Joint Training & Certification Program Celebrated

CSULB's Joint Training & Certification Program celebrated it's ongoing success with a visit from California Assemblyman Tri Ta and CalTrans Officials, after receiving $1.5 million in additional funding last April.

On Aug. 2, Assemblyman Ta toured the training facilities with Professor and Program Manager Shadi Saadeh, Dean Jinny Rhee and Materials Engineers from CalTrans who support the program.

"It's evident that we have so many brilliant minds in the room that have come together, and continue to come together, to foster this partnership," said Provost Karynn Scissum Gunn, who joined in welcoming the guests to campus.

Started in 2017, the JTCP is a partnership between CSULB and CalTrans trains technicians in various materials testing certifications, such as hot mix asphalt and cement concrete. To date the program has issued more than 4,500 certificates, improving the quality of pavement construction practices throughout California, and reducing conflict and delay on construction projects statewide.

"This program is a successful collaboration between industry, academia and the State of California," said Rhee. "Our faculty expertise in asphalt and materials sampling has contributed significantly to the technician workforce that maintains our infrastructure in the state."

Ta, who represents nearby District 70, shared his excitement that the program bolsters both the state's infrastructure and workforce. 

Please visit the JTCP website for more information on the program.