Students compete in Alabama’s first SkillsUSA Heavy Equipment Operator competition

Monday marks a milestone for Alabama's technical education as sixteen students from across the state prepare to compete in the first-ever Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) competition at the Alabama SkillsUSA state championships. The three-day event, running April 21-23, represents over a year of planning and collaboration between the ACCS Innovation Center, Thompson Tractor Company and dozens of high schools and career tech centers throughout Alabama.

For Tallapoosa County, Brody Buchana, Dayton Lankert and Peyton Webb from Edward Bell Career Center are participating in the competition. Buchana said the Skills for Success experience was a great way to pick up new skills tied to the construction industry.