Desert Messenger

ADOT Construction Academy fast track to careers November 6, 2019 www.DesertMessenger.com 19 New two-week format gets participants ready for highway construction jobs A new full-time format for the Ari- zona Department of Transporta- tion's (ADOT) Construction Acad- emy pre-apprenticeship training program readies participants for highway construction jobs in just two weeks. The fi rst cohort in the Highway Construction-Jump Start program graduated in October after hands- on instruction in Camp Verde. At no cost to them, seven participants received training and certifi cations needed to compete for entry-level jobs on construction projects. Another cohort is currently receiv- ing training in Phoenix, with gradu- ation scheduled for Friday, Nov. 8. ADOT created its Construction Academy programs to remove bar- riers to careers in highway con- struction for women, minorities, veterans and members of economi- cally disadvantaged groups, includ- ing those who are out of work. The agency also offers the Construc- tion Academy in a 16-week format, with participants receiving three hours of instruction three nights a week toward starting careers as ma- sons on construction projects. The next 16-week programs are planned this coming spring in Phoenix and Prescott next summer. With funding from the Federal Highway Administration, ADOT of- fers both programs through its On- The-Job-Training Supportive Ser- vices Program, part of the agency's Business Engagement and Compli- ance Offi ce. "The new Jump Start program gives those who can participate full-time a fast track to careers in one of the best industries in Arizona," said Steve Navis, manager of ADOT's On-The-Job-Training Supportive Services Program. "Whether you can commit a full two weeks or a few nights a week over a longer period, we're tailoring these high-quality adult education programs to you." Participants in the two-week pro- gram receive certifi cation to work as fl aggers on highway projects, com- mercial driver license permits need- ed to drive commercial trucks and Occupational Safety and Health Ad- ministration 10-hour safety training certifi cation covering general safety and health hazards for entry-level construction workers. They also receive training in con- struction math, reading construc- tion plans, work-readiness and re- sume-building. Many of these trainees will move on to construction apprenticeships and later reach journeyman status, with ADOT providing continuing support and guidance. Future two-week programs are scheduled in Tucson (Feb. 3-14), Phoenix (March 2-13), Nogales (March 30-April 10), Globe (May 4- 15) and Show Low (June 1-12). In both programs, ADOT covers training costs and fees for partici- pants and provides support fi nding employment as well as job-readi- ness training. Those with 100 per- cent attendance receive free gear including hand tools, tool belts and hard hats. For more information or to apply for either Construction Academy format, please visit azdot.gov/Acad- emy, call 602.712.7761 or pick up materials at the ADOT Business En- gagement and Compliance Offi ce, 1801 W. Jefferson St., Suite 101, in Phoenix. Information Safety and Security during the 2020 Census The U.S. Census Bureau is com- mitted to making the 2020 Census quick, easy, and safe for all partici- pants. Here are some tips to help you avoid scams and fraud. Avoiding Scams Online To protect yourself from phishing and other scams, remember that the 2020 Census will never ask for: • Your Social Security number. • Your bank account or credit card number. • Money or donations. Staying Safe at Home If someone visits your home to col- lect a response for the 2020 Census, you can do the following to verify their identity: • Check to make sure that they have a valid ID badge, with their photo- graph, a U.S. Department of Com- merce watermark, and an expira- tion date. • If you still have questions about their identity, call 800-923-8282 to speak with a Census Bureau repre- sentative. Reporting Suspected Fraud If you suspect fraud, call 800-923- 8282 to speak with a Census Bureau representative. If it is determined that the visitor does not work for the Census Bureau, contact your lo- cal police department. 2020 Census security tips

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