[Clinton, N.C.] – Sampson Community College’s (SCC) Heavy Equipment Operator program recently completed an immersive 3-day training session at Sampson County’s GFL Environmental Landfill. Thanks to the partnership with GFL, students had the invaluable opportunity to work one-on-one with seasoned operators on site– gaining hands-on, real-world instruction with large-scale equipment specific to the industry.
Topics covered during the three-day visit included: equipment maintenance, pre-trip inspection on all equipment, safety practices in the field, proper grading technique, proper loading and excavating techniques, dirt hauling operations, and more.
According to Amanda Bradshaw, Vice President of Workforce Development & Continuing Education, this experience not only strengthened the new operators’ confidence, but also provided a unique opportunity to gain insights into the solid waste industry and potential career paths.
Ashley Grimes, Heavy Equipment Instructor, echoed, “It is great to have partners in our community that will allow our students to see on site operations and provide real life scenarios for operators. We appreciate GFL’s commitment to training the next generation of operators. Partners like GFL are what makes this program successful.”
Before visiting the site, Bradshaw and her team reached out to Joseph Smith, Landfill General Manger II at GFL Environmental, who graciously considered this to be the “perfect opportunity for GFL to partner with SCC.” Beginning as a program in Fall 2023, Heavy Equipment Operators have continued to thrive at SCC because of local partnerships such as this, which provide authentic training and experience to learners.
Smith voiced, “Our team here at Sampson County Landfill welcomed all thirteen operators and staff with open arms, ready to train the students about our day-to-day operation. We were able to teach the basics of our equipment maintenance program, and the fundamentals of running D5 dozers, 349 excavators and off-road dump trucks. The students did an outstanding job learning the GFL standards of operations. We were very impressed with the class and hope to be able to recruit SCC equipment operators in the future! We look forward to continuing the partnership.”
SCC extends its gratitude to Joseph Smith and his team at Sampson County’s GFL site for their support of student success. The College is grateful for their dedication to future heavy equipment operators and looks forward to continuing their partnership for years to come.
For more information about the Heavy Equipment Operator program or how to enroll, visit www.sampsoncc.edu/heavy-equipment.
About Sampson Community College: Sampson Community College is a member of the North Carolina Community College System, located in Clinton, NC in Sampson County. The college offers many programs to include two-year degrees, college transfer, continuing education and workforce development options and early college education. SCC is committed to the principles of equal educational and employment opportunities for all.
