Devore Interchange Team Focuses on Apprentices

When work accelerated on the I-15/I-215 Devore Interchange project, crew sizes doubled, and then tripled, to more than 250 crew members. While managing some of the crew, the project team noticed that the workforce was eager for more technical knowledge. With that, the idea for the apprentice training program was born.

 

The project-specific classes are designed to educate and empower crew members as they construct a new I-15 mainline northbound connector to restore route continuity and reduce operational deficiencies. The Devore Interchange serves more than one million vehicles weekly traveling in and out of Southern California. As the first design-build project by client, Caltrans, the interchange is consistently in the spotlight. With a tight schedule and a lot of moving parts during the day, the project team could only think of one time to hold the apprenticeship program without interruption — before the morning shift. So, every other Thursday, Atkinson's project superintendent sets his alarm clock for 1:30 a.m. to get to the jobsite and start preparing for the day's training. A mix of operators, laborers, carpenters, and concrete masons convene at 4:30 a.m. for the apprentice training program. 

 

The classes have focused on constructing retaining walls to bridge construction and reading associated building plans. 

 

"These classes are preparing our workers for the next step in their careers and lets them know that forwarding their careers is possible and obtainable. I once sat where they are early in my career and it is exciting to see them get involved and apply the things they have learned. I tell them to be better tomorrow than you were today and the sky is the limit," stated Atkinson's I-15/I-215 Devore Interchange project superintendent Jeff Niblack.

 

The program not only teaches workers, but also gives them confidence to ask questions. With the extra time spent together and the ability to look ahead, the project team has seen an increase in safety awareness and production. "We have struck a nerve with the classes. The guys in the field see that our project team really cares about them and is willing to spend time teaching and developing their skills. The classes have also energized and motivated our superintendents to share their knowledge. The excitement has become contagious and allows us to be safer and more productive, all while helping our team grow and tackle bigger challenges," added I-15/I-215 Devore Interchange senior project manager, Felipe Olivar.