Caltrans Workforce Development Branch
Caltrans’ On the Job Training (OJT)/Supportive Services (SS) Program provides pre-apprenticeship training to increase the participation of women, minorities, and other disadvantaged individuals in skilled and semi-skilled crafts to fill a workforce gap.
Youth
What you’ll gain:
- Hands-on exposure to all modes of transportation
- Academic enrichment and career exploration activities
- Encouragement to pursue transportation studies in higher education
Statewide opportunities:
In summer 2025, Caltrans hosted two NSTI sessions:
- California State University, Los Angeles: July 21 – August 2
- Cal Poly Pomona Foundation, Inc.: July 28 – August 8
Apply now: Caltrans National Summer Transportation Institute (NSTI)
Adults
The need for skilled trade workers is at an all-time high—and Caltrans is stepping up. Through a first-of-its-kind partnership with industry and education leaders, we’re offering a Free Heavy Highway Construction Training Academy that equips students with the skills and certifications to launch a career in Heavy Highway Construction.
What you’ll gain:
- Hands-on training with state-of-the-art simulators and live equipment
- Up to 17 industry-recognized certifications using the union-endorsed Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (MC3)
- Pathways to apprenticeships or direct employment
Statewide opportunities:
Between January 2025 and December 2027, Caltrans will host nine Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) Academies—three each year in Northern, Central, and Southern California—to train 180 underserved individuals.
Apply today: Caltrans Heavy Highway Construction Trades Academy - External Site
Caltrans Heavy Highway Construction Trades Academy - (PDF)
Upcoming Pilots (Late 2025)
- Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Training Program: Class A CDL Training
2025 Cal Poly Pomona NSTI class
The Federal Highway Administration and the US Department of Transportation provides these additional resources and information: