By John Livingston

I am writing to you to express my concern about the proposed suspension of the Heavy Equipment Operators Training Program at Shasta College.

I feel that this would be a serious mistake on the Board of Trustees’ part to eliminate this program for the following reasons:
First, the program is a viable program with strong enrollments. The students in this program are entering Industry at the completion of their time at Shasta College and making a career for themselves and their families. Along with that, many of the students in the program qualify for financial assistance, and thus generate Perkins dollars for the college.
Secondly, this program puts a lot of time and effort back into the college itself. Most of the projects in the program are of direct benefit to the college. They work closely with the grounds department and physical plant. Recently the classes completed the repair of the college’s sewer pond levy, saving the college an estimated $10,000. Also, the college has worked hand-in-hand with Caltrans on a grant-funded project along Interstate 5 and Highway 299E.
Third, this program has received other grants that total close to $1.3 million. The college may lose these grants and the benefits they bring to the college. Beside the grants the program has been awarded, individuals and companies have made significant financial contributions to the program.
Shasta College’s Heavy Equipment Operators Training Program is one of the last three in the California’s College and University system. Butte College and West Hills College are the other two.

Our local program has a reputation of providing valuable hands-on learning for future professionals in this field.

Please support the students by letting the Shasta College Board of Trustees know we need to keep the Heavy Equipment Operators Training Program.

John Livingston is the instructor for the Heavy Equipment Operators Training Program at Shasta Community College. He can be reached at 242-2203 or jlivingston@shastacollege.edu.