WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — Groff Tractor & Equipment has loaned advanced John Deere equipment that is benefiting Pennsylvania College of Technology students in the heavy construction equipment technology majors.
A John Deere 550K dozer and John Deere 544G wheel loader were donated for use for the summer and fall 2024 semesters. Six Penn College classes are gaining hands-on exposure to the equipment. The students are enrolled in operator and technician emphases of the heavy construction equipment technology program; some are dual-degree students.
“GT&E’s partnership with Penn College has grown tremendously over the past few years,” said Samantha White, director of human resources for the company. She attributes that success to the “outstanding instructors at Penn College and the dedicated GT&E employees.”
“The partnership is strong due to GT&E employees who are mentoring students, educating instructors and instilling confidence in the next generation of diesel technicians,” White continued. “The GT&E technicians are providing hands-on guidance and real-world experience to students that cannot be taught in a classroom setting. The alliance that has been built over the past few years is truly remarkable and a huge asset for all parties involved. GT&E looks forward to what our future endeavors hold and are proud supporters of Penn College.”
Seth J. Welshans, instructor of diesel equipment technology at Penn College, is impressed with the equipment shared by the company: “The dozer has the capability of telling the operator the cross-slope percent right on the dashboard, saving the students some time when grading.”
Welshans added: “Many students coming through the program desire to start their own business. This gives them a taste of what John Deere has to offer in their wheel loader and dozer line.
“The students are well aware of Groff’s generous donation which builds brand recognition and loyalty after operating the equipment. The technicians get familiar with John Deere equipment manuals, nomenclature, controls and basic operations, and the locations of service items.”
GT&E, part of the college’s Corporate Tomorrow Makers program, has supported Penn College students and events since 2005.
The company has sponsored the Diesel Truck & Heavy Equipment Summer Camp for high school students; supported the annual Diesel Competition, held in December for students in career and technical education centers; and provided skills stations at the SkillsUSA Pennsylvania diesel competition.
GT&E has donated equipment parts and provided training to college faculty. The company also serves on the college’s Heavy Construction Equipment Technician Emphasis Advisory Committee and is a regular visitor on campus, engaging students in equipment showcases, trivia contests, signing days and recruitment events.
GT&E is recognized as a member of the Heritage Society ($50,000 to $99,999) on the college’s Donor Wall.
“GT&E is a valued partner at Penn College, and we greatly appreciate how this equipment loan is helping enhance our curriculum,” said Justin W. Beishline, assistant dean of diesel and natural resources technologies. “Our students gain valuable experience and skill that they will take to future careers, increasing their contribution to their employer.”
For more about Penn College’s associate of applied science degrees in heavy construction equipment technology operator emphasis and technician emphasis, call the School of Engineering Technologies at 570-327-4520.
For more about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, visit www.pct.edu, email admissions@pct.edu or call toll-free 800-367-9222.