Workforce Development Program

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:

Apprenticeship Program (OJT)

The 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.

Apprentices who complete the Apprenticeship 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 Apprenticeship Training and State Apprenticeship Training.

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.

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

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: