An Olds College trades instructor says students in the heavy equipment program are still managing to get jobs, despite the downturn in the economy.
“It's slower, for sure. I wouldn't say there are not jobs,” school of trades instructor Larry Eskesen says.
“The heavy equipment program could be anywhere from off-road – so any dirt-working equipment. So road construction right down to forestry and oilfield as well,” he adds.
“It also could be on-road stuff; highway trucks. So there's still truck transport companies that are quite busy right now.”
He says most of the students he has talked to have obtained jobs as technicians.
“We've got guys from Saskatchewan and from B.C. taking the program as well. They would likely go back to their home places to find a job,” Eskesen says.
He says enrolment in the program has been quite consistent, although he does not know the exact numbers.
"It's slower, for sure. I wouldn't say there are not jobs."LARRY ESKESENINSTRUCTOROLDS COLLEGE
