Patrick & Henry Community College Receives Grant to Expand Heavy Equipment Operator Program

Patrick & Henry Community College (P&HCC) has been awarded a $176,267 grant from the Philip E. & Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation to expand its Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) training program. The grant will enable P&HCC to offer HEO courses in Patrick County, broadening access to training and addressing regional workforce needs.

Carlene Cassidy, CEO of the Ratcliffe Foundation, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “We are pleased to support the Heavy Equipment Operator Training program in Patrick County. This initiative will equip individuals with the technical skills required for statewide road expansion and improvement projects. Patrick & Henry Community College has shown a strong commitment to workforce development, and we believe this expansion will benefit both learners and regional employers.”

Currently, P&HCC provides HEO training at its Manufacturing, Engineering, and Technology (MET) Complex in Martinsville. The grant will fund the addition of courses at the college’s satellite site in Patrick County, easing transportation challenges for students and directly supporting the Route 58 widening project.

Robbie Williams, Branch Project Executive, highlighted the significance of the expanded training: “Access to a skilled pipeline of equipment operators will be invaluable for ongoing and future projects across the state. Specifically, this program will be a major asset for the Route 58 widening project and upcoming local projects.”

According to the Virginia Employment Commission, there are currently 10,015 construction equipment operators in the state, with an expected increase to 10,894 by 2030. Annual job openings for these roles total 1,180, with average earnings of $49,100, and more experienced operators earning up to $55,200 per year.

The grant will also fund the purchase of simulators, crucial for effective training. Rhonda Hodges, P&HCC Vice President for Workforce, Economic, and Community Development, explained, “Simulators offer numerous benefits, including safety, the ability to practice extreme scenarios, minimal environmental impact, and increased training hours regardless of weather conditions.”

To qualify for the program, students must complete the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) Introductory Craft Skills program. The NCCER Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) Level 1 training covers essential skills such as equipment safety, identification, operational techniques, and earthmoving.

The expanded program will prepare students for various positions in the high-demand construction trades industry, aligning with P&HCC’s commitment to supporting regional workforce development.