RME has generously donated three pieces of Case Construction equipment to the Olds College Heavy Equipment Operator Program that will help students advance in their learning.
(Photo Credit: Cheryl Russell)

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Spring of 2023 marked an exciting time for the Olds College Heavy Equipment Operator Program as they received some brand-new Case Construction equipment that was added to their program to enhance students’ training and educational growth.

The equipment gifted to the college includes a 521G Compact Dozer Loader, a 580SV Backhoe Loader, and a CX140E Mini Excavator. The equipment will be used for one year, at which time it will be replaced with new equipment the following year.

“RME and Olds College’s views align with the preservation of rural roots and the strong commitment to agriculture and construction that the College instills in its students through programs like the Agricultural and Heavy Equipment Diploma Program,” says Jim Wood, Chief Sales and Operations Officer at RME. “Our hope is to not only drive future employment within RME’s branches, but the entire ag and construction industries.”

Todd Christianson, Leader Instructor for the Heavy Equipment Operator Program, says this gift in kind will go a long way towards preparing students for being out in the field.

“The major benefit is it allows the students to learn on new equipment; what’s out in the industry right now. They get to play with the new technology,” he said. “It’s a really good experience for them.”

While students have access to simulators, Todd says nothing beats being inside the real machine and getting a feel for how they work.

“It’s that raw feeling in the joysticks or the rumbling on the seat when you’re making the machine work. I’m all for the machinery; they can make their mistakes here and work out things here, so they don’t do it while they’re out doing their career.”

Olds College Program Coordinator Sharyl James says receiving equipment like this is a game changer for the program and for preparing students to be out in the industry.

“When we have industry partners come on, it’s very hard for us to purchase equipment, and especially new equipment, so it really helps to work with industry to have hands on,” she said. “It maximizes the seat time just to build that muscle memory. When students come out, they’re definitely beginner operators but the more seat time they can have, the better.”

Out in the training field, students are able to run the machinery and learn various tasks and safety protocols before they’re assigned a final project, which includes a real-life scenario.

“We do a septic tank install, we teach them how to climb up hills properly, we do trenching, how to sit on a pile and put material back in, we make garage pads, haul road maintenance on the graders, and the dozers do slot dosing to teach them how to effectively bulk materials,” said Todd.

First-year Heavy Equipment Operator student Matthew Watts is just one of the students who is able to run the equipment and he says it’s a wonderful way to gain experience.

“There’s so many different things out there in the world and to be able to get such hands-on experience with multiple pieces of equipment definitely helps my knowledge and my skill set and gives me a better understanding and appreciation for people who do this for a living,” Matthew said.

RME has been partnering with Olds College in varying capacities over the years, including the annual Ken Wood Memorial Scholarship Award.

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First-year Heavy Equipment Operator student Matthew Watts says it’s wonderful being able to get hands-on training with the equipment to get a feel for how it runs. (Photo Credit: Cheryl Russell)

The Olds College Heavy Equipment Operator’s summer class with the new CASE Construction equipment. Photo Credit: Emma Lyle