Roger Solberg, an independent trainer-consultant for NICC and owner of Equipment Operator Training, LLC (EOT), is taking the Construction Equipment Operator Mobile Simulator Trailer across Iowa. Solberg said the simulator trailer, equipped with two construction simulators, includes technology that introduces kids to construction careers by simulating operating heavy equipment such as a dozer, excavator, motor grader and end loader.

“The simulators include virtual reality goggles along with moving platforms that simulate what it’s like to be in and operate the machine,” Solberg said. “Our goal is to get the younger generation interested in the construction industry by working with educators in the high schools.”

In partnership with NICC, Solberg uses the mobile simulator to show students a career path they may not know is open to them.

At a recent stop at South Winneshiek High School in Calmar, Solberg noted “I’ve tried it myself, and it’s quite realistic,” he said. “It’s not enough to make you an equipment operator, but it will help you be more comfortable when an operator finally gets on a machine.”

According to Solberg, students are often surprised at the technology used in modern construction and their interest is encouraging. He said it’s important for students to be interested in the trades because “the older generation needs the younger generation to step in and take over.”

JB Holland Construction partnered with NICC to apply for an Employer Innovation Grant to secure partial funding of one simulator. Diane Krentz, controller with JB Holland Construction in Decorah, is one of the companies initially involved in the project.

“JB Holland Construction provided the funding for the project,” Krentz said. “Croell, Inc, was a partner in the project by offering to sell their CAT simulator at a reduced rate to NICC and JBH. We purchased a custom-made trailer from Alum-Line to transport the simulator and the project was off and running. Another round of Employer Innovation Grant funding made it possible to purchase another simulator in the trailer beside the original unit, and to upgrade the virtual reality software.”

Krentz said NICC is doing a great job of coordinating with high schools around the state to demonstrate the virtual reality simulators to prospective students and potential industry employees. NICC also invites local construction companies near each high school to talk to students. More than 400 students and over 30 educators have gone through the simulator and several schools requested that Solberg make a return trip because of heavy student interest. Krentz added “NICC is an amazing partner in meeting our employee training needs and recruitment of employees. They have provided an invaluable opportunity for contractors statewide to educate and recruit the younger generation into construction careers.”

NICC Vice President of Business and Community Solutions Dr. Wendy Mihm-Herold said return trips to high schools proves the simulator trailer is accomplishing its mission.

“It’s generating some excitement,” Mihm-Herold said. “As a result, we just did what’s called an ‘Earn and Learn’ Career Pathway Certificate training. The students will be using the simulator a bit, but they’ll also be driving skid loaders, forklifts, etc. The students will do some virtual training, hands-on work and some classroom learning. They also work for companies like JB Holland while they’re in school.”

Ten students are going through the NICC class right now, and five of them are employed at JB Holland through the “Earn and Learn” Program. Krentz said that means the construction simulator has been very effective at reaching students, many who are surprised at their future earning potential.

“As a parent myself, I can say firsthand that this is a great opportunity for students that don’t want to pursue a two or four-year degree or for those that are attending college, a great way to earn money for college tuition during the summer,” Krentz added. “The five students we employ are getting paid $18 /hour to learn while they are in high school attending classes. They are able to do both at the same time.”

Solberg is enjoying what he’s doing to help the industry and kids who may be looking for a way forward.

“They get a big smile on their face when they try these machines for the first time,” he said. “I really enjoy it when that happens. We take the simulator to all of the high schools in Iowa. I even have some high schools in Minnesota and South Dakota who want us to bring the trailer. It’s important because a lot of construction companies in the Midwest can’t find enough qualified workers.”

-Written by Chad Smith

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While completing skills training at Northeast Iowa Community College, you can connect with local employers like JB Holland Construction who will hire you while you complete your training program.

To learn more, visit nicc.edu/essential or call 833.642.2338.

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You may notice the logo’s bold font, which signifies strength — the strength of our heavy equipment, our employees and our company. This combined strength is what moves projects forward successfully and on budget and deadline.

As you can see, the “H” in Holland stands out to represent the entire family of Holland employees, who encompass our values of doing what’s right for our customers, taking great pride in our workmanship and safety track record, and being family- and community-minded. The “H” will be used as a standalone logo icon in some applications, such as on our trucks.

It probably comes as no surprise that we’ve included the color black in our logo. Black represents the dirt we love to show who is boss, as we stabilize soil, excavate landfill and sewer lagoons, and put the finishing touches on all of our site work. Black also symbolizes the bold and strong industries JB Holland Construction specializes in — renewable & alternative energy site development, utility pipework and industrial, commercial and residential site development.

JB Holland is serious about maintaining a safe environment that complies with federal, state and local safety regulations. If you know the JB Holland brand, you are probably not surprised our new logo has gold in it.

Gold stands for the gold standard of safety and represents quality workmanship in the road construction industry, which has been a cornerstone of our business for the last 70-plus years.

Although our logo has changed, our commitment to get down and dirty to move your projects forward remains steadfast.

GRADING THE PATH FORWARD

Our new motto is Grading the Path Forward. We have a futurist vision for this earth that we move and uphold our commitment to being good stewards of this land. Our environmental and renewable energy work continues to be a growing sector of our business. But no matter the business that you are in, we’re always focused on Grading the Path Forward successfully, safely and sustainably.

The post Get All the Dirt on the New JB Holland Construction Logo appeared first on JB Holland Construction.

CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (https://www.nicc.edu/equipmentoperator/)

Register to attend Career Event (information session about training program)  (www.nicc.edu/careerevents/)

The post JBH Sponsors Construction Trades Career Pathway Certificate Training Programs appeared first on JB Holland Construction.

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The post Live Well Work Well – December 2017 appeared first on JB Holland Construction.

Make a child’s Christmas special by donating a toy or making a cash donation.  JB Holland will match ALL donations!

We will be accepting donations until December 8th, then giving to Helping Services of NE Iowa for families in need.

Happy Holidays!!

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