Empowering Future Construction Leaders: 4Rivers Equipment at EmPWR Day
Empowering the Future: 140 Students Explore Construction Careers at EmPWR Day
4Rivers Equipment recently partnered with the FutureForward at Washington Square school for the second annual EmPWR Day, an event designed to inspire young women to pursue careers in the heavy equipment industry. Through hands-on operation of John Deere 35G Compact Excavators, 140 students from Adams County discovered the high-wage, high-demand opportunities available in equipment service, operation, and sales.
Why Events Like EmPWR Day are Critical for the Industry
At 4Rivers Equipment, we recognize that the future of the construction industry depends on a diverse and skilled workforce. EmPWR Day (formerly "Girls Day In") is about more than just a fun afternoon; it’s about breaking stereotypes and showing young women that they have a seat at the table in the trades.
By providing access to machinery and mentorship, we are helping to bridge the technician shortage while empowering students to consider career paths they may have never imagined. When students realize they can operate a 3.5-metric-ton machine with precision, it changes their perspective on what they can achieve in their professional lives.
Hands-On Learning: From Stacking Cones to Career Paths
The highlight of the day was the opportunity for students from 8th to 11th grade to get behind the controls of our John Deere 35G Compact Excavators. To make the learning process engaging, our team set up interactive skill challenges:
- Precision Handling: Stacking traffic cones using the excavator’s hydraulic thumb.
- Coordination Drills: Using a specially mounted golf club on the machine to hit basketballs into barrels.
- Operator Mentorship: Guided instruction from our expert team, including Shop Foreman Kenneth Kroschel and Certified Dealer Instructor Jimmy Atencio.
The results were immediate. According to Assistant Principal Tessa Gargano, 100% of polled students reported a positive experience, with many expressing a direct interest in enrolling in the school's Diesel Program.
Building a Sustainable Talent Pipeline in Thornton
Our involvement in EmPWR Day is just one facet of our deep partnership with the FutureForward program. As a long-standing sponsor, 4Rivers Equipment has been instrumental in helping the school achieve its prestigious AED Foundation accreditation.
How we support FutureForward students year-round:
- Equipment Donations: Providing the John Deere machinery necessary for hands-on diesel training.
- Instructional Support: Offering guest instruction from certified professionals like Michele Ibanez and Autumn Brown.
- Pathway Development: Creating a clear bridge from high school graduation to high-paying roles within our 4Rivers dealership network.
Planting the Seeds of Possibility
"This event is about more than just showcasing equipment," explains Jimmy Atencio, Certified Dealer Instructor. "It's about planting seeds of possibility... showing them they have the skills and the potential to pursue careers in repairing, operating, or selling construction equipment."
At 4Rivers, we are humbled to see the excitement—the smiles, the fist bumps, and the social media videos—that these students share. We aren't just a supplier; we are a working partner to the Thornton community, dedicated to fostering the next generation of industry leaders.
Common Questions About EmPWR Day and Career Paths (FAQ)
What is EmPWR Day?
EmPWR Day is a career exploration event specifically for young women, focused on introducing them to the vast opportunities within the construction and heavy equipment industries.
Can students really operate the excavators?
Yes! Under the close supervision of 4Rivers Certified Instructors, students learn the basics of the ISO control patterns and participate in precision challenges to gain confidence in equipment operation.
What is the 35G Compact Excavator used for?
The 35G is a versatile machine used in landscaping, utility work, and residential construction. Its compact size makes it the perfect "teaching machine" for new operators to learn hydraulic functions.
How can students join the Diesel Program at FutureForward?
Students in Adams County can talk to their school counselors about touring the Washington Square campus. 4Rivers supports these students from 8th grade through graduation and into their professional careers.
Interested in starting your own journey in the heavy equipment industry? [Explore Career Opportunities at 4Rivers Equipment] and see how you can join an award-winning team dedicated to innovation and community growth.
