Nicola Stoufer Room (115 W Washington Street)
  • February 20 – Ames, District 1 DOT Training Garage, Upstairs (57073 US Hwy 30) – Only a few spots left
  • March 11 – Monticello City Hall, Council Chambers (200 East First Street)

Additional information can be found on the Local Systems Training & Videos website.

Federal-aid Overview Seminars

Register now for the Federal-aid Overview Seminars in early 2025.  Instructions to create a profile in the new DOT Workday Learning system are available at the top of this webpage:  https://iowadot.gov/local_systems/Trainings-Videos  if you do not already have one. Once you have created a profile, follow the step by step instructions that are also provided on this page.  Search the key words “Federal-aid” to register for this class – make sure to sign up for both days if you intend to go to both days – each day is a separate registration.

The dates and locations of the training are as follows:

  • January 22-23 in Boone (Central Region)
  • February 12-13 in Hiawatha (Eastern Region)
  • February 26-27 in Denison (Western Region)

Day 1 is Project Development through the Letting.  Day 2 is Construction Inspection and Contract Administration.  Attendees may attend Day 1, or Day 2, or both, depending on each individual’s role in Federal-aid projects. These seminars are in-person only.  Please encourage ALL of your staff who work on Federal-aid projects to attend, at least for one day depending on their job duties.  Please also plan to attend if you are considering applying for or have been awarded a Federal Discretionary Grant or Earmark. 

2024 Work Zone Safety Workshops

During February and March 2025, work zone traffic control and safety training will be offered at several Iowa venues so that workers across the state can participate conveniently. Each one-day workshop will cover the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), particularly Part 6. The workshops consist of a general session for all participants, plus breakout sessions tailored to specific categories of work zone activities: city, county, DOT Maintenance and utility contractors .

Dates and locations are:
Thursday, February 20 – Ottumwa, Bridgeview Event Center
Tuesday, February 25 – Council Bluffs, Holiday Inn Express
Thursday, February 27 – Ankeny, DMACC FFA Enrichment Center
Tuesday, March 4 – Storm Lake, Buena Vista University, Siebens Forum
Tuesday, March 11 – Cedar Falls, Bien Venu Event Center Wednesday, March 12 – Cedar Rapids, Radisson Hotel
Thursday, March 25 – Ankeny, DMACC FFA Enrichment Center

Registration and more information can be found at https://www.regcytes.extension.iastate.edu/workzone/

2025 Local Systems Spring Meeting – March 26

Register for the Iowa DOT Local Systems Spring Meeting. Follow the instructions above to set up your new DOT Workday Learning profile and once created a profile, follow the step by step instructions using the key words “Spring Meeting” to register for this class. There is only 1 location this year in Boone on March 26.  However, we will post the presentations on our webpage sometime after the training.  

If you have any questions about creating a profile or signing up through Workday Learning, please contact Mary Beth Sprouse at marybeth.sprouse@iowadot.us.

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:

  1. Follows a training curriculum that meets specific criteria for theory and behind-the-wheel training.
  2. Utilizes facilities, vehicles, and instructors meeting federal requirements.
  3. Meets federal record-keeping requirements.
  4. Complies with any applicable state laws and regulations.

For a complete overview, please click here.

Additional resources:

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.