Training for heavy jobs

Idahoans could get a major boost in their industry credentials with the Heavy Equipment Operator School this summer.

The Idaho Transportation Department received a grant to put 20 North Idaho residents through the program, where attendees will gain 11 certifications including a flagger certification, a forklift certification and a Heavy Equipment Operator Certification that is recognized by the Inland Northwest Associated General Contractors of America.

“Our goal this year is to target veterans and injured veterans because, in our local areas, there’s a need for jobs for vets,” said Russ Rivera, a contract compliance officer with the Idaho Transportation Department. “People are retiring and coming home from the military and struggling to find employment. This is an opportunity for them to diversify their skill sets.”

The program is a one-month intensive training program that will be hosted at the Kootenai Technical Education Campus in Rathdrum in June. Through a $200,000 grant, ITD will provide training, housing and housing reimbursement for non-locals.

However, Rivera said, the program can’t provide food for trainees. He hopes local restaurants will see the value of the program and offer to donate a meal or two.

Part of the training is bringing industry contractors to meet the trainees. Contractors can see their potential employees at work. Last year, Rivera said, some contractors signed with trainees before they even got out of the program — on the condition they completed the training, they had a job.

Lamont Phillips moved from Lewiston to Coeur d’Alene after he completed the training last year.

“I grew up doing heavy machinery my whole life and I’ve never had a certificate. I probably never would have [the money] to get my certification,” Phillips said. “It definitely helped, that’s for sure … it definitely betters yourself in the operating world.”

Phillips got a job with ACI Northwest immediately after completing the heavy equipment operator training. He’s currently not working for the winter, but is thinking about moving back to Lewiston for a three-year project for which he might be hired.

Rivera said heavy equipment operator jobs are in high demand.

“It’s definitely a good trade to get into,” he said. “We’ve been hearing about issues through the Associated General Contractors and local unions that there’s a lack of people with the qualifications and experience needed for these trades.”