The 2026-2027 asphalt contractor training guide provides a comprehensive overview of professional development opportunities from leading industry providers including Caterpillar, Wirtgen Group, Blaw-Knox, and Command Alkon, offering hands-on operator training, technician certification, plant management courses, and equipment-specific instruction designed to improve employee retention, boost productivity, and address critical skill gaps in the competitive asphalt industry.
- Training Boosts Retention: Effective employee training is a key driver of new worker retention while keeping veteran team members current with latest tools and technologies improves job satisfaction and performance.
- Multiple Training Options: Industry providers offer classroom instruction, hands-on training, online courses, and on-demand certification programs available year-round with flexible scheduling from November 2026 through May 2027.
- Comprehensive Course Coverage: Training programs include paving operations, plant management, equipment maintenance, technician certification, safety director workshops, and quality control instruction for operators at all experience levels.
- Proven Results: Contractors report 92-96% satisfaction rates with training programs, with operators showing 40-44% performance improvements and two-thirds achieving payback within six months of participation.
- Competitive Advantage: In a labor market defined by worker shortages, investing in employee training has become essential for company success and is available at lower costs through online and remote options.
Effective training is one of the strongest drivers of new employee retention. At the same time, keeping veteran team members up to date with the latest tools, technologies, and best practices boosts both job satisfaction and overall performance. With more online and remote options available today, companies can provide education at lower costs while still addressing critical skill gaps.
In a labor market defined by shortages and competition for qualified workers, investing in training has never been more essential. The resources you commit now may be the deciding factor in your company’s success in the year ahead.
Here's the training opportunities available for the asphalt industry in fall of 2026 and the first half of 2027:
These dates and schedules were accurate as of press time but are subject to change. Please contact each company directly for the most up-to-date information.
BLAW-KNOX Corporation
Website: https://www.blawknox.com/training/paver-operation-and-maintenance
Increase your paving knowledge at the Blaw-Knox University, designed for paver operators and foreman looking to improve paving skills. This combination of classroom and hands-on training instruction teaches you everything you need for optimum paving performance.
Course instructors share decades of field experience on the latest paving techniques on a variety of topics, including proper operation, maintenance, and safety fundamentals.
Get the most out of your paver this paving season by attending Blaw-Knox University.
Training Dates:
- Week 1: January 18-21, 2027
- Week 2: January 25-28, 2027
- Week 3: February 1-4, 2027
- Week 4: February 8-11, 2027
SPACES ARE LIMITED!
Registration: www.blawknox.com/training
For more information, contact us at (407) 290-6000 ext. 342 or at [email protected].
Who: Any individual interested in or responsible for the laydown of HMA, WMA, SMA, or Thinlays.
Duration: 4 days
Location: 5201 N. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, Florida 32810
Caterpillar Inc.
Paving Operations Training
This 4-day course is designed for paving supervisors and paving crew members with one or more years of experience with the lay down of hot mix asphalt. Training is taught using Cat Asphalt Pavers with Cat Grade and Slope systems. The daily curriculum includes classroom and hands-on training. Contact Caterpillar at [email protected] regarding registration.
Large Asphalt Pavers Service Training
This 4-day course provides theory and hands-on training. Upon completion, students will be able to trace the flow of oil through hydraulic systems, test and adjust hydraulic pressures, troubleshoot hydraulic and electrical systems, and explain ECM functions and calibration steps for the Cat® AP1000, AP1055, AP600, and AP655 asphalt pavers. Contact Caterpillar at [email protected] regarding registration.
CLARENCE RICHARD COMPANY
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 952.939.6000
Web: EzFIoWeighing.com
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! – ON DEMAND, ONLINE TRAINING 24hrs/day, 7 days/week
- Work independently — On your own time - At your own pace — Any location
- Previous On Demand Feedback:
How Did Contractor's 25 Operators Benefit?
