On April 14, Youth Apprenticeship Program business partner Peckham Industries came to Questar III’s Durham site, which houses our Columbia-Greene Heavy Equipment Operation & Maintenance program, to do a paving demonstration for students.
Peckham Industries brought a paver and roller to the site. Robert H. Finke & Sons Inc., another Youth Apprenticeship Program business partner, donated a loader for use during the demonstration.
In both the morning and afternoon sessions, the demonstration began with a safety meeting, or a “toolbox talk,” and a review of the work being done. Students were split into small groups of three to five and rotated between four stations, spending about 30 minutes at each. At the first station, students talked with Peckham Industries Vice President Dan Flannery about the company and future employment opportunities. At the second, students talked with a Peckham Industries salesman to learn about their role and how a job comes to completion. Students observed and prepared to use equipment at the third station, and they worked with Peckham Industries crew members performing the paving at the fourth station. About 300 tons of subbase was paved and compacted into place.
Through this hands-on experience, students were able to make improvements at the school. Students and Peckham Industries crew members paved the school’s parking lot, bus turnaround and the area surrounding fuel tanks used to fuel the program’s equipment. This area was previously dirt. Paving this area has ensured a cleaner environment for students and staff to operate in.
