A 46,000-pound excavator was the perfect backdrop as Jason Mosher, Corporate Service Manager for Modern Machinery, presented a $10,000 donation to College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Pat Neal, Dean of Industry and Trades; Alex Beal, Department Chair of Diesel Technology; and Mike Jensen, Director of CWI’s Foundation.
The funds will support the College’s Heavy Equipment Technician program to purchase equipment and support scholarships.
“CWI’s Heavy Equipment Technician program has done an excellent job of preparing students for entry-level positions within the heavy equipment industry,” said Mosher. “Modern Machinery is excited to partner with the program – students who have graduated from the program have developed the skills necessary to be instant contributors to the Modern Machinery team. We value the opportunity to support the program and assist in the development of future diesel technicians who start with our company at $25 an hour.”
Modern Machinery’s gift was donated through CWI’s Foundation.
“These type of partnerships between the College and business community keep students connected to the latest technology used in industry and build relationships that help instructors to stay up to date with cutting edge equipment and teaching techniques,” says Jensen.
The Heavy Equipment Technician program provides students with an excellent opportunity to learn how to diagnose, maintain, and repair construction, agricultural, and other diesel powered equipment. Students who complete the CWI program are considered for employment by local and national businesses who hire diesel technicians.
Mosher continued, “This a top-notch program, and the students we have working for us are a perfect representation of its quality. Out of 11 of our stores – 10 of them are looking for skilled technicians, and this partnership represents the future of our business.”
“The future is bright for the program as we continue to develop more partnerships with companies to connect students with careers and be an immediate positive impact in the workforce,” underscored Beal.
Students who complete this program earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree. Interested in a career as a Heavy Equipment Technician? Join CWI on Nov. 11, 2021, from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at the Nampa Campus Micron Education Center in room 1801 to learn more about the program.
