GRHS mulls over virtual training

Special services students at Green River High School may have the chance to receive training on industrial equipment in the future.

The district’s special services department is looking at purchasing virtual training modules capable of training students on commonly-used heavy equipment used in the county. Alan Demaret, special services director for the school district, said while the modules would initially be available only to students with mental or physical disabilities, they could ultimately be open to the larger student population at both the high school and Expedition Academy. So far, the district hasn’t committed to purchasing a module yet, but Demaret said if they decide to move ahead with the purchase, federal funds would be used.

The training could provide students with better skills upon graduating from either GRHS or EA and would help them find better-paying jobs in Sweetwater County. Specifically, Demaret said the training could mean the difference between a student getting a job stocking shelves at a grocery store or working in the back using the forklift. 

“If we could give our students the experience in running that, we could give them a leg up,” he said.

While speaking to the school board Tuesday night, Demaret displayed two modules the department is considering. The first focuses on forklift use and features three monitors as well as the seat and controls found on actual forklifts. With close supervision, Demaret said the simulator can help students practice as much as they need without using fuel. He said most people complete forklift training in about 40 hours and speculates some students in the special services department may take as long as 100 hours to complete the training courses.

Students could spend one or two periods training in the modules as well. The second module he introduced to the board is capable of being utilized for multiple types of heavy equipment, from excavators to bulldozers and other large pieces of equipment. 

The modules would be located in the technology and industry wing at GRHS. Demaret said he has about a dozen students in mind that would be benefited by the training program. He also said the group investigating the possible purchase is looking at other avenues that could help students, such as partnering with Western Wyoming Community College for a vocations training certificate and involving local industry with the training program.