April 30, 2024
Click to view the program.
To view the speaker/panel slides, click on the links below:
On Tuesday, April 30, 2024, the Southern Plains Transportation Center (SPTC), in collaboration with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) and IBT-ABC/UTC Center at Florida International University, held the inaugural Transportation Industry and Workforce Development Symposium! This all-new hybrid event featured speakers and panelists from all walks of life, from students pursuing a career in transportation to industry professionals and academics discussing the future of the transportation workforce. In-person attendees were given the opportunity to network with companies from across the region and win door prizes in the process. Door prizes and meals were generously sponsored by several local companies.
Speaker and panel topics included tribal and rural transportation needs, workforce development, industry and academic perspective on current workforce issues, student roles in research, and a showcase of different pathways to a transportation career via traditional and non-traditional means. Students on their way to a transportation career via multiple routes generously shared their experiences. Special guests included Dr. Robert Hampshire, Dr. Cesar Singh, and Dr. Firas Ibrahim from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
With approximately 140 people in attendance and 27 online participants, the event was widely considered to be a resounding success. SPTC is grateful for everyone who helped make the event possible, especially our students, vendors, and sponsors. We look forward to working with you again in the future.
