Bull Run Filtration: Building career pathways for apprentices

The Bull Run Filtration Project is building more than critical water infrastructure—it's also building our local workforce. We have committed 20 percent of total construction workforce hours to apprentices as part of our broader effort to help train a skilled workforce for the Portland region. Through this generational project, we are providing pathways for apprentices to learn skilled trades, earn while they train, and build long-term careers while being part of a major public works project. 
With a project of this scale, apprentice involvement spans more than a dozen trades, from carpenter to electrician to cement mason to power equipment operator. 
 

"This project is definitely the biggest project I've ever been on, and in that sense there's a lot of independence because there's so much ground to clear… I've grown a lot of confidence in myself that down the line I'll be able to handle things on my own." – Hayden Knutson, apprentice with the Union Brotherhood of Carpenters

Registered apprentices are actively contributing to construction of these water system improvements while learning side-by-side with their journeyperson supervisors. More than 80,000 apprentice hours have been logged so far with a couple of years of construction to go!  

"After being here for almost two years now, I have had a lot of amazing people kind of guide me through, and I wouldn't have got that without being on the filtration project." – Eva Rohatinsky, apprentice with the Local 701 Operating Engineers Union 

View full size image of Workers gathered on construction site with rebar visible in foreground.

In addition to the registered apprentices helping build the future of our water system, we recently welcomed pre-apprentices from Portland YouthBuilders and Portland Opportunities Industrialization Center for a behind-the-scenes look at construction. The student groups had a chance to see firsthand the opportunities that may be available if they chose to be an apprentice under one of the organized labor groups working at the site.

View full size image of Man speaking with people seated in conference room.

"This trip was an amazing experience for our students and staff alike. The tour was smooth, informative, and the passion for this project was so evident with each speaker and tour guide. I loved how safety, communication, a family atmosphere, and respect were discussed throughout the day. It really hit home with our students." – Danny Van Voorhis, Portland YouthBuilders

By supporting apprenticeship goals and workforce equity commitments, the Bull Run Filtration Projects are helping expand access to family-wage jobs, strengthen the regional construction workforce, and create lasting benefits for the community.