Elevating Construction Technology

The Construction Technology department was recently awarded a Faculty Staff Grant to buy an adapter plate and work platform to fit on a used JLG G5-18A forklift that the local Perkins Foundation recently donated to the Construction Technology program. While the technical programs are fortunate to have adequate funding for day to day operations, their budgets do not cover larger equipment purchases and outside funding is needed to keep up with the industry.

The new attachments will be used by Construction Technology students working on the Habitat for Humanity homes. The adapter plate also allows the use of other attachments the program already has for the C185 skid loader, making both pieces of equipment more useful and practical.

The goal is to train Sheridan College Construction Technology students on the safe operation of equipment, and have them demonstrate the safe use of equipment on the job site. Training with actual tools that they will use in their careers is an invaluable experience. Skills and credentials can then be transferred into the field, as students become employed with local and regional contractors.

According to Josh Michelena, the head of the Construction Technology department, “The work platform and adapter are yet another wonderful example of how the SC Foundation provides support that adds value to student learning by providing items which are outside of our operating budgets for student training!”