On-the-Job Training Program

2024 On-the-Job Training (OJT) Resources

Click to download the latest OJT Manual

Click to download the latest CDOT PAC-UP Program Guide

What is On-the-Job Training?

On-the-Job Training (OJT) is a federal program that is required on all Federal-Aid construction projects. CDOT requires its Prime Contractors to provide training aimed at developing full journey workers in a trade or job classification on the awarded project. The minimum number of required training hours is specified in the contract. 

The minimum length and type of training for each skilled craft shall be as established in the Contractor's Training Plan, which outlines the training hours the Contractor will provide to meet or exceed the goal set for the project. Failure to comply with OJT requirements may result in the withholding of progress payments and/or the assessment of damages.

Trainees who work on highway construction projects that are federally assisted in whole or in part, and who are not properly enrolled in an OJT program described, will be deemed journey level workers and must be paid full Davis-Bacon wages.

OJT Plan Options

Types of OJT Plans

There are three options for Contractor OJT Plans:

  • CDOT’s pre-approved classifications utilization program (PAC-UP) 
  • A registered U.S. Department of Labor training or apprenticeship program;
  • Approved programs through other groups like Colorado Contractors Association (CCA), Western Colorado Contractors Association (WCCA), and/or workforce centers.

Once a Contractor has identified enrollees and has an approved plan and , they submit CDOT Form 1337 - OJT Contractor Commitment to Meet OJT Requirements at the pre-construction meeting or as soon as possible thereafter to the CDOT Project Engineer. Additional pre-approved training programs and/or additional approved trainees may be used at any point throughout the project. The plan option(s) that the Contractor chooses are effective for the duration of the project.

CDOT Pre-Approved Classifications Utilization Plan (PAC-UP)

CDOT's PAC-UP is a set of trainee and apprentice classifications that can be used in any OJT Training Plan created by the Contractor. There are three Craft Areas: Heavy Equipment, Structures, and Concrete. 

Heavy Equipment Classifications

  • Asphalt Distributor Operator
  • Asphalt Plant Operator
  • Asphalt Paving Machine Operator
  • Asphalt Screed Operator
  • Backhoe Operator
  • Bobcat/Skid-steer Operator
  • Broom/Sweeper Operator
  • Bulldozer Operator
  • Concrete Paver Operator
  • Crane Operator (80 tons or less)
  • Drill Operator (Truck Mounted)
  • Excavator/Trackhoe Operator
  • Front End Loader Operator
  • Milling (Planing) Machine Operator
  • Motor Grader Operator
  • Roller Operator (Dirt & Grade Compaction)
  • Scraper (Earth Mover) Operator
  • Shuttle Buggy/Transfer Machine Operator
  • Truck Driver Operator (Multi-Rear Axle)

Structures Classifications

  • Form Setter (precursor to Form Builder)
  • Form Builder
  • Ironworker (Reinforcing

Concrete Classifications

  • Concrete Finisher
  • Concrete Paver Operator
  • Concrete Finishing Machine Operator
  • Concrete Paving Join Machine Operator
  • Concrete Paving Spreader Operator

Single Modules

  • (Hand Held) Concrete Saw Operator
  • Painter
  • QC Technician - Roadway
  • Traffic Control Supervisor 
  • Grade Checker

How to Monitor OJT Participation & Goal

Past Webinar Recordings

CDOT's Connect2DOT program houses recordings of CDOT contractor compliance webinars, along with a variety of other business development & compliance topics for contractors & consultants. Webinars are free to view, but registration is required to access them. 

Watch CDOT's On-the-Job (OJT) Program & Compliance webinar recording.

Access the full list of on-demand CDOT contractor compliance webinar recordings.

*Connect2DOT is an innovative program partnership between the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network designed to help small businesses in the transportation industry become more competitive and successful in bidding and contracting with CDOT and other local transportation agencies.

Definitions

A trainee is defined as “a person who received on-the-job training, whether through an apprenticeship program or other programs approved or accepted by the FHWA (23 CFR 230.103).

An apprentice is a worker at least 16 years of age who is employed to learn an apprenticeable occupation and who is fulfilling the requirements of the apprenticeship program pursuant to 29 CFR Part 29.