Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship Program (OJT)

The Office of Equity and Civil Rights Apprenticeship Program sets goals for the utilization of apprentices across all projects that meet Oregon Law thresholds.

Each project is evaluated individually for a 12% overall apprenticeship goal for all applicable federal, federally-assisted, and state projects valued at $3 million or greater (or subcontractors with subcontracts valued at $750,000 or more) as required by Oregon Law as of January 1, 2024.

The Apprenticeship Program is designed to increase opportunity for minorities and women in the construction industry. This program can also used by contractors to meet the goals of the Equal Employment Opportunity Program.

Apprentices who complete the Apprenticeship program will have skills to build a career and may eventually own their own construction businesses. Construction employers who develop their workforce through the program will have a diverse and highly skilled group of workers ready to accept future construction projects. And creating these family wage jobs improves Oregon's roads, which benefits the public.

For contract specifications, please read the Federal Apprenticeship Training document.
Frequently Asked Questions on Requirements in Public Improvement Contracts for Apprentices and Outreach (Amendments to ORS 279C.533 (HB 2649).

ODOT encourages contractors to become registered training agents with a BOLI approved Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC). Registered training agents may pay registered apprentices according to apprenticeship industry standards.

How to become an apprentice

ODOT helps future highway workers find training so they can fill vacancies in the construction industry. Please view this brochure, watch this video and follow the links below if you are interested in becoming a construction apprentice:

Those interested in starting a construction career may visit our Workforce Development page.

Contractors interested in Apprenticeship programs may contact an ODOT Civil Rights Field Coordinator.

For help with an apprenticeship application, contact Penny Painter at Akana, 503-205-4769, penny.painter@akana.us, or visit bit.ly/apprenticesupports.