- 92% said training met or exceeded expectations; 96% said expectations were met, with 80% saying it exceeded expectations.
- 96% reported job improvement; two-thirds said significant improvement was being made.
- Over two-thirds found web-based training more effective than classroom training.
- 100% would recommend the training to others.
What Were the Benefits?
- Operators improved 44%; two-thirds had 10+ years of experience. Overall improvement was 40%, consistent with industry results.
- Two-thirds saw payback within 6 months, with many expecting the return to continue repeatedly.
- Two-thirds of those who see gains within one week had 10+ years of experience.
- Each participant must be individually registered.
ZOOM TRAINING DATES: Feb 01-Mar 12, 2027
- Design your own schedule! Choose 1-6 workshop days in any order
- Classes fill on first-come basis
- If unable to make one day, Zoom in on another day
- Each participant must be individually registered
IN PERSON TRAINING AVAILABLE:
Denver, CO — Dallas, TX — Chicago, IL — Nashville, TN — Orlando, FL
PRIVATE TRAINING OPTIONS AVAILABLE: Additional Fees Apply
COST: $445-$1,640 per person + $120-$315 manuals (required) + shipping
Improve: Safety, mix quality, production, energy efficiency, and operating costs.
PLANT OPERATION TRAINING
Who: New and veteran plant operators, maintenance, management, and quality control personnel.
Clarence Richard's team has been using their asphalt plant operation and engineering expertise to train plant operators and personnel throughout the country for more than thirty years.
ELECTRO-MECHANICAL SYSTEMS
Who: Electricians, mechanics, and maintenance professionals.
Learn to safely troubleshoot and maintain very complex control systems. Operators learn about electrical safety and basic electricity, including troubleshooting procedures and test meter usage.
SAFETY DIRECTOR WORKSHOP
Who: New and veteran plant operators, maintenance, management, and quality control personnel.
Designed to address issues affecting plant operation and maintenance personnel. Plant safety curriculum includes 2 of 14 modules that plant managers and operators are trained on in the Plant Operation Workshop. This curriculum makes it easy for a company to implement this program into their existing program.
QUALITY CONTROL WORKSHOP
Who: New and veteran plant operators, maintenance, management, and quality control personnel.
Addresses issues affected by Plant Operation. Curriculum is made up of 5 of the 14 modules included in the Plant Operator Workshop. The curriculum addresses issues at plants that affect mix quality and provides solutions. These modules are concerned with the proper blending of all materials from the stockpiles, tanks, feeder bins, and baghouse fines delivery all the way through the silo and into the truck.
Command Alkon
Elevate 2026 + TRAININGdays
Dates: November 16–19, 2026 (TRAININGdays: Nov. 16–17; Elevate Conference: Nov. 17–19)
Location: San Diego, California
Command Alkon's premier annual event for the heavy building materials industry (concrete, aggregates, and asphalt), combines hands-on TRAININGdays with the Elevate Conference.
TRAININGdays offers working sessions where users can pursue industry-recognized certifications in COMMANDbatch, TrackIt, and Command Cloud Dispatch. The Elevate Conference features 50+ breakout sessions, a Technology & Partner Pavilion, and networking opportunities.
Registration: commandalkon.com/elevate
Cost:
2 TRAININGdays + Elevate: $3,800 (best value)
1 TRAININGday + Elevate: $3,100
Elevate only: $2,300
2 TRAININGdays only: $2,000
1 TRAININGday only: $1,500
TRAININGdays-only registration closes October 23. Group pricing available for 3+ registrants (10% off with code Group3+, 15% off for 5+ with code Group5+); an Elevate guest add-on is $850.
Ongoing Product Certification Program
Dates: Available year-round (Fall 2026 & Winter/Spring 2027)
Structured certification learning paths for COMMANDbatch, TrackIt, and Command Cloud Dispatch, delivered through the Command Alkon Learning Management System (CALMS). More than 500 customer employees have earned certifications to date.
