A hands-on training program hosted by Kennebec Valley Community College (KVCC) is helping address a shortage of skilled heavy equipment operators in Maine by giving students direct, on-the-job experience.
The six-week program brings together students, community colleges, workforce leaders, and construction industry partners to prepare participants for careers operating heavy machinery. Rather than relying solely on classroom instruction, students train in real job-site conditions, learning to operate excavators and other equipment while developing practical skills.
Students such as 19-year-old Elijah Wallace are gaining experience through the program. Wallace said he entered with little to no construction background.
“It’s taught me a lot,” Wallace said. “I think it’s important because not everybody just gets to do this.”
Program leaders said the initiative is designed to meet growing industry demand while helping offset an aging workforce and a shortage of new, trained operators entering the field.
Instructors emphasize that hands-on training is critical to building the skills needed in the industry.
“I don’t think that sitting in a classroom you’re going to get the same scope of experience of sitting on a piece of equipment, running a piece of equipment, getting your hands on.” said Elizabeth Fortin, dean of workforce training and professional development at KVCC.
Industry professionals are also helping shape the curriculum to ensure it aligns with real-world needs. Justin Johnson, a lead instructor with Crooker Construction, said the program fills an urgent gap in the workforce as it continues to age.
“We need this more than anybody knows,” Johnson said. “We need to get these people elevated so I can retire someday-but really it gives them a career path, not just a job.”
The current class includes nine students training to become operators. Wallace said the experience is already building his confidence and expanding his skills.
“It’s making me more knowledgeable and kind of like a weapon on the site,” he said.