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By the Office of Civil Rights
On Feb. 28, Caltrans’ Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) program graduated 19 disadvantaged individuals in its first academy of the year at the Steelworkers’ Auditorium in Fontana in San Bernardino County.
The academy provides comprehensive, hands-on training through a seven-week curriculum that includes Heavy Equipment Simulators, the union-endorsed foundational Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (MC3), and hands-on Land Lab Training operating dozers, loaders, excavators, rollers, skid steers and backhoes.
Graduates received up to 17 industry-recognized certifications, including Blueprint Reading and Construction Math.
A total of 205 individuals applied for the free program designed to meet the growing need for skilled workers in heavy highway construction. Thirty-seven individuals were selected for interviews, and 20 were chosen for the training.
Thirteen of these students were from San Bernardino County, in alignment with the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) request to focus on this region. Additionally, two participants were housed through Supportive Services to ensure their success.
One student had to leave due to family reasons, but 19 of 20 individuals graduated, which is a 95 percent graduation rate.
Looking ahead, Caltrans plans to expand the program even further. Over the next three years, Caltrans will host three academies annually across California’s northern, central and southern regions, totaling nine academies by December 2027.