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RIPLEY, W.Va. — High School students in Jackson County will learn more about a new program which will help train the next generation of heavy equipment operators in West Virginia.
Jackson County Superintendent of Schools Blaine Hess said he and the school system were approached by the Local Union of Operating Engineers about a training program in the Jackson County School system. The program would prepare interested students through a pre-apprenticeship program. Hess said what they learned from the Operators’ union was they need more help.
“There have been a number of projects that don’t move forward in a timely manner and sometimes not at all, just because of the shortage of people who do that type of work,” Hess said.
The Jackson County school system examined the information from the union and looked at similar programs across the nation. They’ve come up with a program for Jackson County, which Hess hoped would be successful and replicated in other counties. It’s a four-course curriculum taken during the final two years of high school. Upon graduation, those who have successfully completed the four courses, will automatically be qualified to enter the Operating Engineers’ apprenticeship program, which won’t require a student loan.
“You earn while you learn. They’ll be able to make about $22.50 an hour while they are in the apprentice program after high school. They’ll come out of that into the Journeyman program earning about $30 an hour. Those are great living wages,” said Hess.
Jackson County was a natural first step for the West Virginia program since the Operating Engineers state training center is located near Medina along I-77 in Jackson County.
“It seemed like a no-brainer to us,” Hess said.
The first classes will start this coming fall. Jackson County education officials will hold informational meetings to put out the word about the classes, drum up interest, and meet to answer any questions from students and parents about the program. Two meetings this week are set at Ripley and Ravenswood High Schools. Leadership of the Operating Engineers will be on hand to answer any questions as well. Those interested will also be able to visit the training center at Medina at an upcoming date and to learn more about the career of heavy equipment operators.