Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE- In order to build a quality road that won't fail under traffic and the elements, knowledgeable and certified highway materials technicians are needed. The Highway Technician Certification Program at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville provides specific training and certifications for these technicians.

HTCP is the only program of its kind in the state contracted by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. It is administered by the UWP College of Engineering, Mathematics, and Science and self-supported with class fees. Since the program began in 1991, it has grown steadily from 400 technicians certified to 1,271 in 2007. The growth is attributed to increased DOT requirements and more highway materials technicians.

HTCP holds 50 classes per year on 13 different topics. Thirty percent of these are held at UWP while the other 70 percent are held throughout the state. Classes are held Jan. 1 through July 1, range from one to five days in length and are taught by experienced and trained instructors. Ray Spellman, director of the HTCP, Laurie Schuler, office operations associate, and a 12-member professional advisory board oversee the program. Upon completion of the class, technicians are given written and hands-on lab exams to earn the certification.

In order to do their job, highway materials technicians must be certified to sample and test highway materials to assure quality. Spellman emphasized the importance of certification to the quality and safety of highways. He gave the example of the freeze and thaw relationship in concrete and knowing how much air to add in concrete. There must be enough air to allow the concrete to expand as water freezes. If too much air is present the concrete loses strength, creating obvious safety hazards.

Spellman also commented on how UWP is an excellent fit for the HTCP. Because UWP has such a strong engineering program, the facilities accommodate the different hands-on class activities and lectures well. The services on campus, like Dining Services and Mail and Duplicating, also allow the program to be totally self contained in one central location. Manuals are even printed right on campus. "People always comment on the wonderful facilities here at UWP. It's nice to be in this educational environment," said Spellman.

Classes are open to highway technicians, engineers and students. Registration may be done online at www.uwplatt.edu/htcp. Anyone wanting more information about the HTCP may contact Spellman at (608) 342-1545 or htcp@uwplatt.edu.

Contact: Ray Spellman, director, UWP Highway Technician Certification Program, (608) 342-1545, htcp@uwplatt.edu Written by: Krystle Kurdi, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, kurdik@uwplatt.edu