Building Bridges by Serving our Community
Golden State Bridge has many opportunities to interact with the communities around us – it’s a big part of what we do. We believe that thriving communities are built together. Our partnerships provide essential resources, share expertise, and help us expand our reach. By collaborating with local businesses, civic leaders and public agencies and our many subcontractors and suppliers, we can create meaningful, long-term impacts across the many areas of California where the work takes us.
We had a recent opportunity presented to us by the Port of Redwood City, as we have just begin a new Caltrans Contract in San Mateo, CA. We were asked to participate in a Redwood City High School field trip, where junior and senior students would arrive at Wharf 5 to observe Golden State Bridge’s activities at the docks while we prepared our water vehicles to support the bridge repairs. Mr. Bender, the wood shop teacher, was their chaperone.
Jake Lavash, Golden State Bridge’s experienced 27-year piledriver/welder, who was selected to lead the students from the field trip, carefully explained how being on time and having excellent attendance is very important in construction. He also explained that the working conditions are mainly outdoors in any type of weather. He educated them on each craft we employ and what work each type of craftworker performs. He then did an in-water maritime demonstration – he had the Golden State Bridge crew assemble two 120′ x 10′ barges into one larger 120′ x 20′ barge. The students were very excited at the hands-on demonstration involving in-water barge equipment.
Golden State Bridge and the Port of Redwood City received a wonderful note from Redwood High School about their field trip jobsite visit experience:
Our team wanted to take a moment to thank you for hosting Redwood High School students for an exceptional worksite visit on May 14th (2026). Many students arrived curious about careers in maritime trades and left with increased interest and confidence. From an immersive site tour to hands-on activities, from the networking lunch to genuine one-on-one conversations with staff, every single element of the visit was thoughtfully designed and impactful. Students rated the experience 4.8 out of 5 stars.
Students practiced rope-tying techniques with longshoremen and captains and learned that undersea cables quietly power connections across the Bay. They were interested in the sustainable future of this industry and the three new electric ferries being built for the Bay Area. One student was especially impressed that the port’s operations are led by women. Another student loved stepping inside the USGS vessel. And multiple students said the highlight of the day was the many personal conversations with port staff and partners.
CLEAN ENERGY INSPIRATION
Students left impressed that electric vessels are on the way, that the maritime industry is at the forefront of sustainability, and that the work happening right here in Redwood City is making the Bay Area better for everyone.
STUDENT VOICES
“Careers at the port can be life changing.” — Steven
“From the site tour to hands-on activity to learning of jobs and opportunities and upcoming goals and even lunch — everything was great. I loved and enjoyed everything.” — Jose
“I learned that the electric ferries will help cut back on pollution.” — AJ
CAREER IMPACT
The Port of Redwood City gave students a glimpse of their potential futures and the people, passion, and purpose behind one of the Bay Area’s most vital institutions.
The majority of students who completed the evaluation survey left with confirmed interest in a maritime or clean energy career.
Thank you for an incredible experience. We’d love to continue the partnership!
The Port of Redwood City also wrote a wonderful thank you email for Golden State’s Bridge’s help with their request to host Redwood High students for a jobsite visit day, and provided us with the photos of the field trip posted here. Golden State Bridge was more than happy to help a future generation of bright young students!
Our sincerest thanks to Jake Lavash for being an excellent teacher!