Frank H. Peterson Academies of Technology hosted ‘Ring Power’ day on Thursday, November 13, providing more than 1,000 students with the opportunity to see and learn about Caterpillar (CAT) equipment, as well as the company’s educational opportunities.
CAT representatives organized the delivery of a backhoe loader, hydraulic excavator, bull dozer and a 60kw generator. Field technicians were on hand to explain each piece of equipment to interested students. Also set up was a sprocket challenge, which is a competition event involving the removal of nuts/bolts with a power drill.
Before the Ring Power visit, students in various subject areas prepared specific questions and individual writing projects associated with topics, including heavy machinery, the environment and advertising.
“The purpose of this event is to provide students who are interested in the heavy equipment industry with information about their future career paths, including an overview of the ThinkBIG program,” said Kym Hogan, the corporate recruiter of workforce development for the Ring Power Corporation. “There are many internships and scholarships available for students interested in this industry, which has tremendous growth potential.”
ThinkBIG is a two-year Caterpillar dealer service technician scholarship program offered through a partnership between Ring Power and South Georgia Technical College. Upon successful completion of the program, students receive an associate's degree in applied science. Graduates can become skilled in technologies such as computer diagnostics, hydraulics and transmissions.
According to Jim Hunnicutt, a teacher at Peterson, Caterpillar has hired many of their students over the years, and has invited classes for field trips and provided several guest speakers. He says he hopes to host a Ring Power day each year.
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