Best Free Asphalt Training Videos on YouTube (2026)

The best free asphalt training videos on YouTube come from NCAT Auburn, FHWA, and state paving associations. These resources cover everything from proper compaction techniques to sealcoating fundamentals, and you can access them anytime for free.

We pulled together the top asphalt training videos available online right now. They come from research institutions, government agencies, and industry organizations that actually know what they're talking about.

Best Asphalt Training Videos: Quick Reference

NCAT's “Training in Your Pocket” Series

The National Center for Asphalt Technology at Auburn University produces some of the best asphalt training videos in the industry. 

The “Training in Your Pocket” series takes complex topics and breaks them into digestible clips you can watch during a lunch break or morning meeting.

What makes NCAT videos stand out

NCAT researchers built these asphalt training videos specifically for field crews and lab technicians who don't have hours to spare. Each video runs between 3 and 7 minutes, which means you can actually finish one without losing focus or getting pulled away to handle something on the job.

Key videos in the series include:

• In-Place Density: Covers why density matters and how to measure it correctly
• Types of Rollers Used for Asphalt Paving: Breaks down when to use vibratory, static, or pneumatic rollers, which helps any asphalt roller operator lock in the basics
• Asphalt Crack Type Identification: Teaches crews how to recognize different crack patterns and what causes them
• Forces on an Asphalt Paver Screed: Explains the mechanics behind screed operation for better mat quality
• PG Binder Grading Explained: Demystifies performance-graded binder specifications

Technical testing videos

For contractors who need to understand lab testing, NCAT offers asphalt training videos on:

• Gyratory compaction of hot mix asphalt (HMA)
• Bulk specific gravity (Gmb) testing procedures
• Theoretical maximum specific gravity (Gmm) calculations
• Hamburg Wheel Track Test for rutting resistance
• Ideal Cracking Test (ICT) procedures

You can find all these videos on the NCAT YouTube channel. They release new content regularly, so subscribing keeps you updated on the latest asphalt training videos as they drop.

FHWA Asphalt Pavement Principles Series

The Federal Highway Administration teamed up with the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) to create a professional video series on pavement fundamentals. These asphalt training videos feature engineers and academics discussing real-world best practices, and the production quality shows NAPA took it seriously.

Density and durability

This video explains why proper compaction determines how long your pavement lasts. 

You'll see how achieving target density prevents premature failure and cuts maintenance costs down the road. The graphics are clear, the expert interviews add credibility, and you walk away understanding why density matters so much.

Smoothness

Smoother roads mean lower fuel costs, less vehicle wear, and reduced emissions. This asphalt training video covers smoothness specifications and the techniques contractors use to meet them. 

If you've ever wondered why some jobs earn bonuses and others don't, this one explains the difference.

Long-life pavements

Also called Perpetual Pavements, these multi-layer designs aim to last decades with only surface maintenance. The video walks through how to engineer each layer for maximum performance. It's especially useful if you're bidding on projects that require extended warranties.

All three FHWA asphalt training videos are available on its official YouTube channel. They're worth bookmarking for crew training sessions.

State Asphalt Association Resources

Regional associations produce asphalt training videos tailored to local specifications and climate conditions. Here's where to find the best ones.

Asphalt Pavement Association of Michigan (APAM)

APAM developed short videos covering fundamentals that work well for onboarding new crew members. APAM’s standout asphalt training videos include:

• Asphalt Basic Terms: Perfect for employees new to the industry who need to learn terminology fast
• Asphalt 101: What is Asphalt: Covers mixture composition, manufacturing, and construction basics
• Asphalt Mixture Selection: Helps crews understand why different mixes work for different applications
• How to Read an Asphalt Mix Design: Useful for anyone who handles mix tickets on the job site

APAM also partnered with Michigan Technological University to create webinar-style content on pavement design and inspection basics.

Asphalt Pavement Association of Indiana (APAI)

Indiana's association hosts technical asphalt training videos on its website covering topics specific to Midwestern conditions. The content addresses freeze-thaw considerations that matter in cold climates.

Flexible Pavements of Ohio (FPO)

Ohio’s organization provides asphalt training videos and webinars focused on ODOT specifications. If you work in Ohio or surrounding states, this content aligns with local requirements.

Equipment Manufacturer Training Videos

Heavy equipment companies offer free asphalt training videos to help customers get the most from their machines. Even if you don't own their equipment, the operational principles apply broadly.

BOMAG application training

BOMAG provides online asphalt training videos covering compaction theory and roller operation. These courses target everyone from operators to site managers. Topics include:

• Paving process fundamentals and factors that affect results
• Compaction importance and proper techniques
• Different drum types for single drum rollers and when to use each

The content explains OSHA requirements and other regulatory basics alongside practical application tips.

Caterpillar paving resources

Cat offers paving and compaction training through its dealer network. Cat publishes supporting asphalt training videos covering:

• Screed operation and adjustment
• Rolling patterns for different lift thicknesses
• Machine maintenance for pavers and compactors

Some content requires dealer access, but the public YouTube channel includes useful clips.

Volvo Road Institute

Volvo’s training resources include asphalt training videos on compaction rolling patterns. The content explains how to achieve uniform density while keeping up with paver production speed. The videos break down proper drum orientation and pass sequencing.

Sealcoating and Maintenance Training Videos

For contractors who handle parking lot and driveway work, maintenance-focused asphalt training videos fill a different need than highway paving content.

SealMaster video library

SealMaster offers free asphalt training videos on its equipment and application techniques. This content covers:

• Sealcoating equipment operation and troubleshooting
• Crack filling procedures and equipment use
• Sport surfacing applications

The videos focus on their product line, but the techniques transfer to similar equipment.

