NCDOT, UNC Charlotte looking into railroad education offerings

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor

The North Carolina Department of Transportation's (NCDOT) Rail Division is collaborating with the University of North Carolina at Charlotte Energy Production and Infrastructure Center (EPIC) on a rail workforce assessment study.

 

The study will help determine the need for a North Carolina-based railroad certificate, degree or training program at one of the state’s colleges or universities. The first phase of the four-phase study will focus on compiling the skills, education and training needed in both passenger and freight rail operations. It will also help assess the current workforce for the availability of these qualities.

“UNC Charlotte’s Energy Production and Infrastructure Center is proud to be performing a rail industry workforce assessment for the NCDOT Rail Division,” said David Causey, assistant director of EPIC. “This study will help identify the steps needed to ensure that we are developing the workforce required by our rail carriers, both passenger and freight, as well as their supply chain, so that our transportation network meets the needs of our industries and communities.”

A final report is expected June 2016. The information gathered will allow NCDOT to develop future phases of the workforce development study and ultimately partner with the selected educational institution, railroads and other stakeholders to develop and implement curriculum.

 

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