Educational Opportunities
LTAP Training Program

This site last updated: May 15, 2008

Effective June 2007 the Washington State Technology Transfer Center (WST2) has changed its name, and is now known as the Washington State Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP Center)

On-Line Registration. Use this link to register for classes. Fill in the requested information, choose your class, and submit. Information on available classes is sent to everyone on the LTAP training listserv. Sign up for the listserv below.

Class informational brochures are available for viewing and printing through Adobe Acrobat Reader. Get a Free download from Adobe.

LTAP Center Training Listserv
Receive LTAP training announcements electronically! If you are interested in LTAP training activities, your name should be on this list. Type your e-mail address in the box below and click the subscribe button. Your name will automatically be placed on the LTAP Center training listserv to receive announcements of classes, conferences and other special events. Announcements are generally e-mailed a couple of times per month. Please contact the LTAP office at (360) 705-7355 if you would like hard copies of training brochures mailed to you.

LTAP Center Lending Library
We have discontinued our video lending library.

Current Classes

Classes are open to employees of the following: cities, counties, tribes, ports, transit agencies, WSDOT and other state agencies, consultants, contractors, and out-of-state public agencies.

Access Management and Its Benefits
Classes are over for this year.

Aggregate Road Surfacing
No sessions scheduled at this time.

Anatomy of a Grant: A Comprehensive Workshop
No sessions scheduled at this time.

Biological Assessment Preparation for Transportation Projects
October 6-7, 2008.
Four-hour exam on October 8, 2008.
Registration is open.
$50

Blue Book for Equipment Rental Rates
9:00 am to 12:00 noon
June 17, 2008, Shoreline
June 18, 2008, Olympia area
June 19, 2008, Vancouver
June 24, 2008, Wenatchee
June 25, 2008, Spokane
June 26, 2008, Yakima
Free

WSDOT Biological Assessment Author Re-Qualification Seminar
November 3-4, 2008, Lacey
$50

Bridge Condition Inspection Update (BCIU)
Two classes will be scheduled for February 2009.

Bridge Condition Inspection Fundamentals (BCIF)
One class will be scheduled for February 2009.

Bridge Condition Inspection Training (BCIT)
One class will be scheduled for March 2009.

Bridge Inventory Coding
One class will be scheduled for winter 2009.

Construction Documentation
The Construction Documentation course will be replaced with the LAG Training Conference. See below.

Context Sensitive Solutions
This course will be offered in spring 2009 and then every other year.

Contract Specification Writing
Classes will be offered again starting in the fall

Cultural Resources
May 13-16, 2008, The Dalles, Oregon
September 30-October 3, 2008, The Dalles, Oregon
$375
Please call the LTAP office to add your name to the wait list if you would like to attend, or contact one of the agencies listed in the attached brochure. You will need to be on a wait list in order to get into this very popular class. Classes for 2008 are full. This class is not available for online registration. Related article and photos - see Pg. 8.

Highway Runoff Manual Training
No classes scheduled at this time.

LAG Training Conference
One and a half days of training. Free.
This conference will replace the Construction Documentation course.

Professional Training for Project Teams
Project Leadership was held on November 8, 2007 in Sammamish
Managing Project Risk was held on March 26, 2008 in Bellevue
The last class in this series is Project Estimating and Budgeting which will be held on November 6, 2008 in the Bellevue/Tukwila area
These classes are in partnership with the Association of Washington Cities.
Registration is thru AWC.
$185 (tentative cost), includes lunch
Registration opens in fall.

Modern Chip Seal Techniques
Classes will be offered in spring 2009.

Pavement Condition Rating
May 20-21, 2008, Ellensburg cancelled
May 28-29, 2008, Tacoma class full
Free.

Preparing Your ECS for NEPA Approval
No classes scheduled at this time.
5 Reasons to take this class
Free.

Purchasing, Bidding and Contract Management
Classes will be scheduled in September, October, November 2008, and May 2009.

Roadway Materials
No sessions scheduled at this time.


Troubleshooting Roundabout Design
November 11-12, 2008, Shoreline
$250

Winter Maintenance Training Workshop
September 29-30, 2008, Shoreline
October 1-2, 2008, Moses Lake
$150

Writing Documents in Plain Talk
No sessions scheduled at this time. Classes are available through the Department of Personnel. See their class schedule.

