Grant funds Sussex Tech Adult Ed 4-wheel-drive loader purchase

With funds from a federal Perkins grant, Sussex Tech Adult Education recently purchased a John Deere 184 G-Tier compact 4-wheel-drive loader for its heavy equipment operator apprenticeship program. 

A Delaware Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship, the program offers hands-on training on a variety of equipment including three Caterpillar simulators, one dozer, two excavators and a compact track loader, preparing students for careers in construction, roadwork, solar and other critical industries.

Program requirements include 144 hours per year of training for three years. Students also have the opportunity to earn a journeyperson certificate through the program by participating in on-the-job training.

“The addition of the 4-wheel-drive loader will provide students with experience operating industry standard machinery, enhancing their skills and better preparing them for successful careers in the heavy equipment sector,” said Michael Hague, Sussex Tech Adult Education industrial training coordinator.