On April 9, GCPS hosted the SKILLs USA competition for Utility/Heavy Equipment Operator students at G Tech. Goochland heavy equipment students competed against a team from P.D. Pruden Tech Center from Suffolk, Virginia, representing the only two heavy equipment programs in the Commonwealth. This event was the first contest for this CTE area ever conducted by SKILLs USA in Virginia.
Goochland’s team, representing the more established of the two programs involved, swept the contest, taking the top three awards. Goochland CTE staff assisted in the design and implementation of the challenges for the competition and were proud to host the first contest and showcase Goochland facilities.
“The Heavy Equipment operator program at G Tech has become a model for other schools to emulate,”, said Mr. Bruce Watson, GCPS Director of Career and Technical Education. “Mr. Verrasto has created an exceptional program and one which brings a great deal of pride to our school system and business community. The graduates of this program are highly recruited by the business community to fill the skills gap that exists locally and nationally. We are grateful for the support of our business partners and RAMCA for supporting this competition and our program.
The heavy equipment competition takes place at the state level, with plans to expand to a national level in the future.