Understanding Sealcoating Fundamentals

When training crews on sealcoating, keep in mind that sealcoating provides both UV/oxidation protection and water infiltration protection. It creates a waterproof barrier that seals small cracks and pores, preventing water penetration. 

Good asphalt training videos explain this distinction so crews understand what sealcoating can and can't accomplish.

Crack Filling Best Practices

Proper crack repair requires surface preparation before filling. Use blowers, brooms, and wire brushes to clear debris. Asphalt surfaces aren’t typically power-washed because introducing water creates adhesion problems. Note that asphalt surfaces must be completely dry before sealer application to ensure proper adhesion.

Patching and pothole repair involves filling damaged areas with hot mix asphalt, cold patch materials, or specialized products. The damaged section gets cleaned, sometimes cut square, then filled and compacted to restore the surface.

How to Use These Videos for Crew Training

Watching asphalt training videos only helps if you actually apply what you learn. Here's how to get the most value from free online content:

1. Build a training library

Create playlists organized by topic. Group asphalt training videos on compaction separately from those covering paving operations. This makes it easy to pull up relevant content when training new hires on specific tasks.

If you want a more structured path than YouTube, start with an asphalt certification program online.

2. Schedule regular sessions

Dedicate time during slow periods or before the season starts. A 20-minute session watching asphalt training videos during morning meetings adds up over time. Crews retain more when training happens consistently rather than in one overwhelming dump.

3. Discuss what you watch

After viewing asphalt training videos, talk about how the content applies to your specific jobs. What techniques could you try? What mistakes have you seen that the video addressed? Discussion reinforces learning better than passive viewing.

You can also tighten your process by documenting expectations in an asphalt paving contract.

4. Supplement with hands-on practice

Videos teach concepts, but skills develop through practice. After watching asphalt training videos on rolling patterns, have operators practice on an actual mat. Combine the visual learning with real-world application.

What Good Asphalt Training Videos Cover

When evaluating asphalt training videos, look for content that addresses these core areas:

Paving operations

Quality content explains how paver screeds work, proper truck exchange procedures, and maintaining consistent head of material in the hopper. Good asphalt training videos show what happens when things go wrong and how to prevent problems.

Compaction techniques

The best asphalt training videos on compaction cover temperature windows, rolling patterns, and how different roller types contribute to achieving density. They explain why breakdown, intermediate, and finish rolling serve different purposes.

Material knowledge

Understanding mix design basics helps crews make better decisions on the job. Asphalt training videos that explain aggregate properties, binder grades, and volumetric concepts build competence beyond just following instructions.

Quality control

Look for asphalt training videos covering density testing, temperature monitoring, and visual inspection techniques. Crews who understand quality measures catch problems earlier and produce better work.

Run Your Paving Jobs in One Place

Training your crew matters. But knowledge only gets you so far if the rest of your operation runs on spreadsheets, whiteboards, and scattered tools.

OneCrew brings your paving business together in one platform. From estimates to invoicing, everything connects, so nothing falls through the cracks.

Here's what you can do with OneCrew:

• Build estimates your trained crews can execute: The estimating features let you measure from PDFs or aerial maps and apply labor, material, equipment, and sub-line items with built-in calculators. 
• Track every lead and customer interaction: The CRM captures inquiries and tracks communications from first contact through project completion. 
• Send professional proposals that win work: Create polished proposals clients can review, approve, and sign through a customer portal. 
• Schedule trained crews across multiple job sites: The scheduling features assign crews and roles to specific job phases. 
• Keep field crews connected to job details: Field management tools put site information, material specs, and schedule updates in your crews' hands. 
• Get paid without chasing invoices: The invoicing features sync with QuickBooks to keep financials organized without double-entry. Quality work from trained crews deserves prompt payment; OneCrew helps you collect it.

Those asphalt training videos teach your people how to do the work right. OneCrew helps you manage the work so nothing gets lost. Book a free demo and see how OneCrew helps paving contractors take control of their jobs from start to finish.

FAQs

1. Where can I find free asphalt training videos?

You can find free asphalt training videos from NCAT Auburn University, FHWA, and state asphalt pavement associations. Equipment manufacturers like BOMAG and Caterpillar also provide free training content on their YouTube channels and websites. These sources offer professional-quality content without any cost.

2. What topics do asphalt training videos typically cover?

Asphalt training videos typically cover paving operations, compaction techniques, mix design, quality testing, equipment operation, and maintenance procedures. NCAT's “Training in Your Pocket” series focuses on technical testing, while FHWA covers broad pavement principles like density, smoothness, and long-life pavement design.

3. How long are most asphalt training videos?

Most asphalt training videos range from 3 minutes to over an hour depending on the source. NCAT's videos run 3-7 minutes each. FHWA videos typically run 5-10 minutes. Webinar recordings from state associations can exceed an hour. Shorter videos work better for regular crew training sessions during morning meetings or lunch breaks.

4. Can asphalt training videos replace hands-on training?

No, asphalt training videos cannot fully replace hands-on training. Videos supplement hands-on experience but don't replace it. Asphalt training videos teach concepts and techniques, but skills develop through actual practice. Combine video learning with real-world field experience for best results; have operators practice what they watched on an actual mat.

5. Are equipment-specific asphalt training videos useful if I own different brands?

Yes, equipment-specific asphalt training videos are useful even if you own different brands. Operational principles transfer between similar equipment types. An asphalt training video on roller compaction from BOMAG teaches concepts applicable to any vibratory roller. Focus on techniques rather than brand-specific features when watching manufacturer content.