Penn College News

Excavator loan extends Volvo/Highway Equipment alliance

Monday, November 15, 2021

The loan of a Volvo Construction Equipment excavator to Pennsylvania College of Technology, facilitated by Highway Equipment & Supply Co., builds on the partners’ historic commitment to enhancing the skills of their future employees.

“We are grateful for the continued support of Highway Equipment & Supply and Volvo Construction Equipment,” said Ryan W. Peck, an instructor of diesel equipment technology at Penn College’s 125-acre operations site in Brady Township. “Our students remain excited to have different industry leaders as part of the curriculum and to learn the different facets of technology by Volvo.”



Among those with instructional access to an excavator on loan from Volvo Construction Equipment and Highway Equipment & Supply Co. are Pennsylvania College of Technology heavy construction equipment technology: operator emphasis students (from left) Christian J. English, of Turbotville; Jared T. Corson, of Friendsville; and John F. Montague, of Newtown, Conn. (who is also pursuing a bachelor’s degree in applied management). About 40 students in the college’s heavy construction equipment: technician emphasis major will have the opportunity to operate the EC220 E excavator, which already was put to use during the Spring 2021 semester as classes discussed walk-around inspections and safe operating strategies.

“The relationship with Highway Equipment and Volvo is a multi-faceted partnership of great value to the college and the industry. This support from the manufacturer and the dealer enables heavy construction equipment students to experience state-of-the-art technology that will serve them as operators and technicians, better supporting their employers with the skills they learn on Volvo equipment,” said Elizabeth A. Biddle, the college’s director of corporate relations.

“We greatly appreciate the support of Highway Equipment and Volvo Construction Equipment to help enhance the learning by our Tomorrow Makers.”

Volvo Construction Equipment has been lending machinery to the college since 2016, and Highway Equipment – a family-owned business with multiple locations in Pennsylvania – has been investing in students and programs since 2004.

Students at the controls of the excavator will be taught how to safely operate the machinery, dig trenches and load trucks.

“It is our pleasure to continue to partner with Penn College to facilitate this equipment loan. Giving students the experience of Volvo technology will serve not only Highway Equipment and Volvo, but all of our customers who rely on Penn College students and graduates to bring a wide foundation of skill to their employer,” said Ryan Flood, a vice president at Highway Equipment and a member of the college’s Heavy Construction Equipment Technician Emphasis Advisory Committee. “We greatly appreciate the talent and quality graduates recruited from the college to support Highway Equipment and Supply’s technical needs and our customers’ technical needs.”

Volvo Construction Equipment is similarly pleased to support the hands-on learning at Penn College.

“Providing equipment is one of the ways Volvo invests in education for the technicians of tomorrow,” said Tara Stryker, head of used equipment at Volvo Construction Equipment. “Programs like the one at Penn College provide students a pathway to a great career in the construction equipment industry, and we’re excited to continue to support graduates through hands-on learning with Volvo technology.”

For more about diesel truck, heavy equipment and power generation majors in the School of Engineering Technologies, call 570-327-4520.

For more information about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.