Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology continues to enhance its hands-on learning environment thanks to the generosity of industry partners committed to supporting the next generation of skilled professionals.
In significant contributions to the College’s technical programs, two industry partners have recently donated heavy equipment that will benefit multiple programs and provide students with valuable real-world experience. Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority (LCSWMA) donated an articulating wheel loader, while Brubacher gifted a John Deere 310SL Loader Backhoe to the Diesel Technology program.
These donations perfectly demonstrate how industry partnerships directly enhance our students’ education. When our students train on the same equipment they’ll encounter in the workforce, they graduate ready to make immediate contributions to their employers and communities.
Cross-Program Benefits
LCSWMA Articulating Wheel Loader
The articulating wheel loader from LCSWMA will initially serve students in the Diesel Technology program, where it will be used in lab settings to provide hands-on experience with hydraulic systems—a critical component of their technical education. Future plans include incorporating the equipment into the Civil Engineering Construction Technology program, expanding the impact of this donation across multiple technical disciplines.
The equipment delivery itself showcased the power of community connections, as Patriot-St.Denis Towing and Transport coordinated and delivered the heavy machinery to campus. The H&H Group provided professional signage services for the effort, further demonstrating how multiple partners contribute to student success.
Brubacher’s John Deere 310SL Loader Backhoe
The John Deere 310SL Loader Backhoe donated by Brubacher provides another valuable learning tool for the Diesel Technology program. This equipment allows students to gain hands-on experience performing equipment repairs and services, diagnosing malfunctions, and preparing for careers in the diesel mechanic field.
Having a variety of vehicles in our Transportation Center labs provides a holistic approach to learning. Our Bulldogs can now train, work, and build with the best of the best equipment, which directly translates to their readiness for high-demand careers.
Building a Strong Economic Pipeline
These donations represent powerful examples of Thaddeus Stevens College’s mission in action. One of the team members who helped deliver the loader is a graduate of the College’s technical programs, showcasing the full-circle impact of the College’s workforce development efforts.
Our purpose isn’t only to empower students with game-changing skills, but to also impact their communities—these donations represent this powerful motive in action. Seeing our alumni return to campus as industry professionals who are now supporting the next generation of students truly completes the circle.
Both LCSWMA and Brubacher have demonstrated their commitment to investing in technically skilled professionals who contribute to the region’s economic success. These partnerships are vital to fulfilling the College’s mission of creating a strong economic pipeline into Pennsylvania’s workforce.
Industry Connections Drive Student Success
These donations reinforce the College’s strong connections with industry partners who understand the importance of skilled technical education. These relationships ensure students train with current technology and equipment, making them highly sought after upon graduation.
With an average of 18 job opportunities per graduate and a 98 percent placement rate, our students are in high demand. These industry partnerships help maintain those strong outcomes by ensuring our students learn on the equipment they’ll encounter in their careers.
The College extends its sincere appreciation to both LCSWMA and Brubacher for their continued support and generous contributions to student learning.