MHS Heavy Equipment Operations Students Earn Industry Certifications

MARIETTA, Ga. – Marietta High School's Heavy Equipment Operations pathway hit a major milestone on April 30 when every student participating in the capstone assessment earned industry certification.

Students in the Marietta High School College and Career Academy's Heavy Equipment Operations (HEO) career pathway spent the entire school year preparing for Capstone Day — a hands-on skills assessment where students demonstrate they can safely operate real heavy equipment. Depending on their track, students tested for either an Excavator (Introduction to Heavy Equipment) or Dozer (Heavy Equipment Operator) industry certification. Capstone Day was hosted by C.W. Matthews Contracting Company.

Before stepping into the capstone, students had to log required simulation hours on Caterpillar simulators and pass all SIM Scholar knowledge tests. The work leading up to this day was intentional and rigorous.

Excavator candidates were assessed on five tasks: machine walk-around, controls familiarization and bucket placement, raking the green, trenching and backfilling, and bench loading. Dozer candidates completed four: machine walk-around, machine maneuvering, slope and ramp building, and pad building. Students who scored high enough received an industry-recognized certificate for their track. 

Two students earned special recognition. Christian Nicula took home the "Smooth Operator" award for Dozer, and Collin Couch was named "Smooth Operator" for Excavator. Both received gift cards to mark the achievement.

The HEO pathway prepares students for careers in construction, site development, and heavy industry — fields that offer strong wages and high demand for skilled operators.