Chris Weaver

Faculty
Diesel Truck, Heavy Equipment & Power Generation

From the get-go, Chris knew a desk job wasn't for him. Hands-on learning at Penn College was a natural choice. After graduating with a certificate and two degrees, Chris spent 12+ years in the industry. Now he's teaching at his alma mater, bringing real-world experience to the lab, and inspiring the next generation of tomorrow makers.

Q&A with Chris

WHAT DREW YOU TO HEAVY EQUIPMENT AS A CAREER?

At a young age, I was expected to work in the garage of my family-owned trucking company. It helped to keep my motorcycles and cars gassed up and running. My mom wanted me to go on to college, but I wasn’t interested in keeping my hands clean or working solely indoors. So, I came to Penn College to learn more about the heavy diesel field. My experience was interesting, challenging, and rewarding.

WHAT'S THE SWEETEST THING ABOUT WORKING AT PENN COLLEGE?

I don't know where to start. There are so many sweet things! The sweetest is that students get to operate machines by themselves. They are one-on-one with the machine, learning and figuring out how to control and monitor the machine and job site, learning how to take full advantage of their operation time. 

WHEN YOU ENCOUNTER A STUDENT AT OPEN HOUSE OR DURING A SCHOOL TOUR, WHAT'S YOUR BEST PITCH TO GAUGE THEIR ENTHUSIASM?

I explain to them that they will get plenty of operating experience. We pride ourselves on the assurance that each student will get their own piece of equipment to operate and be trained by faculty with countless years of experience in the industry. I ask the student how important it is to them to have a long-term career. Usually, they all want a job making money. But I explain that a degree from Penn College will equip them with the skills and training every employer is seeking. In return, they will earn that salary and build a career that will last.

YOU'VE SEEN FIRSTHAND AT CAREER FAIRS HOW EMPLOYERS PERCEIVE STUDENTS; WHAT DO PENN COLLEGE GRADS HAVE IN THEIR TOOLKIT THAT GETS THEM NOTICED?

Employers want a certain level of knowledge and a well-trained individual. A Penn College grad is ready to impress such employers. Our graduates have been taught by some of the best in the industry using the latest equipment. The employers know a Penn College graduate has received the best training and is passionate about the industry. Employers know students from our program can hit the ground running and will prove they know how to get the job done.

TAKING THE LEAD

"This field has meaning, personal satisfaction, and brings on new challenges every day. If I had to do it over again, I wouldn’t change a thing. I have been able to work with inspiring people who encouraged me to always move ahead. My career has provided day-to-day happiness, meaningful work, and a sense of achievement."

Chris Weaver

Industry Connections

The power of partnerships

Thanks to industry connections, like Caterpillar, you get hands-on experience working with equipment just like you'll find in the field. Chris and fellow instructors welcome regular donations like equipment loans and financial contributions that give you the competitive edge.