Heavy Construction Equipment Technology Students Tour SCHWING America

Students in orange vests in the shop

Tour included information about job opportunities at SCHWING

Students and faculty in the Heavy Construction Equipment Technology (HCET) program at Dakota County Technical College (DCTC) toured the SCHWING America facilities in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, in mid-March 2023. The tour covered the SCHWING America campus and included discussions about employment opportunities and lunch.

Kevin Miller, an instructor in the HCET program, appreciates the opportunity to partner with SCHWING America.

“When SCHWING America first contacted Cody [Skluzacek] and me, we were very impressed that an international company of such size was willing to help us out,” Kevin said. “We welcomed them to come in and talk to our first- and second-year students, and our relationship took off.”

Kevin and Cody Skluzacek, also HCET faculty, worked with SCHWING to set up the tour. “I was blown away at the size and functionality of the facilities,” Kevin said. “Our students are lucky to have a company like SCHWING working with them to provide possible employment opportunities and help our program with different types of sponsorships. We welcome SCHWING America to our DCTC Heavy Construction family with open doors. We would like to thank everyone at SCHWING America for everything they have done for us.”

“Here at DCTC in our Heavy Construction Equipment Technology program, we strive to offer as many different career opportunities as possible,” Cody said. “Our students were very impressed with everything SCHWING America has to offer. SCHWING was kind enough to let our students get the full experience of everything they do by offering our students this tour.”

Cody added that 38 first- and second-year HCET students went on the tour. “SCHWING offers many different employment opportunities for our students. Our faculty and students would like to thank SCHWING America and all the people involved in our growing partnership.”

Kim Shaff, executive director of foundations and community relations for DCTC and Inver Hills Community College, reported: “We are grateful to have SCHWING America as a Champion Sponsor at DCTC this year. By extending support to the Heavy Construction Equipment Technology program, SCHWING is contributing toward program enhancements and playing an important part in the creation of well-educated and prepared individuals who are poised to enter the workforce.”

Executive Director Shaff pointed out that almost one-third of DCTC students are from low-income households, and many more encounter significant financial obstacles that threaten their ability to enroll and complete their academic programs. The college’s corporate sponsors provide financial stability and industry insight that produces a reputable and challenging two-year educational experience at DCTC. Cash and in-kind contributions significantly enhance our 50+ academic programs and services adding tremendous value to the student experience.

Student perspective

“From a first-year student’s perspective, I was very impressed with how SCHWING America operates and all the opportunities they have to offer. Everyone at SCHWING seemed very friendly and enjoyable to be around. It was very cool to be there when they were testing out the pumps.”

SCHWING America tour gallery


SCHWING America perspective: Elijah Berg

“SCHWING America is proud to partner with DCTC and sponsor their Heavy Construction Program. After hosting these students on March 13, our leadership team was reminded of the caliber and engagement of the students at DCTC.

“We believe that this program is so successful because of the resources devoted to it; the facility, materials, equipment and instructors are all excellent, and this reflects directly in the focus and engagement of the students.

“SCHWING would be fortunate to have any student from the Heavy Construction Program on our team. We look forward to a deepening relationship with DCTC.”

Elijah Berg
HR Director
SCHWING America

More about SCHWING America…¹

For over 45 years SCHWING America has been a worldwide designer, manufacturer and distributor of premium concrete production and handling equipment. Located in St. Paul, Minnesota, SCHWING America has 350,000 square feet of manufacturing space. From close inspection of incoming materials to forming our products with the latest robotic welding techniques, SCHWING takes craftsmanship to the highest standards. Our state-of-the-art paint facility produces finished products you will be proud to put your name on. In addition, a vast inventory of parts on hand to keep your SCHWING product running at maximum efficiency.

German Engineering – American Quality

LEARN MORE…

More about Heavy Construction Equipment Technology

HCET coursework prepares you to succeed as a well-trained, mechanically minded, hardworking technician with heavy equipment dealers and contractors.

Your training will involve classroom theory, live shop demonstrations, and hands-on repair of heavy equipment currently used in industry. Making repairs on actual equipment is vital to your skill development.

Heavy equipment dealers and earth-moving contractors will be your top employers. Jobs are also available with mining and logging companies. Most technicians work in indoor shops, but experienced field service technicians travel to job sites to perform repairs.

LEARN MORE…
Learn more about Heavy Construction Equipment Technology at DCTC by contacting:

Admissions
admissions@dctc.edu
651-423-8266
Room 2-110

¹ SOURCE: SCHWING America

Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics

Repair and maintain very large vehicles, such as cranes, bulldozers, graders, or conveyors.
WAGE

This career pays above the statewide median of $23.81/hour

Minnesota

Median: $31.52/hour
High: $38.63/hour

Seven-county Twin Cities metro

Median: $32.15/hour
High: $39.10/hour

OUTLOOK

In Minnesota, there are 1,670 workers employed in this small, which is seeing very high growth compared to other careers. Growth rate is 12.6 percent in the state.

There will be a need for about 3,789 new Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics to meet market demand between 2020–2030 This includes the demand due to replacement (workers leaving the occupation or retiring) as well as growth.

— Minnesota State CAREERwise Education (May 3, 2023)