By Haley Mitchell Godwin

Four classes of Crenshaw County students recently completed the Skills for Success Skid Steer Certification program offered through a partnership between the Crenshaw County School System and Lurleen B. Wallace Community College (LBW). This program, facilitated by LBW’s Workforce Development and Continuing Education program, equips students with hands-on training and a credential from the Alabama Community College System (ACCS), opening doors to opportunities in construction and beyond.

Brantley High School senior Manning Fox shared her enthusiasm for the program and highlighted its potential impact on her future as she plans to spend the summer working for her father, who owns a construction company.

“I thought it was a great opportunity to be able to become certified operating a skid steer,” said Fox. “It’s always great to learn new skills and expand your knowledge. So, I was excited to get my certification and gain knowledge about something I most likely wouldn’t have had the opportunity to do if it hadn’t been offered to Crenshaw County seniors”

Haley Beasley Kilcrease, College and Career Coach for Crenshaw County Schools, is thankful for the partnership with LBW and its Workforce Development team. 

“I’d like to extend my gratitude to Chad Sutton and Jeanni Sanders from LBWCC Workforce Development as well as Joe Barton and Kenny Reynolds, the instructors,” said Kilcrease. “It was so rewarding to see so many of our seniors enjoy this training. We are excited to continue this momentum with additional classes beginning in January, including courses in electrician training, and fiber optics certifications, as well as mental health courses in our health science classes.”

Interim Superintendent Gregory Faught praised the dedication of those involved in coordinating this invaluable experience for students.

The skid steer certification program, part of ACCS’s Skills for Success initiative, aligns training with the needs of Alabama’s businesses and industries. Launched in 2022, the program aims to bridge the skills gap and prepare participants for in-demand careers.

Director of Workforce Development at LBW Community College Chad Sutton emphasized the program’s far-reaching benefits. 

“This opportunity not only develops skills that lead to fulfilling careers, but it also introduces students to the world of construction,” Sutton said. “This training allows students to operate a skid steer proficiently and may spark broader interests in entrepreneurship, heavy equipment operation, construction, manufacturing and more.”

LBW instructors Joe Barton and Kenny Reynolds led the training, which included self paced coursework and hands-on learning. Students practiced with a load of dirt provided by the City of Luverne.The program culminated in a comprehensive skills test, earning students their certification.

The skid steer certification is available free of charge to both students and adults along with other training programs across a range of industries, including construction, fiber optics, trucking, and food and beverage services. For more information visit https://www.lbwcc.edu or call 334-222-6591.

Photos courtesy of Crenshaw County Schools College and Career.