At Thacker Pass, every story matters. Our Faces of Thacker Pass features aim to share the behind-the-scenes stories of the people, their diverse roles and the vital part they play in advancing our project.
Left: Maria L., apprentice Laborer at Thacker Pass. Center: Maria maintains an inventory of calibrated tools and sensing equipment at Thacker Pass, including tracking when the tools are due to be recalibrated. Right: Maria was named Apprentice of the Month for January, nominated by Superintendent Jorge S. for her great support and attitude.
Maria L. is an apprentice Laborer at Thacker Pass. She was named Apprentice of the Month for January, nominated by Superintendent Jorge S. for her great support and attitude.
She is more than 1,000 hours into her 4,000-hour apprenticeship with LiUNA, the Laborers International Union of North America, Local 169 out of Reno. Since joining Bechtel at Thacker Pass in October of 2025, she’s had many duties including helping deliver tools needed by various construction crews. Her current role is to maintain an inventory of calibrated tools and sensing equipment at site, including tracking when the tools are due to be recalibrated.
Where were you born and where did you grow up?
I was born in Merced, California and moved to Battle Mountain, Nevada (about 50 miles east of Winnemucca) about a month after I was born, which is where I grew up.
What made you want to become an apprentice Laborer?
I was a student at the University Nevada, Reno and it was a way to help pay for school. My first job was working for Granite Construction, working on a solar project during the summer.
I graduated from UNR with a degree in criminal justice and someday I’d like to work for a crime lab.
What’s your advice to someone considering a career in the building trades?
I feel you should consider every opportunity that’s put in front of you. Just accept it, even if you’re not sure. That’s what I’ve been doing -- I’ve learned a lot from each project they’ve moved me to. They teach you a little bit of everything.
I was mostly helping the carpenters, so I learned a lot from their trade. You can also learn about operating a skid steer, forklift, aerial lift and some other certifications.
Could you talk about the importance of Thacker Pass?
It’s very important. I feel like I’m part of something big. You’re putting in your little grain of salt, and you’re learning a lot from it, so it’s also benefitting you personally, not just the companies building it.
What’s something about you that people might not know about?
My family works in agriculture and before living in Nevada, my father worked in the almond groves in California. Now my family has a ranch in a little valley between Battle Mountain and Austin. We grow alfalfa there and have a small herd of cows, goats, sheep and chickens.
I feel like that’s why I was okay going into the trades because I’m used to working with machines, being outside and doing hard work.