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From Jefferson State Community College

Free workforce training on the operation of skid steer and other heavy equipment is now available at Jefferson State’s Chilton-Clanton Campus thanks to a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission and funding from Skills for Success. The training is open to local companies and also the community at large.

“For those entering the construction industry, quality skills training is not just a requirement — it’s a vital foundation for safety and efficiency,” Dean of Workforce Education Leah Bigbee said. “By investing in comprehensive training programs, we empower our trainees with the knowledge and hands-on experience they need to excel in their careers and contribute to a safer, more productive work environment.”

The heavy equipment training includes two parts — Online Theory Training, which can be completed at your own pace, and Behind the Wheel Training, which takes two days each for the skid steer, bulldozer and excavator.

Participants must be at least 16 years of age or older, and lab dates will be shared with students upon completion of the online portion of the course. Leading industry partners on this project include Dunn Construction, Saiia and Chilton County Contractors among others.

“We are grateful for our industry partner support on this program and welcome our company partners to send their employees for upskilling as well as the community at large to attend to receive vital skills development,” Training Coordinator Robert Tellis said.

This training is made possible by the Appalachian Regional Commission through the Regionally Aligned Priorities in Delivering Skills (RAPIDS) grant to Jefferson State Community College. The ARC plays a vital role in fostering economic development and enhancing workforce skills across the Appalachian region.

As a division of the Alabama Community College System, the ACCS Innovation Center is committed to helping individuals and improving Alabama’s economic strength through accessible and innovative training programs. These programs are designed to address the skills gap and prepare Alabamians for a variety of in-demand careers. The courses offered through Skills for Success are tailored specifically for Alabamians, with the goal of providing quick, industry-recognized training in high-demand career fields. By doing so, the program aims to create a skilled workforce that will benefit the state’s economy.

For more information, contact the Center for Workforce Education at Jefferson State at 205- 856-7710 or workforcedev@jeffersonstate.edu.