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.

“This all started with a phone call about a year and a half ago,” said the ACCS Innovation Center’s Career Readiness Manager Matt Heaton. “Several high school career tech centers reached out asking if we could help make heavy equipment operation an official SkillsUSA competition for Alabama students.”

After receiving approval from the SkillsUSA board in January, the ACCS Innovation Center formed a competition committee and began preparing for this month’s event. The competition is designed around two of the center’s Skills for Success courses: Skid Steer and Excavator Operation. Students completed these Skills for Success courses in partnership with their local community colleges.

For students, the path to Monday’s competition requires dedication and specialized training. Each competitor had to earn credentials in both skid steer and excavator operation through the ACCS Innovation Center’s courses, then win their local chapter competitions to advance to the state level. If they win Monday, they can represent Alabama at the SkillsUSA national championships and potentially advance to the world championships—a first for Alabama in the heavy equipment category.

Brody Buchana, a student who will compete in Alabama SkillsUSA, said the Skills for Success experience was a great way to pick up new skills tied to the construction industry. “Thank you for organizing the classes and allowing us to showcase our talents and compete at the state level,” he said.

The sixteen competitors representing thirteen schools across Alabama:

  • Hunter Sexton from Butler County Career Academy
  • Brody Buchana, Dayton Lankert, and Peyton Webb from Edward Bell Career Center
  • Ethan Water from Escambia Career Readiness Center
  • Axel Castro and Junior Vasquez from Haleyville Center of Technology
  • Jackson Baker from Hillcrest Tuscaloosa High School
  • Abby Hardin and Aiden Moss from Huntsville Center for Technology
  • Taylor Grider from Kevin Dukes Career and Innovation Academy
  • Cameron McDaniel from Lawrence County Career Technical Center
  • Leondist Rascoe and Angel Canseco-Vasquez from Mae Jemison High School
  • Karson Thigpen from Muscle Shoals Career Academy
  • Jacob Eubanks from Winston County Technology Center

Beyond the trophies and recognition, participants stand to gain valuable career opportunities. The competition attracts numerous industry representatives who attend specifically to scout emerging talent.

“Many competitors will walk away with college scholarships and job offers from industry partners based on their performance,” noted Matt Heaton. “This competition creates direct pathways from classroom to career for these students.”

For more information about the ACCS Innovation Center’s Skills for Success courses, visit https://trainforalabama.com. To learn more about Alabama SkillsUSA, visit https://alskillsusa.org.