Sussex Tech Adult Ed buys bulldozer with apprenticeship grant
Sussex Tech Adult Education recently purchased a bulldozer with funds received from the Delaware Apprenticeship Expansion Grant.
Mike Hague, Sussex Tech Adult Ed industrial training coordinator, said the bulldozer is one of many pieces of large equipment the school will purchase for its new Heavy Equipment Operator Apprenticeship.
In addition to the bulldozer, the school will purchase simulators, an excavator and a compact track loader. The simulators will be used for both adult education and high school students. As equipment is received, it will be fitted for safety and teaching use.
The Heavy Equipment Operator program is designed to meet the growing demand for skilled heavy equipment operators on a range of job sites; it will cover topics including basic and safe operations, earth moving and grading, interpreting civil drawings, excavation math and more. Upon completion of the apprenticeship program, graduates will be eligible to earn their journeyperson credential through the Delaware Department of Labor. Classes begin in February 2023.
“The construction industry is one of many blue-collar industries that currently faces increasing demand for employees and will continue into the future. Programs that provide opportunities for individuals to gain a positive experience and training in the construction industry will be a positive impact for the short- and long-term needs of our industry. Construction is an industry that can provide a fulfilling and rewarding career for individuals. College is not for everyone, and the construction industry provides the opportunities for individuals to instantly earn a living and grow their careers,” said Jason Stouffer, Kinsley Construction site executive vice president.
Sussex Tech Adult Education also offers apprenticeship courses in automotive tech, carpentry, electrical, electrical systems tech, HVAC, and plumbing and welding.
To learn more, go to sussexvt.org/adulted or call Julie Gould at 302-853-1560.
