Highway Construction Skills Training (HCST) for Job Seekers

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​​ ​Have you ever thought about a career in highway construction? Highway construction careers offer rewarding work, job security, opportunities for advancement and a solid pay check.

Highway Construction Skills Training (HCST) is a program that sets you up for success entering the construction workforce. Enrolling in the training is free. After you graduate, HCST providers will work with you to find employment.

Who qualifies

HCST participants come from diverse backgrounds, including labor, retail and other types of employment. We are looking for candidates with a work ethic and willingness to learn.

Career outcomes

Potential positions HCST grads enter after training include:

  • Flagger
  • General laborer
  • Equipment operator
  • Ironworker

Intensive training

In order to create an effective learning environment, each HCST class contains no more than 20 candidates. Participants undergo an intensive 120-​ hour soft and hard skills preparation program that includes instruction from industry professionals, road construction contractors, and experienced road construction employees.

Learn the skills employers are looking for:

  • Hands-on learning
  • Construction terminology
  • Tool identification/usage
  • Construction math
  • Job site safety
  • Map reading
  • Commercial driver license (CDL) training
  • Interview preparation
  • ​Apprenticeship opportunities

Candidates become a HCST graduate after:

  • Passing a Commercial Driver's License​e (CDL) written exam
  • Passing an apprenticeship test from one of the skilled trades
  • Receiving certification as a flagger
  • Completing OSHA 10 safety training

Students at the CDL training.Get hired

  • Earn family-supporting wages with many jobs starting well over $20 per hour.
  • More than 50 Wisconsin construction companies have hired HCST graduates.
  • ​​Over 800 HCST graduates have been placed with employers as laborers or apprentices.

Find a class near you and apply