Bristol - On the Road - January/February 2023

District Engineer’s Corner
The following was sent to all
employees February 22 in
recognion of Naonal
Engineers Week.
Like most college
graduates pursuing their
first job, I was well versed
in the principles of
engineering but had
minimal real‐world experience. Now that I’m
25 years into a career in the field, I am proud
of the path I chose and gain much job
sasfacon in knowing the difference
engineering makes in our everyday lives.
Engineers Week is a me to shine a spotlight
on engineering by celebrang how engineers
make a difference in our world and by
increasing public dialogue about the need for
engineers.
What we do at VDOT impacts every Virginian
daily. How we build, operate and maintain our
infrastructure impacts families, businesses and
Virginia’s economy. It’s important work and I
hope you realize the importance your role
plays at VDOT.
If any of you have considered an engineering
role at VDOT, I encourage you to reach out to
our Learning Manager Mitzi Williams to talk
about educaonal opportunies as well as
VDOT’s Engineering Development & Growth
Experience (EDGE) program, which builds the
pipeline for VDOT by culvang technical,
leadership, and core competencies. The EDGE
program requires parcipants hold a
bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, civil
engineering technology, or related field from
an Accreditaon Board for Engineering and
Technology (ABET) accredited instuon.
Also, VDOT has an engineering internship if
you know of anyone pursuing a degree in
engineering. The next round of applicaons for
the EDGE and internship programs will occur in
early 2024. Internship interviews for this year
will occur in March and EDGE posions are
opened unl filled so there’s sll me to apply.
If you are an engineer, I challenge you to
promote engineering work to others and help
your employees interested in engineering
pursue their goals.
Third Annual District Engineer’s Awards’ deadline quickly approaching
Nominaons are being accepted through Friday,
March 10 for the 3rd Annual Bristol District
Engineer Awards.
One applicaon will be chosen from each of the
categories listed below for recognion at the
district level and will automacally be submied
as the Bristol District nominaon for the
Commissioner’s Awards.
A combinaon of cash and leave will be
presented to the award winner for each category.
Outstanding VDOT Employee
(Individual)
Outstanding VDOT Leader or Project Manager
(Individual)
Lifeme Achievement
(Individual)
Innovaon
(Individual or Team)
Environmental Stewardship
(Individual or Team)
Outstanding Project Delivery or
Partnership
(Individual or Team)
Outstanding Customer Service
(Individual or Team)
Categories:
Community Service and Volunteerism
(Individual or Team)
Heroism
(Individual or Team)
(Le to right) Todd Repass, Brian Plummer and Derick Dodson on Todd’s cale farm in Wythe County.
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Bristol District: On The Road