Since 2007 MITA has been advocating for change in the MDOT On-the-Job-Training (OJT) Program allocation procedures to account for the declining MDOT program, the increased costs of materials, and the decrease in labor hours on projects due to technological advances. Those MITA advocacy efforts have finally paid off as evidenced by the recent decision of the OJT Program Advisory Committee to revise the 2013 OJT allocation procedures.
Based on the Advisory Committee decision, MDOT will implement the following changes when computing and assigning 2013 OJT allocations:
- One OJT will be allocated for each $4.5 M (preceding 3-year average) in MDOT federal-aid work performed. Previously, OJT allocations were based on one OJT assignment per $3.5 M in MDOT federal-aid work performed.
- A new OJT Program “entry threshold” is being established at $3.0 M (preceding 3-year average) of MDOT federal-aid work performed, such that companies in the $3.0 M to $4.5 M range will be assigned one OJT allocation. This new program entry threshold is being established to broaden the contractor base responsible for executing the federally mandated OJT program.
Based on preliminary information provided by MDOT, the approximate net affect of these changes will result in 54 companies being allocated 121 OJT assignments in 2013. Of these 54 companies, 11 are included in the 2013 OJT program by virtue of the new entry threshold.
In 2012, 56 companies were allocated 178 OJT assignments.
Contractors who get a 2013 OJT allocation lower than their 2012 OJT carryovers will be encouraged to retain and maintain all of their 2012 OJTs, or collaborate with MDOT and other contractors to find continued training opportunity for all displaced OJTs.
The OJT Program Advisory Committee provides guidance and direction to MDOT for their purpose of carrying out the objectives of the OJT program. The Advisory Committee includes representatives from MDOT, FHWA, US DOL, MITA, labor, and community-based agencies.
If you have any questions or comments, contact Glenn Bukoski at glennbukoski@mi-ita.com or call him at the MITA office at 517-347-8336.
