Featured in Technology Today (Volume 37, Issue 3), a quarterly publication of the Louisiana Transportation Research Center.
With approximately 4,200 employees across 50+ diverse sections, Louisiana DOTD’s training needs are both remarkably broad and frequently changing. Add to this the inherently dynamic nature of the transportation industry, and it rapidly becomes clear that keeping the state’s workforce well-informed and -equipped is a massive—yet critically important—undertaking. Garrett Wheat, Ph.D., LTRC’s Statewide Strategic Program Manager, is seeking to meet this challenge through an ambitious, multi-year competency modeling project.
Mary Leah Coco, Ph.D., Associate Director of Technology Transfer and Training, highlights the tremendous value of Dr. Wheat’s work to the department as a whole: “By clearly defining the (necessary) competencies (across the department), the model provides a roadmap for recruitment, development, and performance evaluation…ultimately fostering talent growth, driving innovation, and ensuring a sustained competitive advantage in today’s dynamic landscape.”
The modeling project’s primary goal is to identify the key competencies needed in each of DOTD’s sections, then match them to currently available internal and external training opportunities. Where significant training gaps are identified, Dr. Wheat and his team work directly with section heads to develop creative and effective solutions to best serve department employees. These solutions can range widely from self-directed learning opportunities (e.g., books, manuals, and instructional videos) to in-person and virtual training courses.
"We try to focus on the areas of highest impact so that we can be sure we are making the best use of the department's financial and human resources" - Garrett Wheat, Ph.D., LTRC Statewide Strategic Program Manager
Wheat’s process for uncovering competencies is quite thorough, involving several detailed steps and a broad array of voices from across the department. He explains: “We use several research tools, including surveys and group interviews, to hear directly from employees about their training needs, both right now and as they look to the future of the industry. We try to focus on the areas of highest impact so that we can be sure we are making the best use of the department’s financial and human resources.”
While this process can be lengthy, the early returns from Dr. Wheat’s highly intentional efforts are impressive. He recently completed modeling processes for Sections 82 (Highway Safety) and 30 (Location and Survey), and he and his team are currently working with Sections 80 (Contract Consultant Services), 24 (Road Design), and 25 (Bridge and Structural Design) as well. He plans to continue serving the department in this way as its diverse workforce, as well as the broader transportation landscape, continues to grow and change.
For more information on this project’s current and future endeavors, contact Garrett Wheat, Ph.D., at (225) 767-9210 or garrett.wheat@la.gov.