BRTC Students Get Hands-On Heavy Equipment Experience



Hunter March, BRTC CTC Student

BRTC Students Get Hands-On Heavy Equipment Experience

PARAGOULD, AR Jan. 6— Black River Technical College’s Career & Technical Center students at the Paragould location received hands-on heavy equipment training at the Greene County Road Department on November 19 and December 3.

Students learned how to operate a skid steer, excavator, grader, and a front-end loader. Superintendent Ronnie Barrow and employees Tony Pratt, Ricky Hendrix, and Kenny Long demonstrated how to operate the various types of heavy equipment and then supervised students as they attempted to operate the equipment themselves. County Judge Rusty McMillon explained to the class that there is a shortage of individuals trained to operate heavy equipment, so there are many career opportunities in this area.

Dr. Brad Baine, Vice President of Academic Affairs states, “Students in the Career and Technical programs at BRTC are receiving specialized instruction in their chosen field of study, as well as are able to experience professional and career opportunities in high demand areas, at no cost to them. We are very proud to offer these opportunities to students.”

For more information about BRTC’s Career and Technical Center, visit career and technical center.