Building Infrastructure and Our Workforce: Environmental Services Celebrates National Apprenticeship Day

Summary

Environmental Services in Portland celebrates National Apprenticeship Day by highlighting the Secondary Treatment Expansion Program at the Columbia Boulevard Wastewater Treatment Plant. This $515 million initiative not only enhances infrastructure but also invests in the region's workforce by logging over 163,000 apprentice hours, with significant participation from minority and female apprentices.

This project serves as a model for aligning public investment with workforce development, demonstrating how infrastructure projects can be leveraged to create pathways for future tradespeople. By focusing on developing a skilled workforce, it aims to expand access to good careers while providing essential community services.

Why this matters for apprenticeships

This story showcases the vital role of registered apprenticeship programs in building a skilled workforce that meets the demands of critical infrastructure projects. By investing in apprentices, organizations not only contribute to immediate project needs but also cultivate a diverse and capable future workforce.