Expanding Heavy Equipment Operator Training

Organization:

Cleveland Community College

Amount:

$300,000.00

Program Area:

Open Grants Program

County of Applicant:

Cleveland

Year:

2024

Description:

This award provides funding to support Cleveland Community College’s (CCC) expansion of its Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) Program. With Golden LEAF support, the first HEO training academy enrolled six students sharing four pieces of equipment in 2021. Since then, CCC has trained 87 operators to learn technical knowledge and skills to operate and maintain a variety of heavy equipment. The demand for heavy equipment operators in the Cleveland County region exceeds the supply of trained students. Over the past three years 955 jobs that require HEO training were added, and an expected 7,464 trained workers are needed to fill operator jobs in the next seven years. CCC will leverage other funding sources to build a facility, buy additional equipment, and expand course offerings. CCC expects to increase the number of students trained annually from 55 to 75 and to increase those earning industry-recognized credentials from 46 to 69. Golden LEAF funds will be used to purchase additional pieces of equipment such as a compact/autonomous excavator, dirt roller, and tractor.

Contact:

Emily Sisk137 South Post RoadShelby, NC 28152(704) 669-4222

Areas Served:

Cleveland

Any project more than a couple of years old may not reflect current Board priorities.
Please contact a staff member with any questions.