Delilah Wilson was one of 20 students that graduated from the ICONIC program in Boise, Thursday, May 14.
And this is her first week officially in the construction industry as a heavy equipment operator at Granite Excavation.
“To be able to have that training…being certified goes a long way. I think they (Granite Excavation) were willing to hire me because they heard great things from the program and because I have a lot of experience from just going out there — day one,” Wilson said.
Idaho Department of Labor Workforce Consultant Lester Ryan De Guzman and Program and Membership Coordinator Sandy Mitchell from Baker Technical Institute (BTI) stand next to Wilson while she holds her heavy equipment operation certification with pride on graduation day.
Wilson was released from the U.S. Navy in July last year and decided to pursue a civilian life job where she could be active and “hands-on” in the work environment.
When the ICONIC program was discussed and presented by her dad’s coworker (who also participated in the program), she knew she had to invest and apply. Out of 200 applicants in Boise, she was chosen as a candidate.
Labor Workforce Consultant Sheri Phimmasone interviewed Wilson to see if she would be a great fit for the program and decided she should join the class.
“Deliah is very professional with a strong background relative to construction,” Phimmasone said. “Not only that, but she is very ambitious and goal driven.”
Wilson’s face lit up talking about her experience with Phimmasone. Wilson said she was helpful, open about the process with the program and also assisted her with interviewing and resume skills.
While pursuing a new career in the civilian world was important to Wilson, the timing was also spot on for when the opportunity appeared in her life.
“I got really excited (about the program). I had been looking for a new job, and my job was going to lay me off the day that this started,” Wilson said.
The ICONIC program gives students a mix of hands-on learning and in classroom experience to learn the ins and outs of heavy equipment operation before earning their certifications. Wilson came into the program with zero prior experience operating heavy equipment, but once she learned from the computer – the rest was a breeze for her.
Wilson operates the heavy equipment at Land Lab Day in May.
“Once I got into the equipment, everything felt normal. Besides the start button and safety things…but I mean after you figure those things out — it was a great experience,” Wilson said.
Wilson recommends the ICONIC program to women and veterans who want to go into the construction industry.
“This is a really great step in the industry. For women, it gives you that safety net…you just need to take that next step,” Wilson said. “And for veterans — because this is similar to the military environment, so this is a great transfer over.”
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The ICONIC program is 100% funded by FHWA and administered by the Idaho Transportation Department in partnership with the Idaho Department of Labor and BTI.
Lindsay Trombly, Public Information Specialist
Idaho Department of Labor