WSDOT Training Development: Creating an Inclusive and Dynamic Framework for Assessing, Training and Tracking

This idea proposes that Human Resources spearhead the creation of unifying training development guidance. Trainers in Fish Passage and Traffic Operations will then use the guidance created by Human Resources to pilot how technical subject matter can effectively use the new framework. While this benefits Fish Passage and Traffic Operations acutely, the larger benefit is to the agency since it will provide trainers with not only guidance, but also examples to draw from. Using a multidisciplinary approach, this project will develop the following: (1) The assessment of technical workforce development needs across different disciplines (a) When and how to assess training needs is not well understood across all disciplines in the agency. This can result in a mismatch between the highest impact trainings and learner needs. Conducting a full needs-assessment in training areas like Fish Passage and Traffic Operations will not only help leverage ongoing work, but give others in the agency examples and guidance on how to assess their own training needs as well. (b) Since WSDOT has reduced the number of available trainers, the overall assessment should include a high-level look at the financial impact of hiring consultants to deliver trainings and when to pursue this. This will help all programs better budget and plan for their training needs. (2) The creation of a course dedicated to teaching all training developers in WSDOT how to create and deliver dynamic courses for different physical environments, including Virtual Instructor Led Trainings (VILT) with high efficacy and sustainability (a) There is no singular WSDOT-centric resource for course development. This results in courses that may be disparate, duplicative, not fully accessible, ineffective, or unsustainable. Many trainers will likely tell you that their materials and delivery have significantly improved over time – this portion of the proposal seeks to reduce the time it takes trainers to learn their craft and become excellent. (3) The transfer of select technical workforce development materials into a VILT format, or into other appropriate platforms (e.g., web content) (a) Many courses historically offered and deemed valuable cannot be delivered due to resource constraints. Transferring select course materials into new platforms or delivery methods would not only bring back a designated learner need, but the example of its transformation will be available for others to learn from as well. (b) The development of new select technical training materials into a VILT format (4) The assessment of technical training workforce development needs in the areas of Fish Passage and Traffic Operations will likely reveal new needs. Working through a needs-assessment all the way through delivery will demonstrate how to create new, dynamic, and sustainable training materials.

  • Supplemental Notes:
    • University of Maryland - Phase 1 Universtiy of Washington - Phase 2 UC Berkeley - Phase 3

Language

  • English

Project

  • Status: Active
  • Funding: $350000
  • Sponsor Organizations:

    Washington State Department of Transportation

    Transportation Building
    Olympia, WA  United States  98504
  • Managing Organizations:

    Washington State Department of Transportation

    Research Office
    P.O. Box 47372
    Olympia, WA  United States  98504
  • Start Date: 20220315
  • Expected Completion Date: 20231231
  • Actual Completion Date: 0
  • Source Data: Jon Peterson - Research Manager

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01834671
  • Record Type: Research project
  • Source Agency: Washington State Department of Transportation
  • Files: RIP, STATEDOT
  • Created Date: Jan 27 2022 2:17PM