Workforce Development

Mission Statement

To find, train and employ a diverse, skilled workforce that is ready to meet upcoming highway construction demands. The programs expand diversity in employment, increases the number of apprentices and provides resources for highway construction jobs across the state.

How to Start a Construction Career

ODOT is training future highway workers that will fill vacancies in the construction industry. Please view this brochure, watch this video and follow the links if you are interested in becoming a construction apprentice:

OJT/Apprenticeship Program

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

Trainees/apprentices who complete the OJT/Apprentice program will have skills to build a career and may eventually own their own construction business. Construction employers who develop their workforce through the program will have a diverse and highly skilled group of workers ready to face future construction projects. Finally, the public benefits from the creation of family wage jobs and Oregon's roads will be improved. For contract specifications, please read these documents regarding projects. For contract specifications, please read these documents regarding Federal Reimbursable Apprenticeship Training and State Reimbursable Apprenticeship Training.

Training Programs

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.

Non-registered contractors can do in-house training through ODOT on Federal-Aid projects only. Contractors must pay prevailing wages through the in-house training program.

Carpenter Trainee
Cement Mason Trainee
Ironworker Trainee
Utility Trainee
Construction Assistant (Not available for apprentice-able credit on 12% projects.)

Contractors in charge of a training program must provide all of the training included in the "Work Processes" section, including the classroom instruction. The in-house programs are not to be used as summer work programs or for interns. The programs are also not done simply to fulfill a contract obligation. Contractors within the training program are committing to On-the-Job Training to develop the industry's workforce.

Contractors interested in OJT/Apprenticeship programs may contact an ODOT Civil Rights Field Coordinator. These programs may be used on any ODOT Federal-Aid Project where OJT/Apprenticeship is required by the contract.

ODOT-BOLI Highway Construction Workforce Development Program

ODOT and the Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries (BOLI) have partnered to meet the goals of adding more diversity in hiring, increasing apprenticeship numbers and providing resources for training. These programs include: