NCDOT gets creative to get projects done amid 21% vacancy rate

The North Carolian State Department of Transportation is getting creative to make sure it can complete several projects despite having a 21% vacancy rate.

The state is trying to ensure roadway projects are complete, ferries can run and storm debris can get picked up. There are about 152 positions open.

“We also have a huge push for hybrid work environment, which just … sometimes we can support it and sometimes we can’t,” said NCDOT spokesperson Tanner Holland.

The highest need for transportation workers and DMV employees. Durham County has the highest vacancy rate around 40%.

With road construction nearly everywhere in the state, the job security is there. However, there is a need for workers, which is why the NCDOT is getting creative to fill vacancies

“As we saw throughout COVID, we had a larger vacancy rate across all state government,” Holland said.

Another factor: More people retiring or getting promoted. So, the NCDOT is getting creative to ensure people are still safe on the roads, ferries or even after a storm.

“This fall, we’re hoping to launch our TAP+ Program is what we are calling it,” Holland said.

The program’s goal is to bring in 100 high school graduates with a full hands-on training program.

“They are going to make a starting salary of $38,000 a year and then end of this two-year program, we’re going to get them in a guaranteed program with [the] NCDOT,” Holland said.

The recruitment push comes as many state agencies are facing a major work shortage. Across North Carolina state government agencies, more than 23% of jobs are currently vacant.

“We have fewer workers entering the work force,” Holland said.

The NCDOT is also offering an on-the-job-training program to prepare workers – specifically high school students, women, veterans and minorities – prepare for a job in the highway construction sector.