JACKSON, NEW JERSEY -On February 17, 2021 the Ocean County Vocational Technical School (OCVTS) and Eosso Brothers Paving, out of Farmingdale, NJ came together to provide a world-class training presentation and equipment showcase of Heavy Equipment for Ocean County students studying Heavy Equipment Operations and Auto Diesel Repair. Eosso Brothers Paving transported to OCVTS’ Jackson Campus over 10 pieces of heavy equipment for our students to explore and interact with. To give you a sense of the enormity of a display like this, Eosso Brothers Paving took over an entire acre of the parking facility at the Jackson location. Included in this massive display were an excavator, backhoe, dozer, dump truck, milling machine, paver, roller, and a road grader. Students were treated to a full orientation to these sophisticated machines- then had the opportunity to interact with them under the guidance of Eosso Brothers’ Team of skilled operators. The images captured from this day are remarkable.

OCVTS recently launched a Heavy Equipment Operation Program (HEOP), just the second of its kind in the State of New Jersey. Students enrolled in this unique program have a chance to learn about and master the operations of several types of heavy equipment being used in industry today via a highly complex system of state of the art simulators. When the operations are mastered on the simulators students have the opportunity to work on the real thing. The showcase today was just one example of the real world applications available to OCVTS students. Thomas Eosso, CEO of Eosso Brothers Paving and Gary MacDonald, OCVTS’ Director of Curriculum and Grants orchestrated this amazing event.

Thomas Eosso graduated from Matawan High School and knew that college wasn’t for him. With his background in construction, he decided to sign up for a Cooperative Industrial Education program. While attending the program, Thomas also went to school for 4 hours and worked the balance of the day. It really helped him gain an advantage in the construction industry. Thomas also joined the US Army and became a combat engineer (Heavy Equipment Operator) and expanded his knowledge and experience even further. Gary Eosso, Thomas’ brother and co-owner had also been training and practicing operating various pieces of equipment during this time. Tom and Gary became so good at operating equipment that they decided to start Eosso Brothers Paving. Now 29 years later, they have approximately 60 employees and over 80 pieces of equipment. Gary Eosso is known as one of the top operators in the country. Anthony Eosso joined his brothers after attending college and became proficient on asphalt equipment. Thomas Eosso recounts:

“When we heard about the (HEOP) program at OCVTS we immediately wanted to be part of the program and assist in any way we could. We understand more than anyone that it takes a lot of practice and training to be a proficient operator in the construction industry. These days, it is extremely hard to give an entry level employee proper training on a construction site due to the fast-paced production. Most kids coming out of high school come to construction companies looking for a job and the first position offered is a laborer. Unfortunately, not everyone has what it takes to be in this industry and many lose interest quickly. Many young adults are opting out of the construction trades these days and equipment operators are becoming hard to find. We believe that it is very important to learn from the ground up when starting in the construction industry. Equipment operators can start between $ 20.00 an hour to over $ 40.00 an hour depending on experience. The (HEOP) program will give students an opportunity that can accelerate young students into starting as an operator. Many construction companies are aggressively looking for young construction talent. This program is important to the industry and Eosso Brothers Paving is here to assist the program every way we can. We are so excited that we were able to donate a 10-ton asphalt roller and a skid steer machine to the program. This will assist the students in getting time behind the wheel and help them better understand the operating equipment. New equipment today is state of the art and packed with the most amazing technology. It is like playing a video game. Many older operators are struggling with the technology– and this is where the young generation comes in. The younger generation adapts fast to technology. The new machinery can basically operate itself with onboard computers and laser leveling. Congratulations on accelerating your futures and working towards making a great living in the construction industry.”

OCVTS Superintendent Karen Homiek had this to say about the day:

“The training demonstration arranged by Eosso Brothers Paving, Joseph Moore, Heavy Equipment Operator Instructor and Gary MacDonald, Director of Curriculum and Grants provided our students with a glimpse of potential employment opportunities while advocating for the technical skills and credentials necessary for success in the field of Heavy Equipment Operations. Eosso Brothers Paving sits on our Advisory Committee and is one of the prominent industry partners for the Heavy Equipment Operating Program. Every program at OCVTS has an Advisory Committee that identifies the current emerging demands of the industry. With the shortage of skilled workers in the construction industry, OCVTS continues to guide our students into a career path or puts them on track through apprentice programs, community or 4-year college pathways. This presentation displayed the most up to date technological equipment in the field of construction. At OCVTS, we bring industry and education together and level resources to support our quality programs. The expressions on our students’ faces as they experienced the advanced machinery brought excitement to all attendees of the event. Thank you Eosso Paving!”

Overall the day was filled with information and hands on activities for the future Heavy Equipment Operators and Automotive Diesel Mechanics of Ocean County, NJ. Joseph Moore, OCVTS’ HEOP Instructor commented, “The whole exhibition surpassed my expectations. The HEOP students’ enthusiasm reflected their appreciation of today's presentation. This experience helped students to envision their futures as heavy equipment operators. The students hands-on introduction to the different types of equipment and operation and interactions with Eosso employees was an invaluable source of learning.”

OCVTS has a proud history spanning over 60 years providing career and technical education to residents of Ocean County and beyond. For more information about OCVTS’ world-class programs for high school students and adults visit www.ocvts.org.

Submitted by: Dr. Michael B. Maschi, Assistant Superintendent- OCVTS