UFTI’s T2 Center is a leader in training Florida’s transportation workers, particularly in the area of asphalt pavement construction. With several million miles of roads requiring frequent maintenance and resurfacing, asphalt training on its mixtures, materials and applications is of particular importance to the state. The Florida Department of Transportation recently needed their Construction Training Qualification Program (CTQP) asphalt courses updated, and they chose UF to complete the task.

On the T2 staff is asphalt professional Wayne Rilko, who has taught the FDOT’s CTQP course offerings since 2003. Rilko’s background as an engineer in the road building and heavy construction industry make him a sought after instructor for construction and asphalt training. He was chosen as the Principal Investigator on the updates and was eager to begin work on the project.

“As specifications evolve, the technicians, inspectors and contractors need to know the current requirements,” Rilko said. “As an instructor, it is good to know that you are presenting course material that helps the construction workers have the information they need to do their jobs better.”

Tasks to be completed for the update include revising the course materials and the written and performance examinations. The revisions will be based on the latest Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction. These revisions, which will be reviewed by the FDOT’s Asphalt Technical Review Team, are expected to be complete later this year.

For more information on T2’s asphalt courses and other CTQP courses, visit the Florida T2 Center’s website at http://t2ctt.ce.ufl.edu/ or contact David Page (workshop coordinator) at 352.273.1685.