The Transportation Engineering Associates Program gives recent engineering graduates the opportunity to learn about the major functions of the N.C. Department of Transportation.
The program provides NCDOT with a pool of professionally trained and experienced engineers who can assume management responsibilities with confidence, while giving associates the opportunity to develop a career through a training program that provides them with a broad background and practical application of highway engineering.
Headquarters & Field Experience
Associates are expected to make significant contributions toward their unit’s work program while gaining a broad overview of NCDOT policies and initiatives. As part of their 18-month program, associates undertake business-driven “stretch assignments,” gaining valuable exposure and on-the-job experience.
Whatever the specialty, NCDOT has a group for it. The Transportation Engineering Associates Program is designed for motivated individuals interested in areas such as:
- Planning
- Design
- Construction
- Asset management
Associates have the option of rotating to various units across NCDOT, including construction, maintenance and operations, structures management, value management, rail, aviation and more.
Training & Certifications
A structured program ensures that associates gain the foundational understanding needed to immediately contribute to NCDOT, as well as the collaboration, leadership, integrative thinking and innovation skills they will need to thrive in an environment of continuous learning once the program is finished.
Civil engineering associates are eligible to complete the Fundamental Engineering (F.E.) and Professional Engineering (P.E.) review courses, at no cost to them, from the
Institute for Transportation Research and Education.
Associates have access to the NCDOT Learning Management System to complete construction certifications, among others.
Coach & Mentoring
TEA Buddies
During the first week, associates are assigned a TEA buddy from a previous year’s group. TEA buddies help new recruits settle into the new organization and location as well as to understand the expectations and challenges of the program.