Caltrans Announces Free Heavy Equipment Operator Training Academy in Kern County
Seven‑week program offers high‑demand certifications and pathway to $44–$56/hr careers
Date: July 10, 2026
Caltrans Announces Free Heavy Equipment Operator Training Academy in Kern County
Seven‑week program offers high‑demand certifications and pathway to $44–$56/hr careers
BISHOP, CA—The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration and Baker Technical Institute, is launching a free Heavy Highway Construction Trades Academy this fall to address the statewide shortage of skilled trade workers. The seven‑week, hands‑on academy will run September 28 – November 13, 2026, with applications accepted July 13–31, 2026 (or until filled).
As California invests heavily in upgrading infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and utilities, the need for qualified heavy equipment operators is also on the rise. The training academy aims to address the high demand for skilled workers.
Participants will receive state-of-the-art, experiential instruction using heavy equipment simulators and real field machinery, led by industry-trained professionals. The academy equips students with highly marketable skills through a suite of certifications, including:
- Heavy Equipment Operator certifications across multiple machines
- HAZMAT First Responder
- California Flagger
- OSHA 10 for Construction
- Forklift Operation & Safety
- CPR/First Aid/AED
- MC3 Apprenticeship Readiness Program
Additional instruction includes blueprint reading, construction math, concrete/asphalt basics, load securement, excavation safety, and commercial vehicle inspection.
Graduates enter a high‑demand field with projected starting wages between $44 and $56 per hour, offering significant economic mobility and long‑term career growth.
Tuition is fully funded by Caltrans for successful applicants. To learn more about the program, visit Caltrans Heavy Highway Construction Trades Academy.
Application Information
Applications will be processed by Baker Technical Institute and are available online at:
https://bakerti.org/
About the Program Partners
Caltrans and the Federal Highway Administration have partnered with Baker Technical Institute, a nationally recognized workforce training provider, to deliver high-quality construction trades education built around real industry needs.
For those with sensory disabilities requiring alternate formats (i.e., Braille, large print, sign language interpreter, etc.) and those needing information in a language other than English, please contact Angela Bates at 760-881-7145 or TTY 711.
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