Recommended Citation
Boehm, T. W., & Handy, J. (2017). Mechanic/maintenance training and certification program (Joint Transportation Research Program Publication No. FHWA/IN/JTRP-2017/03). West Lafayette, IN: Purdue University. https://doi.org/10.5703/1288284316387
DOI
10.5703/1288284316387
Abstract
The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is divided into six districts, with district offices located in La Porte, Fort Wayne, Crawfordsville, Greenfield, Vincennes, and Seymour. Each district includes multiple vehicle maintenance shops (totaling 32 shops at the launch of this project). Each maintenance shop has multiple mechanics (totaling 151 mechanics at the launch of this project). The mission of these shops and mechanics is to maintain INDOT’s fleet of vehicles, including snow removal equipment, mowing equipment, paint striping equipment, transportation vehicles, and various other equipment.
At the time of the launch of this project, it was recognized that there was a need to improve the training process for maintenance mechanics. It was believed that this would result in improved performance (effectiveness and efficiency), as well as contribute to improved retention of mechanics (which was also recognized as an issue).
This research project was chartered to support improvement of the maintenance mechanics training process by accomplishing the following deliverables:
1. A review of maintenance/mechanic training programs at other DOTs and other industries for best practices.
2. Analyze data and other information to recommend work to be done in-house and the skills required.
3. Review current skills of INDOT maintenance/mechanic people and compare to skills needed.
4. Develop plan for maintenance manpower, skill levels needed and training curriculum costs to effectively maintain and sustain INDOT equipment.
Report Number
FHWA/IN/JTRP-2017/03
Keywords
mechanics, maintenance, district, skills, training, equipment
SPR Number
4000
Performing Organization
Joint Transportation Research Program
Sponsoring Organization
Indiana Department of Transportation
Publisher Place
West Lafayette, Indiana
Date of this Version
2017