HENRY COUNTY, Va. (rbs news now) — Patrick & Henry Community College (P&HCC) has received a $176,267 grant from the Philip E. & Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation to expand its Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) training program to Patrick County.

“We are pleased to partner with Patrick & Henry Community College to provide resources for the heavy equipment operator training program in Patrick County that will equip individuals with technical skills to meet the labor demands for the statewide road expansion and improvement projects,” said Carlene Cassidy, CEO of the Ratcliffe Foundation.

P&HCC currently offers HEO training at its Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology (MET) Complex in Martinsville.

With the new funding, the community college says it will expand this program to its Patrick County satellite site to train future workers for the ongoing Route 58 expansion project.

The Virginia Employment Commission reports that there are currently 10,015 construction equipment operators employed statewide, with projections to grow to 10,894 by 2030—a nearly 10% increase.

Job openings due to transfers, retirements, or career changes number around 1,180 annually.

According to JobsEq data, construction equipment operators earn an average of $49,100 per year, with experienced workers making over $55,200 per year.

“Patrick & Henry CC has demonstrated a strong commitment to workforce training. We are confident that they will build on their current programs to set the next generation of learners up for success in their chosen fields and support the workforce needs of multiple employers throughout the region. Making education and skilled trades training accessible and supporting local business & industry are goals our founders wholeheartedly supported,” Cassidy added.

Interested students must first complete the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) Introductory Craft Skills program.

The NCCER HEO Level 1 training covers skills such as heavy equipment safety, identification, operational techniques, utility tractors, earthmoving, grades, and forklifts.

The college says this expanded training program will prepare participants for various positions within the construction trades industry, which is in high demand in its service region.

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