OLDS COLLEGE
From Student to Competitor: Olds College HEO Alum Returns to Show Off Skills at Equipment Roadeo

Olds College of Agriculture & Technology recently hosted the Canadian Public Works Association (CPWA) for its annual Equipment Roadeo, giving skilled heavy equipment operators from across the province a platform to showcase their precision and expertise.

Held alongside a two-day public works trade show at the Olds College Alumni Centre, the main event took place at the campus' 12-acre Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) Training Facility. The grounds were transformed into five distinct obstacle courses tailored to specific machinery: rubber-tire backhoes, skid steers, sanding trucks, graders and loaders.

Competitors representing organizations across Alberta walked each course prior to judging to review the manoeuvres required. Tasks demanded exceptional machine control, including navigating tight turns, executing precise lifts, moving pipes and obstacles, and reversing through intricate pathways. The pit was electric with energy as spectators and supporters cheered the operators on. 

Among the competitors was 2021 HEO program graduate Skylar Lennox, competing in the grader portion of the Roadeo. After completing the 12-week HEO Certificate program, Lennox secured a full-time role with the City of Fort Saskatchewan's road maintenance division. Though admitting to a few pre-event nerves, she was thrilled to return to campus and demonstrate her skills, speaking warmly of her former instructors and time in the program. 

"I remember Skylar being a little nervous to start the HEO program back when she was with us in 2021, but in a testament to her hard work and dedication, she rose to the challenge and graduated from the program with flying colours," says Todd Christianson, HEO Manager, Olds College Industry Training & Continuing Education. "It is such a cool experience getting to see an alumni student come back to the College for an event like this and compete using the skills that she learned in our program. It's a full circle moment that we are really proud of."

Lennox tackled the grader course with patience and precision, cheered on by an enthusiastic crowd of coworkers, peers and former instructors equipped with noise makers and words of encouragement.