In early February 2020, County Materials donated two truckloads of pipe and precast structures to the Wisconsin Operating Engineers Local 139, in Coloma, WI. This donation provides the opportunity for engineers and construction professionals from across the state of Wisconsin to participate in hands-on training operating heavy equipment and installing concrete pipe and precast products. Trainees is this program are better prepared to work safely and efficiently on the job by using real-world training exercises.
The Local 139 Operating Engineers apprenticeship program is one of the largest of its kind in North America, training more than 200 workers per day to operate heavy machinery. The organization’s mission is to train workers across the state to create safer job site conditions and reduce injuries. The Joseph J. Goetz training site in Coloma gives workers access to nearly 400 acres to hone their skills.
The donated precast structures from County Materials are primarily used in the organization’s Advanced Sewer and Excavation Courses, where trainees work to excavate, install, and remove the structures in exercises modeled after actual construction projects.
“By having materials here, we can create real-life situations that the members will be actually doing in the field. It’s instrumental to a trainee’s success in finding a job, performing their job well, and maintaining safety,” said Ken Miller, an instructor for the Local 139. “We can’t say thank you enough for these donations and County Materials’ commitment to the industry.”
