ADOT’s Construction School Prepares You For A Career In 2 Weeks

ARIZONA — Two weeks is all it takes for the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Construction Academy to prepare enrollees for a new career in highway construction.

With sessions in Camp Verde and Phoenix already under its belt, the transportation agency continues to offer its jump-start sessions providing preparation for entry-level roadwork jobs in a two-week period. Upcoming academy sessions will be held in Phoenix and Tucson.

Participants get certified for flagger work for highway projects, secure their commercial truck driver's license permits and earn 10-hour Occupational Safety and Health Administration safety training certification. Enrollees are also trained in construction plan reading, construction math, resume building and work readiness.

Funded by the Federal Highway Administration, the Construction Academy aims to knock down highway construction job barriers experienced by veterans, minorities, women and those who are economically disadvantaged such as those currently unemployed.

Upcoming two-week Construction Academy sessions include:

• Tucson — Feb. 3-14
• Phoenix — March 2-13 (female-only academy)
• Tucson — April 6-17
• Phoenix — May 11-22

The academy is also offered in 16-week sessions with a focus on preparing participants for entry-level construction mason jobs. Planned is a spring Phoenix session and a Prescott summer session this year.

The agency’s "Jump Start program gives those who can participate full-time a fast track to careers in one of the best industries in Arizona,” said ADOT’s job training program manager Steve Navis. “Whether you can commit a full two weeks or a few nights a week over a longer period, we’re tailoring these high-quality adult education programs to you.”

For any of the Construction Academy sessions or formats, the Arizona Department of Transportation covers fees and training costs and gives support finding employment.

Construction Academy enrollees who don’t miss any classes will get free gear such as hard hats, tool belts and hand tools.

To learn more or apply to one of the Construction Academy sessions, access the Arizona Department of Transportation’s website, call 602-712-7761 or visit the agency’s Business Engagement and Compliance Office at 1801 W. Jefferson St., Ste. 101, Phoenix, to pick up materials.