Sign-up/Info: Customer Training Portal at customer-commandalkon.talentlms.com/plus, or contact the Strategic Learning Team at [email protected]
Cost: Contact Command Alkon for details.
Gencor Industries
Registration closes December 15, 2026
Website: https://www.gencor.com/training/
Be prepared to get the most out of your plant this season by attending the 2027 Gencor University
Expert instructors provide step-by-step comprehensive hands-on training through state-of-the-art control simulators and actual plant equipment.
Benefit from decades of industry experience and knowledge in the science of hot mix asphalt production to get the most out of your plant.
- Improve plant production
- Optimize plant efficiency
- Reduce plant maintenance
Training Dates:
Week 1: January 18-21, 2027
Week 2: January 25-28, 2027
Week 3: February 1-4, 2027
Week 4: February 8-11, 2027 SPACES ARE LIMITED!
Registration: www.gencor.com/training
For more information, contact us at (407) 290-6000 ext. 342 or at [email protected].
Who: Gencor training sessions are exclusively designed for hot mix asphalt producers who own or operate HMA facilities; they are not open to industry vendors or suppliers.
Duration: 4 days
Location: 5201 N. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, Florida 32810
Sakai America
SAKAI America’s approach to training begins with intuitive machine design. Their asphalt rollers simplify the onboarding process for new operators by utilizing straightforward physical switches, buttons, and traditional analog controls rather than complex failure-prone multi-function panels or touchscreens. This functional layout naturally reduces the initial learning curve, allowing crews to focus directly on the compaction process.
Because the equipment is inherently easy to operate for new users, SAKAI does not require crews to travel to their headquarters for formal classroom sessions. Instead, their RSMs also act as experienced field trainers and compaction consultants to provide practical, on-the-ground instruction upon request (historically at no charge to the contractor).
This hands-on training takes place during a machine’s initial delivery or first jobsite appearance, ensuring crews are properly oriented in their actual working environment.
TransTech Systems, Inc.
Phone: 1.800.724.6306 | 518.370.5558
Website: www.transtechsys.com
TransTech welcomes individuals to their facility in New York for training, free of charge. Please call toll-free 1-800-724-6306 to arrange dates and for any additional training information.
COURSE: Online Training
Mobile friendly and at your convenience, you may review any number of TransTech Systems videos to assist with learning more about the PQI (non-nuclear asphalt density gauge) or the SDG (non-nuclear soil density gauge).
These videos are great for new customers or as a refresher once your season gets under way. These videos are available at your fingertips anytime you are ready! It’s as easy as going to our website or searching for “TransTech Systems Inc” within YouTube.
COURSE: Density Clinic
TransTech Systems, Inc. offers FREE density clinics. Their team provides a class that covers overall density, as well as operation and use of the non-nuclear density asphalt or soil gauge. Please call TransTech Systems if your company is interested in scheduling a date!
Clinics are by appointment, and dependent upon social distancing protocol, may be in person (at our office) or virtual. When your team completes the TransTech Density Clinic, each member will receive an Operator Training Certificate.
Troxler Electronic Laboratories
Phone: 1-877-TROXLER (1.877.876.9537) | 1.919.549.8661
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.troxlerlabs.com
Free Online Training Site: www.troxlerlearningcenter.com
Nuclear Gauge User Training - 3400 Series
Online training course on the proper use of Troxler’s 3400 series nuclear density gauges.
Radiation Safety Officer Certification Course
All attendees must first complete a Nuclear Gauge Operator Safety and Hazmat Course. A packet of handouts will be provided for assistance during the course and for future reference, please print and/or save this file. Participants are encouraged to take notes during the lessons. A short quiz will be given at the end of each lesson to test for comprehension of the information. A certification of successful completion can be printed and/or saved to your computer.
