Dane County Highway Department Internship
Paid training for a stable career.
A 30-week paid internship in road maintenance and construction, with a path to full-time county jobs.
- Paid internship30 weeks of paid, hands-on training.
- Real experienceWork alongside seasoned road maintenance and construction professionals.
- Safety and equipmentHighway operations, safety procedures and equipment use.
- Path to a full-time jobA direct pathway to full-time positions with Dane County Highway.
- With partnersOffered with the Urban League of Greater Madison.
Dane County Highway Department Internship
Class details
Enrollment Requirements
Are you eligible?
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have a valid Wisconsin driver’s license.
- Have at least a CDL Learner’s Permit (CLP); a Class B or A CDL is strongly preferred.
- Pass a DOT physical and drug screening.
- Pass a criminal background check.
- Have a clean driving record.
- Show reliability, a strong work ethic and the ability to follow safety protocols.
- Be open to learning, feedback and working as part of a team.
- Have a strong interest in highway maintenance, construction or public works.
Spanish-speaking applicants are encouraged to apply; language support is available throughout the process.
Application & Selection
Applicants must submit a resume and participate in an interview. Selections are made each spring, with interviews typically in April and start dates in late April or early May.
Candidates selected for the internship must complete a criminal background check, a driving record (MVR) audit, pass DOT drug screening, and be registered in the FMCSA Clearinghouse prior to the start of the internship.
This is a 30‑week paid internship with Dane County Highway & Transportation. Interns work full time and gain hands‑on experience in street maintenance and construction, including roadway repairs, traffic control, and entry‑level equipment operations under supervision. Work is primarily outdoors and may be weather‑dependent.
Work hours: Full‑time (typically Monday – Thursday, 10-hour days; early morning start times).
Worksites: Assigned across Dane County; interns generally report to a county yard/garage at the start of the shift.
Training & safety: Interns receive training in workplace safety, work‑zone/flagging procedures, equipment basics, and standard operating protocols. Required PPE will be provided.
Before you start
Your path to start classes
- Send your resumeApply and submit your resume. Selections are made each spring.
- InterviewInterviews are typically held in April, with start dates in late April or early May.
- Complete the pre-start checksBackground check, driving record (MVR) audit, DOT drug screening and FMCSA Clearinghouse registration before you start.
- When the course endsThe internship builds a direct pathway to full-time positions with Dane County Highway.
Paid internship
Real-world experience alongside seasoned professionals
The Dane County Highway Department Internship is a paid, hands-on training opportunity designed to prepare participants for long-term employment in road maintenance and construction. Offered in partnership with the Latino Academy of Workforce Development and the Urban League of Greater Madison, this 30-week internship provides real-world experience working alongside seasoned professionals in the field. Participants gain practical skills in highway operations, safety procedures, and equipment use while building a direct pathway to full-time positions with Dane County Highway. The internship is ideal for individuals looking to begin a stable, family-sustaining career in public infrastructure.
Please note that internship cohorts are selected each year in early spring, with interviews typically held in April and the internship beginning in late April or early May. Interested individuals are encouraged to stay connected for updates and application details.
A stable, family-sustaining career in public infrastructure.
Photos and videos
Inside the classes
Photos and videos coming soon
Real stories · Transportation
New beginnings, in their own words
- For Areli, joining the Latino Academy marked a turning point in her personal and professional journey. Through programs like CDL training, she discovered tools that helped her grow, gain confidence, and open doors she hadn’t imagined.
CDL PROGRAM
Areli
- Ever came to the Latino Academy with a clear vision for his future. He wanted more than just a job—he wanted a meaningful career and the tools to build lasting stability. Earning his Commercial Driver’s License wasn’t just a practical step; it was a personal challenge that required dedication, resilience, and belief in himself.
CDL PROGRAM
Ever
- In April 2025, Jason M. connected with the RTTC Team seeking a new beginning. Unemployed and navigating a career transition, Jason had a background in sales and marketing but was ready to pursue a more stable and mobile profession that could support his family. He set his sights on obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and starting a career in the trucking industry. After encountering financial and logistical barriers to accessing traditional CDL training programs, Jason was referred to the Latino Academy of Workforce Development’s CDL Program. He applied, was accepted, and began training in July 2025. From the start, Jason demonstrated initiative and determination. Latino Academy staff supported him every step of the way—assisting with resume and cover letter updates, streamlining paperwork, and providing personalized job search support. Jason was proactive throughout his training, researching employers and applying for jobs that aligned with his new career path. With the ongoing support of Latino Academy staff, he entered the job market with confidence and clarity about his goals. On July 19, 2025, Jason successfully earned his CDL Class A license, and shortly on August 11, 2025, secured a full-time Class A driving position with Future Foams, a company that recognized his potential and hired him to transport goods and furniture across Wisconsin. Today, Jason earns $26.00 per hour with full benefits. He describes his job as both fulfilling and liberating, allowing him to travel, stay active, and build a sustainable future for his family.
CDL PROGRAM
Jason
- Miriam began her CDL journey with a clear purpose: to advance in her career and build a better future for her family. Earning her license wasn’t just a professional milestone—it was a deeply personal goal. She committed fully to the training and preparation, knowing that success would mean greater stability and opportunity for the people who mattered most.
CDL PROGRAM
Miriam
- Timothy P. was referred to the Latino Academy of Workforce Development’s Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Training Program by the laborer's union, having already earned several certifications in construction. Intrigued by the opportunity for long-term career growth, he enrolled in the CDL program in May 2025. Timothy approached the training with discipline and eagerness to learn. He demonstrated consistent commitment in the classroom as well as during hands-on driving practice, and in July 2025, Timothy successfully obtained his Commercial Driver’s License. Following his certification, Timothy received a job offer from Hasani Logistics, a regional employer seeking qualified drivers. He officially began working as an over-the-road (OTR) driver, averaging 60 hours per week. Timothy now earns $0.56 per mile, a competitive industry rate that allows him to provide for himself while building a career in a high-demand field. Timothy demonstrates how access to workforce training and strategic partnerships with employers can create real, lasting change.
CDL PROGRAM
Timothy
Take the first step today
Be ready for the next selection
Cohorts are selected each spring, with interviews typically in April. Apply and stay connected for updates and application details.
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