Tower Winter/Spring 2024 - 20

(left to right) Bobby Walters, Michael Keene, and Jaylon Johnston
" Not only did we realize there was
a need, but there was no other
program like this in the state. This
program was vetted, and we feel
really good that this is a great
program for students, " Tim said.
" Allan Myers is up there as being one
of the best champions for one of our
College programs that has provided
time, talent, and financial resources. "
The College selected Mitch Kauffman
to be the inaugural instructor of
the Civil Engineering Construction
Technology program. At Thaddeus
Stevens College, faculty members
are selected because of their deep
experience working in the industry,
demonstrated mentorship of others,
and ability to translate lifelong skills
to students. He helped design a
program to equip students with the
capabilities they need to work in
heavy and highway construction.
The goal of this new degree program,
launched in the fall of 2022, aligns
with the goals of every Thaddeus
Stevens College degree program:
To boost graduate competencies,
enabling them to work for companies
in their chosen career path
throughout the state as well as have
both the opportunity and a faster
timeline to move into a management
role. This could include positions
such as foreman, superintendent,
or other senior leadership jobs.
" I've seen it firsthand in the 25 years
I've worked in this industry -there
are just not enough well-trained
workers in the field of civil and
heavy construction engineering, "
Mitch said. " We've seen a lack of
19 : Tower Magazine
young people-men and women
-diving into this field. There's so
much work available and just not
enough qualified people to do it. "
Once enrolled in the program,
students study the theory behind the
civil engineering construction trade
in a classroom setting. However, most
of the learning happens through
hands-on experiences. Thanks to
Allan Myers' partnership, students
have access to a two-acre plot
of land near the Talmage Quarry
where they can get their hands
dirty, practicing skills that will allow
graduates to confidently navigate the
construction of roadways, municipal
and state infrastructure projects,
underground utilities, horizontal site
development, and construction of
water and wastewater infrastructure.
Tower Winter/Spring 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Tower Winter/Spring 2024