Topics:
- Review of radiological fundamentals
- Radiological protection regulatory requirements
- Gauge storage
- Transportation regulations
- Personnel monitoring
- Record keeping
- Leak testing
- Accident response
- Gauge maintenance
Nuclear Gauge Operator Safety Training Course with Hazmat
This course is for nuclear moisture density gauge operators. This course provides the certification required to operate and transport nuclear moisture density gauges. A quiz will be given at the end and a certificate issued with a passing score.
Topics:
- Radiation safety fundamentals and principles
- Regulatory requirements
- Portable gauge theory, design and operation
- Gauge maintenance and troubleshooting
- Operating, emergency, maintenance and transportation procedures
- Leak testing
- Storing, packaging and transporting gauges
Hazmat Certification / Recertification Course
This course is for Hazmat transportation certification/recertification. It can be taken to renew your Hazmat certification (every 3 years) or for individuals who may need to transport nuclear gauges, but not operate them.
This course satisfies US DOT training requirements of 49 CFR 172, subpart H (Hazmat) for individuals shipping or transporting hazardous materials. Recurrent training is required every 3 years.
Radiation Safety Refresher Course for the Nuclear Gauge Operator
This course is designed as an annual safety refresher for nuclear gauge operators who are in a state where an annual safety recertification is required by the licensing agency. This should not be taken by new nuclear gauge operators. The Nuclear Gauge Safety Training Course with Hazmat is the initial course for new operators.
Topics:
- Radiation safety refresher
- New regulatory requirements
- Operating, emergency, maintenance, and transportation procedures
Compaction and Density Testing Course
This course is designed to teach the basic principles of compaction and density testing methods, with emphasis on nuclear testing methods.
Topics:
- Why we compact asphalt, soil, sand, aggregate, etc.
- Factors to consider when compacting
- Terms related to density testing of soil and asphalt
- Overview of the various methods used for measuring compaction
- Theory behind nuclear gauge measurements of moisture and density
- Proper methods of nuclear gauge operation
Wirtgen Group America Inc.
Phone: (615) 501-0600
Location: Nashville, TN
Register online at https://www.wirtgen-group.com/america/en-us/customer-support/know-how/training-program/
Wirtgen Group Center for Training and Technology (CTT)
The state-of-the-art training facility is located just outside of Nashville, Tennessee. During the year, numerous hands-on classes are offered to enhance the abilities of operators and technicians regarding road construction and mineral processing. The 40,000+ sq. ft facility includes a 5-acre test track, four-bay training shop, multimedia classrooms, a gourmet cafeteria, and a dedicated team of experienced professionals to assist in learning and development.
WIRTGEN - W 100 CFi / W 130 XFi Cold Milling Operation
Throughout this two-day course, students will learn the necessary tools to safely and effectively operate W 100 CFi – W 130 XFi cold milling machines. An in-depth look at the machine and applications will be discussed to better understand Wirtgen cutting technology, operator controls, Level Pro Plus, and daily routine/maintenance. Hands on training as well as assessments will be provided on all objectives during this class.
Cost: $1,000 per person
WIRTGEN - W 100 Fi Series Cold Milling Operation
This two-day course teaches the necessary tools to safely and effectively operate W 100- W 130 Fi cold milling machines. An in-depth look at the machine and applications will be discussed to better understand Wirtgen cutting technology, operator controls, Level Pro Active, and daily routine/maintenance. Hands-on training as well as assessments will be provided on all objectives during this class.
Cost: $1,000 per person
WIRTGEN - W 100 Fi Series Technical Service for Customers
This two-day course offers an in-depth look at troubleshooting and diagnosing symptoms of the W 100 – W 130 Fi milling machines. Through hands-on training and assessments, you will learn how to reference factory-recommended procedures regarding electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical service repairs.
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Diagnose and clear machine operating state messages.
- Reference and know what to do when an engine code occurs.
- Interpret and navigate Wirtgen schematics to locate devices and trace circuitry and hydraulic lines.
- Recall the various CAN Buses and with which systems each communicates.
