Highway Construction Skills Training (HCST) for Job Providers

Does your construction firm need high quality workers to tackle highway and bridge work? The HCST program can reduce the time you spend recruiting, training and retaining employees. Your firm can have a steady pipeline of motivated workers.

HCST provides workers new to road construction with the essential training they need to begin a construction career. HCST also works with program graduates to ensure their continued success.

Benefits of Hiring HCST Graduates

• HCST saves contractors time and money on screening, recruiting and training.
• Job retention support services
• HCST supports the continued success of new hires and their employers by addressing traditional barriers to success, such as childcare and transportation needs.

Qualifications of HCST Graduates:

All HCST grads are required to:

• Pass a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) written exam
• Pass an apprenticeship test from one of the skilled trades
• Receive certification as a flagger
• Complete Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10 safety training

Employee Screening

• Orientation and introduction to highway construction
• Employer expectations
• Requirements of construction work
• Awareness of industry tools and safety requirements
• Orientation to a specific company
• Contractors can provide the HCST coordinator with supplemental company job requirements. This way, HCST participants will be familiar with the contractor's business before interviewing.

A Track Record of Success

• More than 50 Wisconsin construction companies have hired HCST graduates.
• Over 800 HCST graduates have been placed with employers as laborers or apprentices.

HCST Core Partners

• Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Wisconsin
• Department of Workforce Development, Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards
• National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC), Wisconsin Chapter
• Wisconsin Transportation Builders Association (WTBA)
• Wisconsin Technical College System
• Wisconsin Women's Council
• Elected officials
• Labor unions

Wage subsidy

Contractors that utilize HCST-trained workers in WisDOT work zones become eligible for potential reimbursements under Additional Special Provision (ASP) 1.

Take the next step

Contact a HCST provider in your region to learn more.