The Southeast College celebrated the five students who were part of its first heavy equipment operator (HEO) graduation class during a ceremony on Friday afternoon at the college’s Estevan campus.
Jonas Akachuk, Ricky Akachuk, Mohamed Ahmed, Denette McGillis and Alison Stanley were presented with certificates to mark their successful completion of the 12-week program.
The first six weeks were spent in the classroom, and the remaining weeks were dedicated to building the King Street East connector road, which will extend King to Nesbitt Drive. They also spent hours completing tasks with the available equipment.
Jody Holzmiller, the college’s vice-president of education and training, said when she was out in the field a few weeks ago, she had a hard time believing the students had only been out there a short amount of time.
“It blew me away,” said Holzmiller. “That part of my job is my most favourite part of the job. I could have sat there all afternoon.”
Holzmiller said the college will always look for ways to improve the program, and she’s grateful the five students put their trust in the college.
“I have all the faith in the world that you’ll walk out of here confident and competent operators,” she said.
Holzmiller then paid tribute to each of the grads, and the progress they have shown. She thanked head instructor Shane Dawson and instructor William Cartier, the staff at the college, and a number of partners who helped make the program happen.
Mayor Roy Ludwig said this has been a great experience for the City of Estevan, as the students have spent the past few weeks building the road. Future classes will pick up from where the first class has left off.
He hopes they will all find work in their different areas.
“I know coming from the mines, driving heavy equipment is a great way to make a living,” said Ludwig.
Dawson, who said he has made five friends through the HEO program, created a PowerPoint presentation with photos of the students at work in the classroom, utilizing the simulator technology that is available, and of their time spent in the field.
