Headquarters photo by John Milne
By Erin Gallup von Tersch
Caltrans Office of Civil Rights business communications manager
Fresno middle and high school students explored hands-on heavy equipment training at Caltrans’ Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) Academy on Nov. 14, experiencing firsthand how fun these in-demand and high-paying careers are.
Forty-four students from Scandinavian Middle School and Duncan Polytechnical High School spent the day at Caltrans’ Fresno Heavy Equipment Operator Academy, trying out simulators, meeting instructors and learning how HEO careers offer strong wages, job stability and opportunities to work statewide.
(Click here for a photo gallery of the event.)
The event was part of Caltrans’ On-the-Job/Supportive Services Program, which increases access to skilled trades for women, minorities and other underrepresented groups. Caltrans partners with industry and education leaders to offer training that helps participants earn certifications and launch careers in the heavy highway construction industry.
Students rotated through stations featuring heavy equipment simulators — technology that allows participants to learn basic tasks 40 percent faster, according to Sandy Mitchell from Baker Technical Institute (BTI). BTI is the Caltrans Heavy Highway Construction Trades Academy training provider and brought mobile training units with simulators, which the students said felt like video games — but with real-world skills.
“I liked that the simulator made it physically feel like I was moving the bucket, dumping the dirt, and driving,” said eighth-grader Zahara. “I like this field trip.”
Others said the day opened their eyes to new options. “These simulators are good. I like how realistic it is,” said seventh-grader Giovanni. His classmate, Michael, added, “It feels like real life.”
HEO Academy leaders emphasized that students could enter these careers right out of high school. “If you’re interested, you can do this and get paid $30 to $70 an hour — or even up to $100 an hour,” said Caltrans Maintenance Supervisor Jeremy Gorman. “Operators can make over $100,000 a year. These are real options.”
BTI instructor Sandy Mitchell encouraged students — especially girls — to consider these trades. “You don’t have to limit yourself because you’re female,” she said. “Technical education is huge. Contractors are having trouble finding operators, and wages are rising.”
Instructors stressed that hands-on training builds confidence, opens doors, and provides viable alternatives to four-year college paths. For more information, visit https://dot.ca.gov/programs/civil-rights/workforce-development-branch and https://dot.ca.gov/programs/civil-rights/workforce-development-branch/heavy-highway-construction-trades-academies