The 2025 Cat® Simulators Student Showdown brought together students enrolled in Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) programs across North America in a competition that tested their skills, precision and creativity. This spring, students enrolled in HEO programs competed virtually on their school or college’s Cat® Simulators Advanced Construction Excavator, Advanced Dozer or Backhoe Loader systems.

The 2025 Champions

The champions from Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee showcased their skills and expertise to become this year’s winners!

Excavator Champion

Christopher Chadwick
Tennessee College of Applied Technology
Knoxville, Tennessee

Backhoe Loader Champion

Idi Wiggins
Marion Correctional Institution
Ocala, Florida

Dozer Champion

Evan Randall
Jones County College and Career Academy
Gray, Georgia

The Road to Victory

Contestants completed three challenging tasks on their respective Cat Simulators systems, ranging from backfilling with the backhoe loader to clearing debris with the excavator and building a slope with the dozer. The final challenge required contestants to use both their skills and creativity: dozer operators dozed the letters “HEO,” excavator operators dug out “2025” and backhoe loader operators wrote “CAT.”

The Excavator Champion: Christopher Chadwick

For Christopher Chadwick, winning the Excavator Championship was an unforgettable moment. “I am ecstatic! It is an honor that I am able to represent TCAT Knoxville and put us on the map again,” shared Chadwick.

He credited his success to his strong support team and instructor, who previously won the 2022 Cat Simulators Student Showdown Advanced Construction Excavator Championship. “I’ve had such a great support team and a wonderful instructor who has done a great job assisting me along my journey in heavy equipment operating. I hope every TCAT HEO program has the team I have had,” said Chadwick.

Despite doubts about his chances of winning, Chadwick proved himself wrong. “I didn’t think I would win, but I never should have doubted myself or the TCAT Knoxville HEO team,” he admitted.

Chadwick is now actively pursuing an operator position at Harrison Construction and feels well-prepared for the job, thanks to his training. “I am currently a skilled worker thanks to my training,” he added.

He also expressed gratitude for his training on Cat Simulators systems. “I send a big shoutout to Cat Simulators and everything they’re doing across the state to help men and women be able to have a wonderful career and provide for their loved ones. Please keep up the great work you all are doing.”

Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Knoxville’s HEO Program

Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Knoxville launched its Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) training program in 2022 to meet workforce needs in the local construction industry. The program provides students with hands-on training using Cat Simulators, allowing them to develop essential skills in operating Excavators, Dozers and other heavy equipment.

TCAT Knoxville has also introduced an apprenticeship option, which enables students to gain real-world experience while earning a wage. The program has already seen success, with 49 students enrolled or completing the apprenticeship training. Many graduates have secured employment with companies like Harrison Construction, which actively hires operators trained through TCAT Knoxville’s program.

Chadwick’s success has been an incredibly proud moment for TCAT Knoxville Heavy Equipment Instructor Tim Blais. “Having a champion like Chris come from our class is an incredible honor. It reflects not only his hard work and determination, but also the quality of training and support we strive to provide every student,” said Blais.

“Watching Chris succeed on a national stage through the Cat Simulators Student Showdown has been an incredibly proud moment for our entire school. It inspires both our current and future students to aim high and believe in what they can achieve,” shared Blais.

The Dozer Champion: Evan Randall

Winning the Dozer Championship was an exciting moment for Evan Randall, who was very happy with his victory. “I was surprised I won,” said Randall, who doesn’t currently plan to pursue a career as a heavy equipment operator; however, he added that it’s not out of the question.

Randall mentioned that his hands-on experience with Cat Simulators was a valuable opportunity to learn more about heavy equipment. “It allowed me to operate the excavator and dozer, which could be beneficial in the future,” he said.

Jones County College & Career Academy’s HEO Program

Jones County College & Career Academy in Gray, Ga., offers a Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) pathway, which provides students with knowledge and hands-on experience in operating heavy machinery, preparing them for careers in the construction industry.

The pathway consists of three key courses: Industry Fundamentals and Occupational Safety, Introduction to Heavy Equipment and Heavy Equipment Operations I. Students who complete the program gain valuable industry certifications and hands-on experience, including operating real machines on a jobsite.

Evan’s success highlights the strength of the academy’s HEO program. “Winning again this year speaks volumes about my students and the program. It shows that the students are putting in the effort and dedication to learn a new trade that will help them build their future,” said Michael Denaro, HEO instructor at Jones County College & Career Academy, whose student won the Excavator championship last year.

The Backhoe Loader Champion: Idi Wiggins

For Idi Wiggins, earning the title of Backhoe Loader Champion wasn’t easy. “It took a little while to get it at first, but then I got it,” shared Wiggins. He wasn’t confident he would win, but his dedication and perseverance paid off. “I didn’t know I would win,” he admitted.

An inmate at the Marion Correctional Institution in Ocala, Fla., Idi is enrolled in the Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) vocational program with plans to use the knowledge and experience he’s gained from the program upon his release. “I like working with heavy equipment and construction. I hope to work in this field someday,” he said. “The simulators definitely feel close to the real machines,” said Wiggins, who previously operated machinery.

Florida Department of Corrections - Marion Correctional Institution’s HEO Program

The Marion Correctional Institution offers an HEO vocational program as part of its rehabilitation and workforce development initiatives. The program provides inmates with hands-on training in operating heavy machinery to prepare them for employment opportunities when released.

The Florida Department of Corrections emphasizes vocational education as a key component of rehabilitation, aiming to equip inmates with valuable skills that increase their chances of successful reintegration into society.

Approximately 70% of those who complete the program secure employment upon release. The program provides technical training and instills discipline, teamwork and a strong work ethic— all of which are essential in the construction and heavy equipment industries.

Thomas Harty, Vocational HEO/CDL Instructor at Marion Correctional Institution, explained that Idi’s victory was an emotional and inspiring moment for him and Idi’s classmates. “The program consists of the best of the cream of the crop, or at least the best actors, who are well-behaved for two years in a real prison,” said Harty. “I’ve had around 20 graduates in the last 18 months. About 70% of them have been placed into jobs once they walked out of the gate.”

Seeing Idi succeed reinforced the program’s impact and the difference it’s making. “When Idi won, it just gave me great joy. And then it gave him great joy. It gave the whole class great pride and joy,” shared Harty.

Champions’ and School/College HEO Programs’ Prizes

Each champion and their school/college receive prize packages.

Congratulations to the 2025 champions! Their dedication and expertise exemplify the bright future of the heavy equipment industry.

Individual Champions ($1,000+ value)

  • Cat Scale Model
  • $500 Amazon Gift Card
  • Cat Hi-Vis Sweatshirt
  • Cat Waterproof 360° Speaker
  • Cat Safety Glasses
  • Cat Safety Work Gloves
  • And more!

Champions’ School/College’s HEO Program ($7,500+ value)

  • 2-year SimScholars® Subscription (or an extension if already subscribed)
  • 6-hour Virtual Training Session
  • Cat Simulators Lighted Sign
  • Printed Cat Simulators Safety Posters
  • Prize Package for Classroom