The State of Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has taken an aggressive approach to accident prevention through training. CTDOT contracted with VISTA Training Inc. to develop and conduct Train-The-Trainer courses for DOT in-house trainers. As a result, CTDOT now has its own trainers skilled in effective presentations for all CTDOT employees.

VISTA Training Inc. worked with CTDOT supervisors to create courses designed to meet specific needs. State trainers now have complete training kits, developed by a professional training development company and designed to meet the state’s specifications. The training was partially funded by a Federal DOT grant under TEA-21.

Kits for three separate topics — bucket trucks, equipment transport trailers and forklift training — were provided to each of the CTDOT trainers on completion of the classes. Kits consist of a leaders guide, projector-ready presentation, topic specific videos, student exercises, exemplar tests, field layout suggestions, equipment requirements, certificates and wallet cards. All consumable materials are provided on disc for ease of reproduction.

Greg Pilgrim, a VISTA professional trainer, conducted the Train-The-Trainer course in half-day segments over a two-week period. This arrangement allowed CTDOT employees to meet many normal duty requirements while acquiring new skills. Training was conducted at the state of Connecticut facilities in Newington, CT.

In addition to familiarization with the kit materials CTDOT instructors were coached in handing difficult learners, getting learners involved in the training process and gauging the impact of training.

Rick Longstaff, president of VISTA Training Inc. said, “We have worked with several state and county agencies to provide training or skill evaluations for employees. This is one of the most thorough and long-lasting approaches we have been involved in. By using an outside source to create and conduct this training, the state of Connecticut has avoided the common problem of tunnel vision concerning its own operations. At the same time, the focus on specific concerns was guided by CTDOT personnel.

“Connecticut DOT took advantage of the breadth of experience VISTA has in creating topic specific heavy equipment training. VISTA regularly works with multiple equipment manufacturers and dozens of governmental agencies. Many government agencies have discovered that by using a neutral outside resource internal bias concerns by either labor or management are avoided. Also, VISTA experience in researching multiple equipment manufacturers to provide technical and safe operating data broadens the scope of training and helps to focus on important safety considerations.”

Today's top stories

Fed Funding to Increase U.S. Battery Production

Teichert Tackles Tough Job Through Teamwork

Maze of Policy Changes May Complicate IIJA Implementation

AECON Installs 50-Ton Girders for New Washington Bridge

VIDEO: Tsurumi Pump Celebrates 100 Years

SPS New England, Select Demo Lead Boston Bridge Project

Alex Lyon Holds Annual Barbecue, Hay Camp, Auction

Kevin Chodkowski Joins Baschmann Services as Sales Representative