ATSSA Signal July/August 2020

The Signal | July/August 2020 39 Training ATSSA also modified virtual training courses to meet Florida and Virginia requirements, although titles differ from ATSSA’s TCT and TCS courses as mandated by the state. Bucky Jackson, senior vicepresident of the GrahamCounty Land Co. in Robbinsville, N.C., said the virtual training has worked great for his team. He said it enables him to get more people trained, it keeps his workforce safe, and it saves money because it eliminates travel expenses. ATSSA master instructors are subject matter experts and continue to teach the courses, which are held live and thus provide the opportunity for immediate student-teacher interaction. The technol- ogy enables instructors to activelymoni- tor students to detect whether they are engaged during the course. In fact, one hour of inactivity or absence disquali- fies students from receiving credit for that training. Eric Perry, ATSSA’s director of Innovation & Technical Services, is one of themaster instructors and said the remote format bridges geographical barriers while providing the same level of instruction. Within the first 22 classes, 220 students had participated, according to ATSSA Training ProgramManager Jessica Schey- der. She said the virtual format offers the following benefits. • Virtual temporary traffic control training ensures the safety of emergency vehicles, National Guard soldiers, and trucks carrying much- needed supplies around the country by continuing to maintain roads and highways. It also helps keep roads safe for people fighting the pandemic on the frontlines. • The acceptance of this type of training by state departments of transportation (DOTs) allows workers to become certified while maintaining Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for social distancing instead of waiting until the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted to attend in-person classes. • State DOTs that accept online training and certification ensure the nation’s roadway workforce is ready when things go back to “normal.” Williams said some people were initially hesitant about moving to computers for the virtual format, but they quickly adapted. She said ATSSA’s orientation on using Zoom meetings helped ease anxieties. Waldo said people in his area have taken to the new option without difficulty and said it’s “going really well and students are satisfied with the course.” Jackson enthusiastically supported the new option. “I would absolutely recommend this,” he said.  For more information, ATSSA.com/Virtual. Visit ATSSA.com/CTP or call 800-272-8772 Become a corporate partner today ATSSA’S CORPORATE TRAINING PROGRAM ► At your own site ► On your own schedule ► High-quality training