Minnesota Department of Transportation

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Careers

Transportation Associate Pathway Program (TAPP)

Build your future in transportation—starting today.

The Transportation Associate Pathway Program (TAPP) is a hands-on, paid training opportunity designed to prepare individuals for a career in roadway maintenance with MnDOT’s Metro District. This full-time program lasts up to 12 months and equips participants with the skills and certifications needed to step into a permanent Transportation Associate role.

What You’ll Learn

Throughout the program, participants will gain experience in:

  • Routine equipment maintenance (calibration, setup, adjustments)
  • Roadside and roadway maintenance (pothole patching, vegetation control, guardrail repair)
  • Safe operation of maintenance vehicles and basic hand tools
  • Use of computers for data entry and mobile/two-way radio systems
  • Training to obtain a Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with no airbrake restriction and a tanker endorsement

Watch the MnDOT Minute: TAPP Program to learn more.

To be eligible for TAPP, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Have a valid Class D driver’s license with a good driving record
  • Be able to read, write, and understand English
  • Solve basic math problems and maintain simple records
  • Perform manual labor in all weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, snow, wind)

TAPP hires a new cohort each year between February and May. The process includes:

  1. Application and interview
  2. Orientation and training at the Arden Hills Truck Station in Shoreview, MN
  3. Assignment to a MnDOT maintenance location

Participants are divided into day and night shifts, rotating halfway through the program to ensure well-rounded training. Those starting on the night shift will begin with a few days on the day shift for orientation and onboarding.

Start as a TAPP Laborer and step into a Transportation Associate role in just 12 months. With continued growth, you can explore additional opportunities in MnDOT’s Transportation Specialist Series.

Learn more about our Transportation Specialist Series career paths at Transportation Specialist Series Career Paths - Careers - MnDOT

Starting salary $20.96 - $24.21 per hour.

The TAPP program is not currently accepting applications for Cohort 2025. Positions for Cohort 2026 will be posted in February.