Peace Garden News

The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) marked the 20th anniversary of its Fall Transportation Technician Training Academy this week at Camp Grafton, located near Devils Lake. The event brought together new maintenance team members from across the state for a week-long program focused on classroom and hands-on training with machinery, processes, and productivity.

Senior NDDOT staff led the training, sharing their expertise and experience. Over two decades, the Academy has trained 1,248 students and provided more than 62,400 hours of instruction. The program aims to promote consistency, safety, and teamwork among transportation workers statewide.

Last year, the Academy received national recognition when it was awarded the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials President’s Award. This honor highlighted the contributions of NDDOT staff involved in developing and running the program. The Academy is also open to operators from Tribal Nations throughout North Dakota.

“After 20 years, the Transportation Technician Training Academy remains a cornerstone of NDDOT’s commitment to excellence,” said NDDOT Deputy Director of Engineering Matt Linneman. “By combining hands-on experience, mentorship, and teamwork, we’re not just training team members, we’re shaping the future of transportation in North Dakota.”

During last week’s graduation ceremony, Linneman presented a token of appreciation to the North Dakota National Guard in recognition of their partnership with NDDOT at Camp Grafton. The collaboration allows participants to gain real-world road maintenance experience while working on roads within Camp Grafton in a controlled environment.

Looking ahead to its third decade, NDDOT states that it will continue efforts to prepare future transportation professionals by maintaining a focus on practical experience, mentorship, safety, and teamwork.