ATSSA Signal May June 2019

American Traffic Safety Services Association 30 Training News Right Roads. Right Path. New ATSSA initiative offers opportunity, talent pipeline for temporary traffic control ATSSA partnered with FailSafe-ERA, to launch the Right Road Job Training and Placement Program. The program helps qualified returning citizens receive training and job resources to get them on a path to success in a position as a certified flagger with ATSSA member companies. Founded in 2009, non-profit FailSafe-ERA has been working to improve the lives of those affected by incarceration and their families, offering programs and resourc- es for a path forward. This partnership will help those returning to their commu- nities in getting the skills they need to have enriching careers and make our roadways safer. “People make bad decisions and mis- takes every day, and are given a chance to make it right, but when it results in incarceration a second chance is hard to come by. Not with the Right Road Job Training and Placement Program. These individuals will be given an opportunity to right their wrong and give back,” said FailSafe-ERA President and CEO Juanita Shanks. The program was formed in response to feedback from ATSSA members hav- ing difficulty finding qualified flaggers to work on roadway projects. “Our members came to us, expressing they were having difficulty finding qual- ified workers for flagging positions in their companies. This program not only helps to provide an opportunity for re- turning citizens to receive the support and skills they need to succeed, but also provides crucial skills that are essential for filling roadwayworker positions across the country,” said ATSSA’s Vice President of Member Services Donna Clark. The program involves five days of job readiness training, soft-skills training, and job training and placement assis- tance, including ATSSA’s flagger training and certification. The participants will also receive several months of counsel- ing and mentoring. Upon successful completion of the training course, par- ticipants will be placed with sponsoring ATSSAmember companies in temporary traffic control positions. The programwas announced at ATSSA’s 49th Annual Convention & Traffic Expo in Tampa, Florida, and began its pilot with returning citizens in Virginia.  For more information about the program, or to express an interest in having your company par- ticipate, contact Clark at donna.clark@atssa.com . Since the signing of the program agreement at ATSSA’s 49th Annual Convention & Traffic Expo, the Right Roads Job Training & Placement Program has completed its first pilot training in Fredericksburg, Virginia.