GRAND OPENING: Heavy equipment training for high school students at Wright Technical Center
September 13 2023 - 10:00AM
Business Wire
Students are receiving hands-on instruction in heavy equipment
operation — while earning both high school and apprenticeship
credit — through a new program at Wright Technical Center in
Buffalo, Minnesota.
A grand opening Thursday, Sept. 14, will showcase the program
and the “sandbox” where students can safely hone their operating
skills. Industry and educational partners have donated more than
$350,000 in equipment and labor for the sandbox and classroom.
Event details:
What: Grand opening for Heavy Equipment Operations and
Maintenance Program When: 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 14.
Where: Wright Technical Center, 1405 Third Ave. NE, Buffalo,
MN
Presented in partnership with the International Union of
Operating Engineers Local 49, the program comes at a time when the
trades are earning renewed attention as a road to meaningful
careers with high wages.
“We specifically train students for a career, and we’re thrilled
to offer this unique opportunity to explore in-demand jobs,” Wright
Tech Principal Shaun Karson said.
There’s already a waitlist for the heavy equipment program. The
courses offer four semesters of high school elective credit and
cover topics from equipment fundamentals to grade and construction
math. Students who enter the Local 49 apprenticeship program after
graduation will also receive apprenticeship credit.
The Wright Tech program is an extension of the Operating
Engineers Pathway, launched in 2020 by Local 49 and Minnesota
Virtual Academy. The Pathway is still available online to Minnesota
public high school students at no charge and features multiple
hands-on events each year. The Wright Tech program could serve as a
model for future in-person programs with regional partners.
“We recognize virtual learning is not for everyone, so this is
piloting an in-person opportunity for students,” said Jenny
Winkelaar, Local 49’s director of workforce and community
development. “We couldn’t be more excited about our partnership
with Wright Tech. The impact on students could be truly life
changing.”
Wright Tech “has been a stepping stone for many people in the
area,” said Brian Lenneman, who attended Wright Tech and is now
director of earthwork operations at Veit, one of the program’s
industry partners. Lenneman hopes this program will help students
discover an interest in the construction industry.
Program partners include: Ames, C.S. McCrossan, Neaton Brothers
Erosion Control, Fehn Companies, Martin Marietta, Minnesota Virtual
Academy, PCi Roads, Rachel Contracting, RDO Equipment Co., Stride
Career Prep, Veit and Ziegler Cat.
The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49
has been building the future since 1927. Today it represents more
than 14,000 heavy equipment operators, mechanics and stationary
engineers across Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, making
it one of the largest trade unions in the region. Its highly
skilled members work in a wide range of industries, from road
construction to mining to renewable energy and more. Learn more at
local49.org.
The Wright Technical Center is a cooperative public high
school established in 1972 to provide advanced career and technical
education. The WTC services eight member school districts in both
Wright and Sherburne counties. The eight local districts include:
Annandale, Big Lake, Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose, Delano, Howard
Lake-Waverly-Winsted, Maple Lake, Monticello, and St.
Michael-Albertville. Learn more at wtc.k12.mn.us.
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version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230913728768/en/
Jonathan Young IUOE Local 49 Communications Director C:
612-463-9117 Email: jyoung@local49.org
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