Filling a need: Flagler Technical Institute debuts heavy equipment simulator

Investment of $35,000 to prepare a new generation of operators.

By Paola Ohlson
| 7:30 a.m. November 28, 2019

Renee Stauffacher, Director Flagler Technical Institute guides a participant on how to use the simulator. Photo by Paola Rodriguez

George Povey, a Government Building visitor, gave it try. Photo by Paola Rodriguez

Heavy Equipment simulator display at the Government Services building. Photo by Paola Rodriguez

Joe Rizzo instructs Sabrina Crosby on how to use the simulator .Photo by Paola Rodriguez

Sabrina Crosby also gave the simulator a try. Photo by Paola Rodriguez

Joe Barango a retired pilot tries the simulator. Next to him, Maria Barbosa School board member. Photo by Paola Rodriguez

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Flagler Technical Institute put its new $35,000 heavy equipment operator technician simulator on display for the first time Nov. 21 at the Government Service Building.

The new tool will allow the students to practice safely before they go out in the field, according to Renee Stauffacher, director of Flagler Technical Institute. She also added that having the simulator at the Government Building served "to help advertise the program, and to thank the legislators that are in the building today."

Chelsea Barney Herbert, operations manager and project manager of 4C's Trucking and Excavation Inc., was part of the focus group that started the program with FTI. She finds monumental value in the program, she said on WNZF's "Free For All Friday." She said she appreciates the support from the local school system as it fills this gap in the workforce.

There are eight pieces of heavy equipment that the future operators will train on during the 1,200-hour course. The next enrollment opening is in January.