SCC’s second Heavy Equipment Operator cohort produces eight new graduates
Southeastern Community College’s second Heavy Equipment Operator class sent eight new graduates into the workforce on Aug. 13. SCC President Dr. Chris English said the graduation ceremony signified a celebration of success and movement in the right direction for workforce development.
“We’re so proud of the accomplishments you’ve achieved in this program, and I know it’s been hot this summer,” English said to the graduates. “You proved that you’re able to make it through in this industry, and you’ve had great support every step of the way.”
Under the instruction of SCC’s Heavy Equipment Operator Coordinator, Joey Bullock, English said he is looking forward to the program’s future as it transitions from its off-campus site behind north Whiteville Burger King to SCC’s new 78-acre lot. He thanked Bullock for his leadership in helping grow the number of skilled workers in a high-demand industry.
SCC’s Dean of Technical Training Dr. Mike Ammons introduced Julie Sykes, HR and Safety Director for L.M. McLamb & Son Construction Co., Inc., as the guest speaker for the ceremony. Sykes has 20 years of experience in “driving transformative track strategies and fostering continuous improvement workplace initiatives,” Ammons said. Sykes’ expertise spans talent acquisition, employee engagement, performance management and compliance.
Sykes congratulated the class for completing the program and gaining necessary skills for infrastructure development and construction. Enduring the heat and rain of the summer, she said that exposure to the elements gave the class the real-world experience that comes with the job as a heavy equipment operator.
“This program prepares you to be the operator who knows the important things that are required in the workplace,” Sykes said. “We’re very impressed with the quality of this program and the students who come from this program at Southeastern.”
Sykes commended the students for earning their OSHA 10 credentials. She explained that a successful company built on safety values the skills each student has. Sykes thanked the family members and friends in the audience who pushed each student to show up and perform their duties in class.
“Without these new equipment operators, what we have in our communities would not exist,” Sykes said. “This certificate means something, and it is a professional certificate. We hired three graduates from this program’s first class, and we look forward to hearing back from this new graduating class.”
After Bullock conferred the certificates to the graduates, Dr. Brandon Jenkins, SCC Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer, concluded the ceremony.
“This certificate makes you immediately employable, and it makes you eligible for careers that pay a livable sustaining wage that impacts you and your family,” Jenkins said. “I want to thank Ms. Sykes for speaking today. L.M. McLamb & Son Construction has really identified themselves as a true partner for us.”
Jenkins said it is workforce development programs like Heavy Equipment Operator that SCC is proud to offer its students. Short-term programs that prepare students for careers in 10 weeks are invaluable to Columbus County, Jenkins told the audience.
Ready to build your career as a heavy equipment operator? Contact Student Services at 910-788-6247 or visit A-building on campus to connect with a Student Advisor.
