Diversity Matters!

              Diversity Matters!
MAY/JUNE 2011
STEM Program Inspires Future Transportation
In April, the Illinois Depart-ment of Transportation (IDOT) concluded a seven month science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) program with two local high schools in the Chi-cago area. In 2010, STEM Programs of Study were iden-tified as one of the key educa-tion reform initiatives that would help promote college and career readiness for all learners. The STEM educa-tion program teams up pri-vate sector companies or public agencies to compete and collaborate on real world, problem-based learning chal-lenges. It is designed to im-prove student achievement and prepare young adults for a successful adult life. IDOT engaged Niles West High School and Carl Schurz High School in two unique problem-based learning chal-lenges. Niles West was tasked to research, design, and model a feasible solution for an alternative energy high-speed rail system that goes from Chicago to St. Louis. In addition, Niles West investi-gated the feasibility of increas-ing the speed of the rail sys-tem from 110 miles per hour to 220 miles per hour. The Carl Schurz Automotive Academy recommended ad-vancements in IDOT's motor vehicle pool through the use of a hybrid, solar/electrical car. Each school presented innovative research, while promoting IDOT's mission to enhance quality of life, pro-mote economic prosperity, and demonstrate respect for our environment.
Questions / Comments: DOT.Diversity@illinois.gov
IDOT: Diversifying the Workforce
students of all ages through engi-neering academies, training pro-grams, workshops, transporta-tion institutes, scholarship pro-grams, and other community outreach initiatives. In addition, the staff reaches out to minority student groups at universities and colleges both locally and across the country to recruit civil engineer trainees and engineer technicians. In 2010, of the 405 individuals hired, 25 percent were minori-ties. In 2011 (through March 31), 45 percent of the individuals
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is com-mitted to increasing the diversity of its workforce and is encour-aged by recent progress. To date, minorities make up 14.5 percent (751) of IDOT’s work-force, an increase from 12.5 percent (649) in 2008. This success is a direct result of ef-forts by the Diversity Recruit-ment and Outreach Office. This small office of four full-time em-ployees dedicates itself to in-creasing the awareness of ca-reers in transportation among
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) partici-pates in community and job fairs geared toward veterans to help ensure that Illinois veterans have the information they need to assist them with the application and testing process, which gives them every opportunity to be placed on the Highway Main-tainer eligibility list. In May, IDOT will participate in the following job fair events:
May 17 Veterans Job Fair (hosted by the Illinois Depart-ment of Employment Security) Illinois National Guard Armory 10451 N. 2nd St. Rockford, IL 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. *Free and open to the public.
May 19 Veterans Job Fair (hosted by Illinois Department of Employment Security and Triton College) Triton College 2000 Fifth Ave. River Grove, IL 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. *Restricted to Armed Forces Veterans and not open to the
general public. May 26 Memorial Day Vet-erans Employment & Re-source Fair Jesse Brown VA Medical Center 820 S. Damen Ave. Chicago, IL 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
June 8 Veterans Job Fair (hosted by the Illinois Depart-ment of Veteran’s Affairs and Employment Security) American Legion – Post 365 1022 Vandalia St. (Rt. 159) Collinsville, IL 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
IDOT will be on hand to provide information about the Highway Maintainer position. The starting salary for Highway Maintainers is $4,226 per month. Applications should be submitted to the state's hiring agency, the Depart-ment of Central Management Services (CMS). Applicants must complete the Highway Main-tainer Test with CMS. Veterans, by law, are given hiring prefer-ence for highway maintainer positions. The main requirement
for Highway Maintainer jobs is possession of an Illinois Class “A” Commercial Driver’s License, with an endorsement “N” (tankers) or “X” (tankers with hazardous materials) and non-restricted air-brakes.
Highway Maintainers work from IDOT maintenance yards, driving and operating heavy duty mainte-nance trucks, including plows and salt spreaders, tractors, mowers, pavement-marking equipment and other heavy equipment. The posi-tion involves arduous manual labor. Highway Maintainers are responsible for cleaning and clear-ing rights-of-way along IDOT highways and roads, and patching and repairing roads and bridges as needed.
Applications are available online at www.cms.illinois.gov or at the James R. Thompson Center 100 W. Randolph, 3rd Floor Chicago, IL 60601 Call 312-793-3565 for more in-formation.
IDOT to Provide Employment Information at Veterans Fairs
hired were minorities. IDOT stands committed to its goal to create greater opportu-nity for qualified minority work-ers to gain employment within the agency.
May 20 Kappa Alpha Psi Job Fair East St. Louis City Hall Ro-tunda, 301 River Park Dr. East St. Louis, IL 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
IDOT to Attend Job Fair