10/6/2020
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
MEDIA INVITED for “Bulldozing through COVID” stories from equipment operators, employers
BOISE - Even during these challenging and uncertain times, the world of construction just keeps on pushing forward. While construction continues to ramp up, the number of qualified people in the industry is dwindling — but not for long.
Through partnerships between the Idaho Transportation Department, Baker
Technical Institute, Idaho Rural Water Association, and the Federal
Highway Administration, 20 men and women will be certified to operate
select heavy equipment on Idaho construction projects.
Tomorrow, on Wednesday (Oct. 7) the media is invited to come out to a Field Day to showcase the skills these students have learned to potential employers. There are a half-dozen potential employers who will be on hand tomorrow (Oct. 7) for this event. Last year, there were three employers at the event, and it led to six employment offers.
“Students will enter the workforce with certifications in Heavy Equipment Operation, and Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response. They will also receive fork lift training and OSHA-10 certification,” said Jessika Phillips of the Idaho Transportation Department’s Office of Civil Rights.
“This is just another one of the many ways the Federal Highway Administration works with its Idaho partners to grow the specialized talent we need to keep America’s roads and bridges safe. The most important investment we can make in our nation’s highway system is in the people entrusted to protect it,” said Michael Caliendo with the Federal Highway Administration.
WHAT: Heavy Equipment Operator Combine
WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2020 @ 10 a.m.
WHERE: Interstate 84, Exit 64. One mile north on Black Creek Road. Turn left at Premier Aggregate and follow the road to the end.
Questions should be addressed to ITD’s Jessika Phillips at 208-334-8152 or Jessika.Phillips@itd.idaho.gov and Doug Dalton of Baker Technical Institute (the firm doing the instruction) at 208-861-2749 or Doug.Dalton@bakersd.org