Other Training of Interest to Local Agencies

PS&E Word
Instructor: Theresa Schreier, WSDOT PS&E Support, (360) 705-7467, schreit@wsdot.wa.gov. Classes are free.
This course teaches users how to use the PS&E Text Processing System to create, format, and assemble Amendments and Special Provisions into contract documents. After taking PS&E Word users will be able to create new documents, create runlists, fill in General Special Provisions, revise documents, assemble contract provisions, create table of contents, and delete job directories. For designers, contract writers, and reviewers. For local agencies and consultants as well as WSDOT. This is a four-hour course and 10-15 people can attend each class. Classes are by special request, contact Theresa Schreier directly for information or to schedule a class.

Flagging Classes
Classes are available at many colleges, technical schools, and training agencies throughout Washington. Check this Web site for individual or agency training.

Writing Skills
Classes are currently scheduled through the Washington State Department of Personnel and are usually held in Olympia. $155. Instructor: Jordan Peabody. Local agencies are invited to attend this or any other classes through DOP. Click here for a direct link to DOP site.
Olympia: May 19-20; June 19-20; July 7-8; August 14-15; September 25-26.

Writing Documents in Plain Talk
This one-day course through the Washington State Department of Personnel will cover the general principles and seven guidelines of Plain Talk as it applies to writing instructions, announcements, publications, and other documents. Instructors vary depending on class: scheduled for all of these sessions are Sharon Bridwell or Jordan Peabody. Intended Audience: All public sector employees who must write readable documents according to Executive Order 05-03. $110.
Olympia: June 2, 13; July 10, 17; August 5, 11, 25; September 18, 23.
Seattle: September 4.

Local agencies are invited to attend these or any other classes through DOP. Click here for a direct link to DOP site for registration and further information.

Other classes through the Department of Personnel.

Local Agencies invited to WSDOT Training

Local agencies are invited to attend WSDOT "Construction" and "Design" training classes. All classes are free. Agencies that may participate in these training classes are: cities, counties, ports, tribes, transit agencies and consultants acting as official city engineer.

Classes are not open to other state agencies or consultants who are not acting in the capacity of official city engineer, contractors, or out of state.

These are WSDOT employee training classes. However, WSDOT now reserves twenty percent of the seats in each of these class for local agencies - this is generally no more than three to five seats per class. If a class has extra seats left over that are not filled with WSDOT staff they may become available to locals. Participation should be limited to one person per agency per class. If you have more than one to register, go ahead and register them but their names will be held for a possible later opening.

Current classes are listed below. Register on-line using the link at the top of this page. New classes will be posted when they become available. If you are interested in a particular class you should request enrollment through the online registration process. Your e-mail response will tell you whether or not you are enrolled. In addition to your e-mail confirmation, you will receive a hard copy confirmation in the mail two to three weeks before the class.

Because these classes are very popular, we ask that if you enroll, please make every effort to attend. You can always substitute another person in your agency if you are unable to attend at the last minute. Just send them to the class.

The Design training season is approximately September through March, the Construction training season is January through May. Classes are scheduled in Seattle, Olympia, Vancouver, Wenatchee, Yakima, and Spokane.

Occasionally LTAP has the opportunity to offer special sessions of Construction courses. These special sessions are your best opportunity to be assured of getting into a class, however there is generally a small fee involved. If LTAP contracts with WSDOT to offer special sessions, the limitation on enrollment does not apply and anyone can attend.

If you have questions contact Laurel Gray at (360) 705-7355 or GrayL@wsdot.wa.gov.

WSDOT DESIGN COURSES
Descriptions for Design Courses
Classes are free.

Intersection and Pedestrian Design (CBD)
Classes over until fall 2008.

Roadside Safety (B74)
Classes over until fall 2008.

Roadway Geometric Design (BWE)
Classes over until fall 2008.

WSDOT Interchange Design (CFU)
Classes over until fall 2008

WSDOT CONSTRUCTION COURSES
Descriptions for Construction Courses
Classes are free.
Updated 5/13/08

Bituminous Surface Treatment Inspection (ACC)
This is a 4-hour class
Classes are over until winter 2009.

Bridge Structures Inspection (ACM)
Classes are over until winter 2009.

Bridge Structures Overview (CZ3)
Classes are over until winter 2009.

Drainage Inspection (ACF)
May 21, 2008, Tumwater class full

Electrical Illumination and Signals (API)
Classes are over until winter 2009.

Excavation and Embankments Inspection (AC3)
May 20, 2008, Tumwater class full

HMA Mix Design Review for Supervisors (CVQ)
May 27-28, 28-29, 2008, Tumwater (class full)


Hot Mix Asphalt Placement (ACB)
Classes over until winter 2009.


Nuclear Gauge Safety and Operation (ALG)
Classes are over until winter 2009.


Nuclear Gauge, Embankment/Surfacing/Pavement Applications (ANQ)
Classes are over until winter 2009.

The WSDOT Materials Lab Web page has information useful to local agencies. At this Web site you will find, among other things, a pavement management section that has technotes for asphalt, quality systems information can also be found there as well as the Aggregate Source Approval Data Base and the most up-to-date version of the Qualified Products List.

Most of WSDOT's primary technical manuals and publications used by transportation engineers and technicians are available at this site WSDOT Engineering Publications

Endangered Species Act 4(d) Training Program

Track 1: Briefing for Regional Decision Makers
This is a stand-alone informational class and not part of the required training program. It provides an overview of the ESA program for regional level management and administration. It is presented by members of the Regional Road Maintenance Program's Regional Forum.

Track 2: Introduction, Design and BMPs, Monitoring, and Environmental Roles for Engineering, Technical and Scientific Staff
This is a two-day course for engineering, biological and environmental staff, managers, crew supervisors and leads involved in maintenance activities. It provides an introduction to the program Guidelines, design, habitat, the ten program elements and how to use BMPs to meet ESA requirements on maintenance design projects. Completion of this course and Track 3F satisfies the Department of Ecology’s Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead (CESCL) training requirement.

Track 3: Classroom Introduction to ESA and Outcome-based Road Maintenance for Field Crews
This one-day course is for maintenance crew supervisors, leads and field crew members involved in maintenance activities. It is an introduction to the program guidelines, design, habitat, environmental roles, the ten program elements and implementation of maintenance BMPs to meet ESA requirements. Completion of this course and Track 3F satisfies the Department of Ecology’s Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead (CESCL) training requirement.

Track 3B: Field BMP Training for Bridges Consistent with NPDES
This one-day field demonstration and applications course is for local and state bridge maintenance personnel. Participants learn the proper use of approved materials and BMPs for routine maintenance activities on or near bridges that pass over rivers, streams, and other waterways.

Track 3F : Road Maintenance Crew Training in the Field Environment: Applying Maintenance BMPs
This one-day course is for maintenance supervisors, crew leads and crew members. It is conducted at field sites around Washington State. Track 3F provides a unique opportunity to learn about, install and test a variety of BMPs. Participants are divided into teams and work with silt fences, check dams, mulches, matting and live staking. Many of the BMPs are tested with water to simulate, as closely as possible, actual conditions that would be encountered in the field. Completion of this course and either Track 2 or Track 3 satisfies the Department of Ecology’s Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead (CESCL) training requirement.

Track 3W: BMPs for In-Water Work
This course will provide maintenance employees with field experience applying in-water BMPs to a variety of maintenance situations. Participants will learn how to conduct maintenance activities in and around streams and ditches with minimum impacts to the aquatic environment. They will learn, and then practice, the BMPs needed to work in the water, including fish exclusion netting and a variety of cofferdams, bypasses, and other structures to manage water and sediment. In three sessions working in actual field conditions, they will practice the sequencing of installation and removal of water control structures. Other topics covered include site-specific design considerations, fish exclusion, monitoring, and site closure.

The University of Washington's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Professional Development Programs, coordinate and present the entire training program in collaboration with the WSDOT LTAP Center and the Regional Road Maintenance ESA Program Regional Forum, Training Subcommittee. For more information, contact Julie Smith, Program Manager, by e-mail or at (206) 543-5539.

Further information on this program, and the Guidelines, can be viewed at http://www.metrokc.gov/kcdot/roads/esa/index.cfm

University of Washington's TRANSPEED* Program

(*Transportation Partnership in Engineering Education Development)

Contact Julie Smith or Heather Davis for information on these classes
(206) 543-5539
Registration is through U.W.
Descriptions, Costs and Registration

Technical Communication for Transportation Professionals
May 20-21, 2008, Lacey. $315/$525

Construction Inspection of Public Works Projects
May 28-29, 2008, Lacey. $390/$595

Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
June 3-5, 2008, Lacey. $370/$570

Lighting and Illumination (New Course)
June 4-5, 2008, Bellevue. $395/$595

Managing Consultants
June 10, 2008, Seattle. $485/$675

Roadway Geometric Design 1
June 24-25/2008, Lacey. $315/$525

The Contract Administration Subcommittee was formed under the Washington State Chapter APWA Construction Management Committee and provides an education and certification program for professionals responsible for the administration of public works contracts. Mini (3 to 4 hours) and full-day workshops are offered at least four times a year on subjects relating to public works contracts administration, e.g., small works rosters, bid preparation, insurance, bonds, awards, protests, change orders, consultant selection, retainage, closeouts, etc. To date, all workshops have been free and the Subcommittee strives to continue offering workshops at no charge, however, there may be occasions when it is necessary to charge a fee.

Workshop attendees may earn a certificate based upon attendance at workshops. Candidates receive credits equal to the hours spent in workshop attendance. To earn a certificate, a candidate must attend 30 hours of training.

For more information about these training and certificate opportunities, check the Subcommittee website. Class sessions will be posted above in the "Special Interest Courses" section.

The AGC of Washington offers many types of education programs:

Estimating Technical Skills Certificate Program
Supervisory Training Program (STP)
Supervisory Leadership Series (SLS)
Environmental Construction
Construction Quality Management (CQM) for Contractors
Computer Classes
Continuing Education for Construction
Safety
Western Washington Hydrology Model Version 3 (WWHM3) Computer Training Workshops

The Evergreen Safety Council is a private, non-profit, Seattle-based organization dedicated to the promotion of safe and healthy behaviors on the job, in our homes, and in all parts of our lives. Their goal is to reduce the injuries, suffering and losses that come with accidents.

Examples of courses that are regularly offered include Safety and Health Specialist Certification, Traffic Control Flagger and Flagger Instructor Training, Defensive Driving, Lift Truck Instructor Certification, and First Aid Training.

NTI was established under the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA) at Rutgers, in New Brunswick, New Jersey. NTI is funded by a grant from the Federal Transit Adminsitration. NTI develops and delivers training and education programs for the public transit industry.

Engineering Professional Programs (EPP) serves as the continuing education arm of the College of Engineering at the University of Washington. EPP presents continuing education and professional development programs for engineers and allied technical professionals.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Graduate School is a continuing education institution offering career-related courses primarily to U.S. federal, state, and local government employees. The Graduate School annually provides more than 1,500 different courses worldwide for career development and personal enrichment through a variety of training programs and services designed to meet our clients' needs.

The USDA Graduate School's mission is, through education, training, and related services, to assist government organizations to increase their efficiency, effectiveness, and productivity and to assist individuals to improve their job performances and pursue lifelong learning.

The Washington Environmental Training Center (WETRC) is a self-supported, specialized, continuing education program that has helped meet the State of Washington's training needs since 1974. WETRC strives to protect public health, preserve environmental quality and insure reliable management, operation and maintenance of environmental systems by providing the highest quality training available.

The Department of Labor and Industries offers many on-line presentations and short training courses, on-line videos, Safety and Health Video Library, publications, and an Alphabetical Topic Index to assist employers and employees. They are designed for managers of risk prevention, human resources, finance and safety committee groups, corporate officers and workers interested in saving money on workers' compensation expenses and reducing the risk of injury and illness on the job.

The Human Resource Organizational and Employee Development Office of the DOP offers courses in employee development and training. Examples of available training include Computer Software, Supervision, Management, Leadership, Professional Development, Project Management, Sexual Harassment, Technical Writing, and many others .

Classes are open to state and local agency personnel based upon space availability. Classes are held in various locations around the state.

The Department of Retirement Systems provides one-day retirement planning seminars for future retirees of the Public Employees Retirement System which encompases many local agency personnel. These seminars are held throughout the state. Pension workshops of 60 to 90 minutes in duration are scheduled statewide to explain the rules regarding DRS-administered retirement pensions.

Emergency management classes are free.

Washington State University, under their Center for Distance and Professional Education program, promotes life-long learning by extending the resources of the University via non-credit continuing education and professional education. These programs related to Business, Education and Engineering/Technical may be of interest to local agencies.

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