TENNILLE, Ga. (WGXA) — Washington County High School students showed off their bulldozing and excavation skills with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) on Tuesday.
Students enrolled in the Heavy Equipment Operation program headed to GDOT’s District Two Office in Tennille as part of their final exam.
The high school’s Heavy Equipment Operator Teacher, Jon Warlraven, says that his students have been using CAT simulators to learn how to operate bulldozers and excavators all year long.
Washington County students tested their skills with professional heavy equipment operators.
Those who passed earned a certificate and a chance to meet future employers, including Pittman Construction, Reeves Construction, Yancey Brothers and Howard Sheppard.
GDOT District Two Maintenance Manager Caleb Lord says the test gives students a head start in the workforce after graduation.
“They are being interviewed today and don’t even realize it,” said Lord. “It gives them a huge leg up because companies can see what they can do.”
Original Article – WGXA News by: Leah Kincaid – Tue, May 6th 2025. https://wgxa.tv/news/local/washington-county-high-students-test-heavy-equipment-skills-with-construction-pros-gdot-district-two-heavy-equipment-operator-teacher-jon-warlraven-cat-simulators-bulldozer-excavators-middle-ga-educaiton
