The path to a successful transportation career begins with careful planning to gain the right skills. Learn more about the skills needed for a career in transportation and find transportation programs and training options.
Having the right skills and knowledge will help increase both your career options and your confidence.
Being successful in your career will require both occupational and soft (employability) skills. Occupational skills are the specific technical skills and knowledge you need to do a job. Soft skills, sometimes called employability skills, are the foundational skills you need to work, communicate with others, and problem solve. You can improve your soft skills with awareness, training, and practice. Learn more about soft skills.
Competency Models
Use this competency model to understand the soft and technical skills and knowledge workers in the transportation industry are expected to have. It may appear complicated at first. But using this will help you to make better decisions about building the skills needed for your transportation career. This interactive model links to competency block definitions and occupational competency profiles.
What are Transportation Employers Really Looking For?
Minnesota Transportation Employers Speak from various regions of the state. They reveal what they are looking for in their new hires and current workforce, the skills and experience employers need but are not finding, and how educational institutions can help to address these gaps. Employers' spoken quotes are organized into general themes and issues.
Programs
Get Started
If you’re just getting started you can learn about majors in transportation. Select any major to find related careers, schools that offer the major, related majors, and information about preparing for college.
Enroll
Minnesota State offers a variety of transportation programs. Both online and in-person options are available. Find schools that offer programs in each of the follow areas:
- Automotive Technology
- Aviation
- Collision & Repair
- Diesel, Equipment & Truck
- Marine and Powersports
- Specialty
- Technology Education
- Truck Driving
You can also use the Campus & Program search to find all transportation programs at Minnesota State colleges and universities. Select the "Search Programs" button and check Transportation and Distribution program categories from the dropdown list. You will be able to FILTER RESULTS by the type of Degree/Award and Location. Use the MAP view to find programs near you.
Short-term courses
You can also find short-term continuing education courses in transportation at many Minnesota State colleges. Find courses to help you get your commercial driver's license (CDL), become a certified vehicle inspector, and more.
- Visit the Commercial Driver Academy to learn how you can get your CDL A license in as little as six weeks.
- Search for training using the category "Transportation and Distribution" in the Continuing Education Advanced Search.
Other Types of Training
Certifications are credentials showing that you have mastered a specific skill or technology. Having a certification can make you more competitive in the job market. The CareerOneStop Certification Finder will help you find certifications for transportation occupations. Either select "Transportation and Material Moving" from the List of Occupations or "Transportation and Warehousing" in the List of Industries to find transportation certifications.
Apprenticeships help you learn a specific trade while you are on-the-job. Search for apprenticeships in Minnesota or learn more about how an apprenticeship can help you start a rewarding career.
Financial Aid 101
Learn about applying for financial aid.
Transportation Scholarships (Minnesota State Transportation Center of Excellence)
Find links to scholarships in automotive technology, aviation, autobody collision and repair, diesel, marine & powersport, auto engineering, and truck driving.
Scholarship Websites (CAREERwise)
Do you need help paying for college? Find resources that will help you locate a scholarship.
Vouchers and Training Funds
You may qualify for state or federal dislocated worker training funds. To find out if you qualify, contact a counselor at CareerForce online or at any of the 49 CareerForce locations in Minnesota.
Learn more about careers in transportation at the Minnesota State Transportation Center of Excellence.
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