Austin Bridge & Road Implements OJT Program

The US 82 Arkansas approach to the Mississippi River bridge project offers on-the-job training to all interested employee-owners. This program not only provides an opportunity for employee-owners to learn and improve their career, but it also increases the number of skilled employee-owners on the project for Austin Bridge & Road. The on-the-job training program was developed through the partnering efforts of the Road Builders of Mississippi, The Federal Highway Administration and the project owner, Mississippi Department of Transportation. Sonya Cole, project field office manager is responsible for implementing and coordinating the program on site for Austin Bridge & Road. The purpose of the on-the-job training program is to provide guidance to individuals so they can develop marketable skills and gain journey status in the skilled craft classification. The on-the-job training pro¬gram started July 18, 2007, and has recently graduated two loader opera¬tors, Randall Clark and Angelia Mann; two crane operators, Steven Smith and Cubie Weeks; three ironworkers, Jer¬emy Lancey, Jonathan Sykes and James Tucker; two form setters, Damian Bates and Vincent Sanders; and one concrete finisher, Joseph Palmer. There are eight employee-owners currently enrolled at this time. “We would like to congratulate all of our graduates for a job well done and encourage those enrolled to keep up the good work,” said Tim Bruce, project manager.

From left: James Tucker, Juan Gudino, Vincent Taylor, Randy Clark, Jeremy Lancey, Larry Cole, Johna¬thon Sykes, James Miller, Cubie Weeks (hiding in the back), Andra Thompson, Sr., Vincent Sanders and “Bobcat” Joe Palmer. Not pictured: Steven Smith.