GRAND OPENING: Heavy equipment training for high school students at Wright Technical Center
- Hands-on instruction in heavy equipment operation
- $350,000 in equipment and labor donations
- Waitlist for the program
- Positive impact on students' careers
- Potential model for future in-person programs
- Major industry partners
- None.
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
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,
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
“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
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
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
View source 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
Source: Stride, Inc.