This practical, interactive five-day virtual academy provides core training for local/tribal resident engineers and those responsible for administering construction contracts using state and federal funds.

Resident Engineers Academy (REA) instructors are subject matter experts who take a real life, practical application approach to content delivery using examples, problem-solving activities, and exercises. REA curriculum consists of 16 Modules that cover an array of topics that include: Pre-Construction Preparation, Scope of Work, Legal Relations, Payments, Environmental Stewardship, Project Completion, DBE, and Labor Compliance.

 *** The March 2025 Class is Full *** 
*** Applications for May Coming Soon *** 

Eligibility Requirements

This course is designed for professionals with construction experience as either a Resident Engineer, Assistant Resident Engineer, or Project Field Inspector, who have a minimum six months experience interpreting construction contract plans and specifications and the Local Assistance Procedures Manual (LAPM).

Participation in and attendance of the pre-class orientation and all five class days is required to receive an REA certificate of completion.

Enrollment Process

The virtual class size for REA training is limited to enhance student learning and interaction. Since demand for attendance is often greater, the course enrollment process is designed to maximize equitable access.

STEP 1: Apply — Eligible parties (see above) are encouraged to apply using the "REGISTER AT HOST SITE" button on the right. A webform will capture basic information to compile a roster of intent. Applications will be accepted for 15 days after initial announcement.

STEP 2: Register — 30 days prior to class, applicants will be notified of their attendance status. Those invited to attend will have an opportunity to register and pay the course fee. Those not invited will be waitlisted to backfill any vacancies.

STEP 3: Orientation — All final registrants are expected to attend a 1-hour (virtual) pre-class orientation covering course delivery and Zoom compatibility. REA attendance requires you be live on webcam throughout each day and your mic operable when called upon.

Additional course detail is provided in the sections below.

• Course Topics
  • Introduction to REA
  • Pre-Construction Preparation
  • Scope of Work
  • Control of Work
  • Control of Materials
  • Legal Relations & Public Responsibility
  • Prosecution & Progress
  • Payment
  • Change Orders
  • Environmental Stewardship
  • State-Only Funded Projects
  • Construction Claims & Disputes
  • Construction Oversight Program
  • Project Completion & Invoicing
  • Labor Compliance
  • Disadvantaged Business Enterprises
• Course Outline

  Day 1 (Monday, 8:30am - 4:00pm)

  • Welcome
  • Module 1: Introduction
  • Module 2: Pre-Construction Preparation
  • Module 3: Scope of Work
  • Module 4: Control of Work

  Day 2 (Tuesday, 8:30am - 4:00pm)

  • Module 5: Control of Materials
  • Module 6: Legal Relations & Public Responsibility
  • Module 7: Prosecution & Progress
  • Module 8: Payment

  Day 3 (Wednesday, 8:30am - 4:00pm)

  • Module 9: Change Orders
  • Module 10: Environmental Stewardship
  • Module 11: State-Only Funded Project Reviews

  Day 4 (Thursday, 8:30am - 4:00pm)

  • Module 12: Construction Claims & Disputes
  • Module 13: Construction Oversight Program
  • Module 14: Project Completion & Invoicing
  • Module 15: Labor Compliance

  Day 5 (Friday, 8:30am - 2:30pm)

  • Module 16: Disadvantaged Business Enterprises
• What you will learn

  [no information available]

• Who should attend

  Resident Engineers Academy is intended for Resident Engineers administering construction projects using federal-aid funds.

  The course is designed for professionals with construction experience as either a Resident Engineer, Assistant Resident Engineer, or Project Field Inspector, who have a minimum six months experience interpreting construction contract plans and specifications and the Local Assistance Procedures Manual (LAPM).

  Participation in and attendance of the pre-class orientation and all five class days is required to receive an REA certificate of completion.

• Course Prerequisites

  This course is designed for professionals with construction experience as either a Resident Engineer, Assistant Resident Engineer, or Project Field Inspector, who have a minimum six months experience interpreting construction contract plans and specifications and the Local Assistance Procedures Manual (LAPM).

  Participation in and attendance of the pre-class orientation and all five class days is required to receive an REA certificate of completion.

• Course Instructors

  Seree 'Mack' Yenjai

  Mack is a Construction Oversight Engineer for Caltrans Local Assistance, serving local agencies in District 7 from Ventura County to Los Angeles County. He has worked at Caltrans for over 13 years in various capacities, including his current role as Acting Office Chief for the Office of Guidance & Oversight (OGO).

  Mack previously worked for the City of Los Angeles as a Structural Engineering Associate, graduated from Cal Poly Pomona with a degree in engineering, and is a licensed Professional Engineer.

  Michael Ramos

  Mike is a Construction Oversight Engineer for Caltrans Local Assistance, serving local agencies within District 6 and the southern half of Distirct 10. He has worked at Caltrans for over 20 years as a Project Engineer, Cost Estimator, Critical Path & Claims Reviewer, Construction Stormwater & Safety Coordinator, and Assistant Resident Engineer.

  Mike graduated from California State University Fresno with a degree in civil engineering and is a licensed Professional Engineer.

  Patrick Dussell

  Pat is a Construction Oversight Engineer for Caltrans Local Assistance, serving local agencies within Districts 4 & 5. He has worked at Caltrans for over 20 years as a Design Engineer, Resident Engineer, and Construction Senior.

  Pat graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in civil engineering and is a licensed Professional Engineer.

  Muhammad Rahman

  Muhammad is a Construction Oversight Engineer for Caltrans Local Assistance, serving local agencies within the northern halves of Districts 4 & 10. He has worked at Caltrans for over 16 years as a Resident Engineer and Assistant Resident Engineer.

  Muhammad graduated from Concordia University with a Master of Science in Civil Engineering and is a Professional Civil Engineer.

  Mike Giuliano

  Mike is a retired Construction Oversight Engineer for Caltrans Local Assistance, having served local agencies within Districts 5, 6, and 7. In his 20 year career at Caltrans, he has worked as an Inspector and Resident Engineer in Construction, District 5 Maintenance Engineer, and District 5 Local Assistance Engineer.

  Mike graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering.

  Adam Whitcomb

  Adam is lead instructor for Caltrans Headquarters Labor Compliance with 5 year’s experience in various roles.

• Registration Information

  Submit your application by clicking the "REGISTER AT HOST SITE" button to the right and completing the online form. This option will be active for 15 days after the announcement of a scheduled class.

  An email will be sent 30 days prior to the start of class to confirm your application status. Those selected to attend will be invited to register and pay the course fee via our online portal. Those not selected will be waitlisted to backfill any vacancies.

  If you have any questions regarding this enrollment process, please contact CALTAP at admin@caltap.org. For questions regarding course content or delivery, contact Caltrans DLA directly at caltrans.dla@dot.ca.gov.

• For more information

  Cancellation Policy:

  If you register for REA but are unable to attend, you must notify us at least ten (10) working days before the first day of class to receive a refund, less a payment processing fee. Cancellations received after that may not be honored. Please submit your cancellation request to admin@caltap.org.

  Privacy Policy: 

  The teams at CALTAP and Caltrans DLA respect your right to privacy. Any information provided to us will be used solely for the purpose of class registration or technical support. We do not share, sell, or distribute contact data to third parties, however it may be used to provide you with advanced notice of funding opportunities and course offerings. You may unsubscribe to our mailing list at any time by contacting us.