In Blackfoot, Idaho, a local construction company is taking an innovative approach to solving a persistent workforce shortage — by moving the job site into the classroom.
Gayle Lim Construction has delivered heavy machinery simulators to the Blackfoot and Snake River school districts, giving high school students hands-on experience with equipment commonly used in the field. The initiative comes as contractors across eastern Idaho report ongoing difficulty finding certified operators for critical roles.
"We just did not have people coming in and getting applications," said Sheri Lim, co-owner of Gale Lim. "We were like, where are we going to find our workforce?
"So we decided the best place to do that was in the schools".
The simulators, which resemble advanced gaming systems, are designed to replicate the controls and functions of real heavy machinery. Students can train using three interchangeable adapters that simulate dozers, excavators and loaders — all essential tools on modern construction sites.
Rather than recruiting operators from outside the region, Gayle Lim Construction’s strategy focuses on building a sustainable local workforce pipeline. By introducing students to heavy equipment operation early, the company hopes to create a steady flow of trained, certified workers prepared to enter the field immediately after graduation.
The program has already produced measurable results. One local student secured employment with Gayle Lim Construction shortly after mastering the simulator and earning certification — demonstrating how quickly classroom training can translate into real-world opportunity.
At Snake River High School, educators say the simulators have sparked renewed interest in construction careers. According to James Hoge, a teacher at the school, students are increasingly viewing skilled trades as viable, well-paying career paths rather than backup options.
The hands-on experience appears to make a meaningful difference in student confidence.
"They're going to have such a better step up from the people without the simulators," said success story graduate and laborer, McKay Ricks. "When they go out into the field, they're not totally clueless".
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Idaho’s construction industry has faced mounting pressure as population growth and development accelerate across the state. Residential, commercial and infrastructure projects require certified heavy equipment operators — positions that cannot be easily filled without proper training and safety credentials.
By investing directly in school-based training, Gayle Lim Construction is aligning workforce development with community growth. The approach mirrors broader trends nationwide, where contractors are increasingly partnering with Career Technical Education (CTE) programs to address skilled labor shortages.
For students, the simulators offer more than just exposure — they provide a pathway to certification and immediate employment. For employers, the program reduces onboarding time, improves safety readiness and strengthens retention by hiring locally trained workers.
As eastern Idaho communities expand, initiatives like this could serve as a model for other regions struggling to fill skilled trade positions. Instead of waiting for workers to apply, companies are cultivating talent where it starts — in the classroom — ensuring the next generation is ready to handle the heavy lifting.
Originally reported by Par Kermani in Local News 8.
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