OTEC & Eastern Oregon Higher Ed Institutions Emphasize Targeted Local Workforce Development

Major benefits flow into local communities when students participate in higher education, from special skills to life lessons and valuable work experience. Local institutions, such as Baker Technical Institute (BTI), Blue Mountain Community College (BMCC), and Eastern Oregon University (EOU), are committed to nurturing this dynamic in Eastern Oregon. The collective group strives to reduce unemployment and develop a workforce that complements regional needs.

Eastern Oregon features diverse local industries, from advanced manufacturing to information technology, while trades such as carpentry, welding and electricians are in high demand. Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative (OTEC) and Eastern Oregon’s higher education universities are dedicated to ensuring their backyard is well-stocked with capable, skilled workers.

BTI’s Extensive Programs 

Baker Technical Institute is a leader in preparing skilled workers to enter the local workforce. A wide array of courses is available to students interested in pursuing careers in fields like trucking and logistics, health sciences, welding and manufacturing, heavy equipment operation and electrical line work.

Last year, OTEC announced a partnership with BTI to establish a new electrical lineworker school, addressing a need for new workers due to increasing electrical grid needs nationwide.

BMCC’s Workforce Solutions

Blue Mountain Community College offers an extensive range of courses providing short-term career training, certification/licensure preparation and professional development for individuals or their companies. 

For example, BMCC can provide the necessary skills to begin a career in heavy equipment operation (HEO), with operator demand currently high in Eastern Oregon. The HEO Level 1 course includes orientation to the trade, equipment safety and identification, basic operational techniques and earth moving/grading. 
National Center for Construction and Education Research (NCCER) certification is provided to complete the training, which features a hands-on approach using simulation equipment. Textbooks are included, and interviews with hiring companies are scheduled for each class.

In addition, BMCC can guide students interested in precision machining, helping them achieve certification in multiple machining disciplines. Its manufacturing classes prepare students for careers such as production technicians, quality control inspectors, power plant and process control operators, and more.

Finally, BMCC offers classes for trades licensure for electricians, plumbers, HVAC, gas fitting and welding. 

Click here to view a full class listing.

EOU Develops Local Talent

Eastern Oregon University leverages innovative strategies to keep educated, high-skilled workers in the region through its Rural Engagement & Vitality (REV) Center. The REV Center focuses on community development and economic projects throughout Eastern Oregon, providing students with real-world experience and internships.

Internships and partnerships with local businesses lead directly to employment opportunities, while community development projects see students participating in critical initiatives such as analyses to improve regional infrastructure. 

EOU also utilizes strategic partnerships to set up various specialized training programs, focusing on learning relevant to local industries, as well as talent and career fairs.

OTEC Announces 2025 Academic Scholarships

Earlier this summer, OTEC awarded 24 academic scholarships to local students. Thanks to an ongoing partnership with EOU, OTEC awarded the OTEC-EOU Rural Scholarship for the sixth consecutive year to four incredible students. The OTEC-EOU Rural Scholarship covers all tuition and fees at Eastern Oregon University, provided they commit to graduating from EOU. 

In addition, 20 scholarships for the 2025-26 academic year were awarded to students in Baker, Grant, Harney and Union counties, each worth $5,000. All scholarships were made possible via the OTEC Member Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit that supports OTEC members, their families and communities.

Contact OTEC for more information on the targeted education programs in Eastern Oregon that are training the next generation of skilled, local workers.