Toll-Free Number Connects Workers With ODOT Construction Opportunities

Callers to ODOT’s information line can inquire in English or Spanish.

Callers to (877) 972-5700, can find out about the latest ODOT construction job openings.

(SALEM) - The Oregon Department of Transportation’s Office of Civil Rights has opened a toll-free, bilingual phone line so that Oregonians interested in highway construction jobs can find out about employment or apprenticeship opportunities with ODOT’s contractors on highway construction projects. When you call (877) 972-5700, callers will hear a greeting and can leave a message in English or Spanish.

Within 48 hours, they will hear back from a Civil Rights specialist in their location telling them about employment and apprenticeship opportunities in their area and how to get involved. There is a critical need for trained construction workers in Oregon, but the process for entering the high-paying construction industry can be challenging.

ODOT is facilitating that process for job seekers through its Workforce Development Plan.

The toll-free number is part of the Workforce Development Plan, which has three important goals:

1. Increase diversity in employment.
2. Increase apprenticeship participation.
3. Provide more training resources and opportunities for highway construction careers.

All over the state, ODOT is engaged in major construction projects to improve the highway infrastructure, including projects in the $1.3 billion OTIA III State Bridge Delivery Program.

The bridge program, part of ODOT’s 10-year, $3 billion Oregon Transportation Investment Act, is replacing and repairing hundreds of aging highway bridges across the state. At the same time, Oregon is facing a shortage of qualified highway workers for apprentice and skilled journey-level positions. “The new toll-free number gives people a simple, direct line of communication,” said Michael Cobb, manager of ODOT’s Office of Civil Rights.

“Now anyone, anywhere in the state, can receive personal guidance about construction opportunities in their area.”