Champion Knowledge Transfer and Education
Project Showcase
CTS inspires K-12 students to consider careers in transportation, supports U of M students with internships and other opportunities, and offers continuing education and training for the current workforce. Highlights from FY22 follow.
Summer campers learn about transportation careers and innovation
CTS delivered the first Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) Career Pathways Camp in August 2021 and followed up with the second CAV camp in August 2022. High school students received hands-on opportunities, took field trips, and attended information sessions. CTS also sponsored the seventh annual National Summer Transportation Institute, a free program for students entering grades 7–9.
Civil Engineering Technician Certificate provides career path
The Minnesota Local Technical Assistance Program (MnLTAP), housed within CTS, developed a new Civil Engineering Technician Certificate for local transportation agencies. The certificate will help agencies engage and develop employees for career advancement in these positions, which are often hard to fill. This is the third certificate in MnLTAP’s Roads Scholar Program.
Forum summary explores challenges and mitigation of ‘forever chemicals’
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) chemicals, often called “forever chemicals” because of how slowly they break down, have been attracting attention as their health and environmental risks are becoming better known. A forum gathered environmental experts, state and federal regulatory officials, and airport managers to discuss how best to transition away from PFAS. It was sponsored by the MnDOT Office of Aeronautics and administered by the Airport Technical Assistance Program (AirTAP), housed at CTS, in partnership with Minnesota’s Local Air Service Action Committee. CTS also created a summary report of the event.