- Replace control panel buttons, switches, levers, and hydraulic components to identify which can be swapped.
- Troubleshoot and diagnose machine operational malfunctions to determine the root cause.
Cost: $1,000 per person
WIRTGEN - W 200 Fi Series Cold Milling Operation
During the course of 2 days, experience an in-depth look at Wirtgen cutting technology and best practices for the cold milling machine. Learn about machine operator controls, Level Pro Active, and daily maintenance for efficient operation.
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Follow safe work practices on and around W 200-250 Fi cold milling machines.
- Identify Wirtgen cutting technology, including drum styles, usage options, and wear items.
- Reference the Wirtgen Instruction Manual for machine component functions, as well as application and maintenance best practices.
- Perform basic machine setup, operation, and maintenance for both travel and milling, including using Level Pro Active to set up auto grade controls and changing out the drum.
Cost: $1,000 per person
WIRTGEN - WR 200 i Series Cold Recyclers Technical Service
3-day course
Cost: $1,500 per person
WIRTGEN - WR 200 i Series Cold Recycling Operation
2-day course
Cost: $1,000 per person
KLEEMANN - MSC EVO Series Mobiscreen Classifier Operations - Maintenance - Technical Service
This class provides an in-depth look at daily operation of the Kleemann MSC EVO Series Mobiscreen classifier screening systems by teaching factory recommended best practices for machine operation and maintenance. During this two-day course, you will learn how to troubleshoot components using electrical and hydraulic systems that control functions of the MSC EVO Series Mobiscreen classifier screening systems as well as how to troubleshoot components using electrical diagrams, hydraulic schematics, and other Kleemann resources. This class is beneficial to understand what items require regular servicing and maintenance.
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Follow safe working practices while working on or around MSC EVO Series Mobiscreen classifier screening machines
- Operate Kleemann MSC EVO Series Mobiscreen classifier screening systems in a safe and efficient manner.
- Reference the operator’s manual to identify machine controls and components as well as machine operation and maintenance information.
- Perform basic setup to prepare machines for work.
- Perform basic machine setup in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations to prepare the machine for work.
- Reference and perform maintenance on jaw crushers.
- Interpret Kleemann-specific electrical and hydraulic schematics and symbols.
- Troubleshoot, calibrate, and set up components and systems.
Cost: $1,000 per person
KLEEMANN - MSS EVO Series Mobiscreen Scalper Operations - Maintenance - Technical Service
During this two-day course, you will be given an in-depth look at daily operation of the Kleemann MSS EVO Series Mobiscreen scalper screening systems. This includes factory recommended best practices for machine operation and maintenance as well as electrical and hydraulic systems that control functions of the MSS EVO Series Mobiscreen scalper screening systems. You will also learn how to troubleshoot components using electrical diagrams, hydraulic schematics, and other Kleemann resources. This class is beneficial to understand what items require regular servicing as well as maintenance.
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Operate Kleemann MSS EVO Series Mobiscreen scalper screening systems in a safe and efficient manner.
- Follow safe working practices while working on or around MSS EVO Series Mobiscreen scalper screening machines.
- Reference the operator’s manual to identify machine controls/components as well as machine operation and maintenance information.
- Interpret Kleemann-specific electrical and hydraulic schematics and symbols.
- Troubleshoot, calibrate, and set up components/systems.
- Perform basic machine setup in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations to prepare the machine for work.
- Reference and perform maintenance on jaw crushers.
Cost: $1,000 per person
KLEEMANN - MC 110 EVO2 Jaw Crusher Operations & Maintenance
2-day course
Cost: $1,000 per person
VÖGELE - 8ft SUPER 3i Technical Service
4-day course
Cost: $2,000 per person
VÖGELE - 10ft SUPER 3i Technical Service
4-day course
Cost: $2,000 per person
VÖGELE - Paver Operations & Application
2-day course
Cost: $1,000 per person
