This high school program has a waitlist every year. Here's why.

In this episode of the Built In Boots Podcast, we welcome Dan and Josh Coleman from the Broome-Tioga BOCES Heavy Equipment Program. Dan, a veteran instructor with 16 years of experience, shares the inner workings of a program that’s building the future of the construction industry—literally. With a fully immersive two-year hands-on curriculum, high student demand, and real job placement success, this is more than just a school program. It’s a pipeline into the trades.

Mark Payne and Griffin Haley sit down with Dan and Josh to explore how BOCES creates real-world readiness for students—many of whom find their careers before even graduating high school. From fifth-grade excavator camps to co-op partnerships with local contractors and even Peterbilt dealerships, this episode is packed with powerful takeaways for educators, employers, and future tradespeople alike.

What we cover in this episode:

How BOCES built a program that now has a consistent waitlist
Their annual Skills Rodeo and its impact on student engagement
Why early exposure—starting in 5th grade—is a game changer
The two-year curriculum: hands-on equipment operation and repair
Why some students discover they’re mechanics, not operators
CDL training, GPS tech, and what’s next for the program
Real-world job placement: students working at Peterbilt, paving crews, and family farms
Culture fit and co-op success stories (and failures) that helped shape careers
The impact of instructors who double as mentors and role models
The power of visual learning—why drones are now part of the classroom

If you’re in education, construction, or just care about building the next generation, this episode offers a powerful look at what works—and why.

Keywords: Heavy equipment training, construction careers, BOCES, trades education, underground utilities, civil construction, CDL, vocational education, job placement, co-op programs, GPS training, youth in trades, equipment operator, diesel tech, safety, drone training

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Ready to join a team where your skills and dedication are valued? Visit our Careers Page at www.ddscompanies.com/careers to explore current opportunities and take the first step toward building your future with DDS. Your journey starts here!