NEWS
Vermeer North Atlantic and PNW BOCES Celebrate HDD Simulator Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony.
Representatives from Vermeer North Atlantic, community leaders and members of the Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES community gathered to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the Vermeer Navigator® HDD simulator donated to the Career and Technical Education Center by Vermeer North Atlantic — the exclusive dealer/distributor of Vermeer industrial equipment for New York City, Long Island, New York’s Hudson Valley, New Jersey, and Eastern Pennsylvania.
Horizontal Directional Drilling, or “HDD” as it’s also known as, is a trenchless method of installing underground utilities that is minimally invasive with little impact on the environment. Thanks to the help of Vermeer North Atlantic, CTE can now offer the country’s first program that teaches the operating techniques of HDD drilling to high school students.
Vermeer North Atlantic President Ron Bjorklund said the donation benefits both the students and the business sector. “It is a win-win, because we need operators in this growing field, so we are happy to help train new professionals.”
“Vermeer North Atlantic committed to be part of our educational program, and they delivered!” said CTE teacher John Madden. “Successful students in this program can start right out of school with a lucrative career because they earn their certification.”
BOCES District Superintendent Dr. James Ryan said, “These types of community partnerships are invaluable, and setting up these relationships with the private sector benefits our students so much.”
Hendrick Hudson High School senior Sarah Mickelsen, a student in the program, said “I love having the opportunity to learn all about this as a lucrative career. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
#VNACommittedToCommunity