Best Management Practice & Heavy Equipment Simulator Training Needs Assessment
The Development Authority of Early County, alongside Golden Triangle RC&D and WorkSource Georgia, is surveying Early County businesses and local government departments to determine the need for bringing the Heavy Equipment Simulator Training to Blakely. 

Your feedback will help determine local demand, workforce gaps, and potential participation.


Expanding Access Through Mobile and Public Training Initiatives: 

Golden Triangle RC&D is expanding the reach and impact of our infrastructure training programs with the development of a custom-built mobile classroom for our heavy equipment simulator supported by congressionally directed spending from Congressman Sanford Bishop’s office through the Department of Labor. This mobile training unit allows us to bring high- quality, hands-on instruction directly to counties across our region, ensuring that every community we serve has equitable access to these resources. Through our partnership with Baker Technology Institute (BTI) we can now offer entry level 1 Heavy Equipment Operator
certifications as part of this program. We offer five modules that include a motor grader, articulating dump truck, excavator, backhoe and dozer.

In addition to our ongoing work with county road departments, we have introduced public training opportunities to help meet the growing demand for skilled heavy equipment operators in Southwest Georgia.

Led by certified BTI trainer Kevin Blackburn with over 25 years of heavy equipment experience
as well as training background, these sessions are open to individuals interested in careers in
public works, construction, or heavy machinery operation. By preparing a broader workforce,
we’re not only helping to fill essential roles but also supporting local economic growth and
career development.

Our Unpaved Road Best Management Practice (BMP) classes and simulator-based
training—made possible through key federal support—remain cornerstone programs in our
mission to build stronger, more resilient rural infrastructure. By equipping both public employees
and private citizens with practical skills and technical knowledge, we are enhancing the safety,
efficiency, and longevity of our region’s unpaved road network.

NOTE: Dislocated workers and employers may be eligible for the WorkSource Southwest Georgia "Stronger Together: Workforce Recovery in Action" grant. 

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Business Name
Industry Type
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Number of Employees
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Does your business currently employ heavy equipment operators?

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Are you currently experiencing difficulty hiring qualified equipment operators?

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Which types of equipment operators are most needed? (Check all that apply)  
How would you rate the current availability of skilled operators in the region?  
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Would your business be interested in sending employees to simulator-based training?

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Would you consider hiring individuals who have completed simulator-based certification training?

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What level of training would be most beneficial?  
Preferred training format:  
How important is workforce training to your business growth?  
Would improved access to trained operators help your business:  
What barriers prevent participation in workforce training? (Check all that apply)  
Additional comments or suggestions: 
Contact Name
Email
Phone
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