Alabama road builders launch student heavy equipment training program

The Alabama Road Builders Association announced Wednesday that it is launching the Next Gen Heavy Equipment Operator Program, a statewide initiative to introduce high school students to careers in road and bridge construction.

Funded by legislative appropriations, the program aligns with the Alabama Career Pathways initiative. The association, known as ARBA, is working with the Alabama State Department of Education, school systems and member companies to provide simulator training, career exploration and opportunities to meet employers.

“The success of Alabama’s economy is heavily dependent upon having a well-trained workforce and modern road and bridge infrastructure—the Next Gen Heavy Equipment Operator Program will help our state achieve both,” House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter said. “The Alabama Road Builders Association has created a workforce development blueprint that every skilled-trades industry should work to replicate. Their partnership is a great asset to our state, and I look forward to seeing this program’s coverage expand in the years to come.”

The program will begin at four schools and career technical education centers:

• Baldwin Prep Academy in the Baldwin County school system
• LeCroy Career Tech Center in the Chilton County school system
• Limestone County Career Tech Center in the Limestone County school system
• Opelika High School in the Opelika City school system

The state Education Department and ARBA selected the schools through an application process. They considered classroom space, instructor capacity, student interest, local contractor involvement and geographic distribution.

ARBA modeled the initiative in part on a Georgia program developed by the Georgia Highway Contractors Association and the state’s career, technical and agricultural education programs. The Alabama association said it had followed the Georgia program’s growth for several years.

Alabama’s road and bridge construction industry faces challenges recruiting, training and retaining workers. The new program will introduce students to career opportunities while teaching them about the skills, responsibilities and working conditions involved in operating heavy equipment.

“Students deserve the chance to see where their skills can take them,” state Superintendent of Education Eric Mackey said. “This program gives them a chance to learn on heavy equipment simulators, meet the people who build and maintain Alabama’s roads and bridges, and see what a career in this industry could look like. We’re grateful to the Alabama Road Builders Association and our participating schools for opening yet another path from the classroom to a rewarding career.”

ARBA President Rodney Payton, who also leads Chilton Contractors and serves on the Chilton County Board of Education, made workforce development a priority during his presidency. He established a Workforce Development Committee to seek funding, coordinate industry participation and help schools put the program in place.

Chad Stracener, CEO of Tractor & Equipment Company, chairs the committee. Houston Blackwood, ARBA’s workforce development director, will coordinate partnerships with schools and employers, support instructors and arrange career activities for students.

ARBA also plans to work with the Alabama Community College System Innovation Center and its Skills for Success program to help students gain industry-recognized skills and credentials.

Contractors and other industry partners will visit classrooms, discuss workplace expectations and identify candidates for internships and jobs after graduation. ARBA plans to recognize students who move from training into employment with signing day celebrations and other school events.

The association will track enrollment, student completion, school and employer participation, internships and employment opportunities to guide potential expansion to other Alabama schools.