COEUR d’ALENE — North Idaho College will launch a new apprenticeship program in summer 2025 that is expected to increase the number of heavy equipment operators in the area. 

NIC has received a $299,951 grant from the Federal Highway Administration’s Highway Construction Training Program to develop and deliver a heavy equipment operator registered apprenticeship training program and place participants in heavy equipment operator jobs. 

Beginning next summer, the program will offer two five-week apprenticeship training courses over a two-year period, training a total of 50 students. The grant will cover tuition for the students. 

“We’re looking to reach underserved populations, provide that hands-on training and get them right into the workforce after a short, five-week program,” said Colby Matilla, NIC executive director of Workforce and Economic Development. 

Participants will be trained in construction basics, heavy equipment operation, occupational safety, first aid/CPR, traffic control flagging and forklift operation. Students may also choose to complete an optional commercial driver’s license training. 

Matilla said the program will help address the need for heavy equipment operators locally. 

“Road construction around here is all over the place,” he said. “In the coming years, we’ll see a lot more of it.” 

The college is looking to partner with area companies to sponsor or hire students after they complete their training, Matilla said. 

NIC is one of 16 colleges across the country to receive such a grant this year. In Pocatello, Idaho State University will receive $258,382 to establish an institute that will provide advanced training in materials testing for construction, as well as education on other construction-related topics.