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Agriscience students enrolled at the Lowndes County Career Technical Center (LCCTC) gained a Career Readiness Indicator on April 17, completing a course which culminated in scholars earning their excavator certification through the Skills for Success Program.

The course, part of the LCCTC Advanced Agrisciense class instructed by Kelsey Thomas, enabled five Future Farmers of America (FFA) members — Azavian Martin, Kawanni McPherson, Eugene Rudolph, Jacarie Peagler and Jacarrion Peagler — to gain skills and hands-on experience with heavy equipment used in farming, construction and other industries.

“Through a combination of online instruction, lab activities and on-site training, students learned about the different parts and functions of an excavator, mastered basic to advanced operation techniques, and gained an understanding of industry-standard safety protocols and maintenance procedures,” Thomas said.

Skills for Success is a program of the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) connecting community colleges with high schools to provide education and training that prepare students to become workers in real-world jobs. According to the ACCS website, training is offered at now cost, thanks to legislative appropriations that allow for the development and deployment of training statewide.

“The Excavator Certification is one of many programs offered through the Alabama Community College System Innovation Center’s Skills for Success Program,” Thomas said. “The Excavator Operator Training Course is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills and hands-on experience necessary to become proficient and safe excavator operators”

As a prerequisite, students were required to complete an online, two-week theory course in February. On April 16 – 17, they participated in a two-day, hands-on lab at the LCCTC campus earning their certification through a partnership with Trenholm State Community College.

“Students earned their Career Readiness Indicator and an industry-recognized credential through Trenholm State Community College, making them graduation-ready, workforce-ready, and prepared for great job opportunities,” Thomas said.