Over the course of seven weeks, individuals throughout the Humboldt County region began the Caltrans Heavy Highway Construction Trades Academy. Today, these trainees graduated from the academy at the Sapphire Palace in Blue Lake Casino. Out of the 20 students who participated in the academy, all 20 have successfully graduated the program, and this graduating class holds the record for being in the top 5% of Heavy Equipment Academy graduates in the State. Blue Lake Rancheria (BLR) congratulates Shane Drummond, BLR Facilities Maintenance Tech and Tate Morgan, BLR Facilities Maintenance Tech for graduating the academy! The graduates of this program are leaving with a diverse set of certifications and skills that will fuel their careers in the Heavy Highway Trades industry.
After the initial reception, Doug Dalton, Baker Technical Institute President, introduced the guest speakers who all spoke at the graduation ceremony. These guest speakers included Marjani Rollins, Office Chief at Caltrans Office of Civil Rights, Paul Johnson, Caltrans District 1 Maintenance Manager, Peggy Murphy, Executive Director of the Humboldt County Workforce Development Board, Jace Baldosser, BLR Tribal Council Member & Blue Lake Casino Manager, and Michelle Bushnell, Humboldt County District 2 Supervisor.
“Your training here is just the beginning. The skills you’ve acquired will serve you well as you embark on your careers that are not only rewarding, but also essential to the well-being and progress of our communities.” –Paul Johnson, Caltrans District 1 Maintenance Manager
“At the Workforce Development Board, our goal is to support programs like this that do not just prepare people for a job, but make people employable and get them into long-lasting careers with room for growth.” –Peggy Murphy, Executive Director, Humboldt County Workforce Development Board
Through graduating the Heavy Highway Construction Trades Academy, graduates will be leaving as certified heavy equipment operators, with the ability to operate bulldozers, excavators, mini excavators, skid steer, backhoe, skip loader, front end loader, and forklifts. The graduates have also achieved the following certifications:
• Heavy Equipment Operator Certification
• HAZMAT First Responder Certification
• California Flagger Certification
• OSHA 10 for Construction
• Forklift Operation and Safety Certification
• CPR/First Aid/AED for Construction
• Apprenticeship Readiness Program for Construction
Originally Published: 8/28/2025