This article references: Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) recent coverage of industry-wide support for SkillsUSA's Heavy Equipment Operation Competition and workforce development initiatives.
Read the Full AEM ArticleAt B.R. Kreider & Son, Inc., we've always believed that investing in the next generation isn't just good business—it's essential for the future of our industry. That commitment was recently highlighted when our employee Collin Goshert took home the gold medal at the 2025 SkillsUSA National Heavy Equipment Operation Competition, showcasing both his exceptional skills and the value of career-technical education programs.
For nearly 90 years, B.R. Kreider & Son, Inc. has been more than just a construction company. As a family-owned business now in its fourth generation of leadership, we understand that sustainable growth comes from cultivating talent at every level. Our partnership with SkillsUSA and support of local career and technical education programs reflects our deep-rooted commitment to developing skilled workers who will drive our industry forward.
Goshert's employer, B.R. Kreider & Son, Inc., said that getting involved in SkillsUSA has been beneficial in filling labor gaps, and bringing in the next generation of skilled employees. "On the employer end, we really value programs like SkillsUSA that not only help students dive into skills, but show off their hard work," explains Vice President of Risk and Quality Jason Groff. These partnerships help us address critical labor gaps while bringing fresh talent and perspectives to our team.
Collin's journey exemplifies the transformative power of hands-on technical education. What started as a curiosity about "playing with big toys" during his senior year at Lancaster County Career & Technology Center has evolved into a promising career path. Now working as an operator assistant, Collin gains valuable experience alongside seasoned professionals while operating equipment on projects like wetland restoration.
His success at the national competition—where he competed against 23 other top finalists from 20 states—demonstrates the caliber of training provided by career-tech programs and the dedication of students who choose this rewarding career path.
The SkillsUSA Heavy Equipment Operation Competition represents something larger than individual achievement. As noted in a recent article by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, manufacturers across the industry are championing SkillsUSA's competition as a valuable resource for developing skilled workers.
Major equipment manufacturers including Volvo, Caterpillar, John Deere, Komatsu, JCB, and Bobcat are working together—not as competitors, but as partners—to support these programs through sponsorships, volunteer expertise, and providing access to millions of dollars worth of equipment for training and competition.
The competition tests students on practical skills they'll use throughout their careers, including:
These comprehensive skills assessments ensure that graduates are job-ready and capable of contributing meaningfully from day one.
At B.R. Kreider & Son, Inc., we're proud to support the career development of young professionals like Collin, and we're equally committed to fostering our fifth generation of future leaders. By partnering with educational institutions and industry organizations like SkillsUSA, we're helping to ensure that the construction and heavy equipment industries will have the skilled workforce needed to tackle tomorrow's challenges.
The success of programs like SkillsUSA depends on collaboration between educators, students, employers, and equipment manufacturers. When we all work together, we create pathways to meaningful careers while building the foundation for continued industry growth.
Learn more about career opportunities at B.R. Kreider & Son, Inc. and our commitment to developing the next generation of skilled professionals by contacting us today.
This article references: Local coverage highlighting how Collin Goshert's training at Lancaster County Career & Technology Center prepared him for national competition success.
Read the Original Town Lively ArticleWhen Collin Goshert first walked across the hall from his regular high school classes to peek into the heavy equipment operation program at Lancaster County Career & Technology Center, he had no idea that curiosity would lead him to national recognition. Now, as our newest team member at B.R. Kreider & Son, Inc., Collin's journey from local student to national gold medalist demonstrates the exceptional quality of career-technical education in our region.
Collin's path to the gold medal at the 2025 SkillsUSA National Heavy Equipment Operation Competition started right here in Lancaster County. The local recognition of his achievement underscores something we've long known at B.R. Kreider & Son, Inc.—that our region produces some of the most skilled and dedicated workers in the construction industry.
At Lancaster County Career & Technology Center, Collin developed foundational skills that would serve him well on the national stage. The program's emphasis on hands-on learning, safety protocols, and real-world application gave him the confidence and competence needed to compete against the best students from across the United States.
The SkillsUSA National Heavy Equipment Operation Competition is no ordinary test. Twenty-four competitors from 20 states faced 22 judged competitions over two days, testing everything from excavator operation and trenching to blueprint reading and safety inspections. For a young man who initially just wanted to "play with big toys," Collin's gold medal performance showcased the depth of knowledge and skill he had acquired through his technical education.
What makes Collin's achievement particularly noteworthy is how seamlessly his local training translated to national-level competition. The core competencies he developed—precision operation, safety consciousness, problem-solving under pressure, and attention to detail—are exactly the qualities that make someone successful in the heavy equipment field, whether in a competition setting or on a job site.
At B.R. Kreider & Son, Inc., we see Collin's success as validation of our commitment to supporting career-technical education programs. When young people like Collin discover their passion and develop their skills through these programs, everyone benefits—the student gains valuable career preparation, local employers gain access to skilled workers, and our industry gains dedicated professionals who are ready to contribute from day one.
"I think that one of the biggest benefits of this competition and this career field is that you learn so much more than you would following a traditional educational pathway," Collin explained after his victory. "I was able to gain so much experience in the field, and I'm thankful I was able to participate."
Now working as an operator assistant with our team, Collin continues to build on the foundation established during his time at Lancaster County Career & Technology Center. He's gaining experience alongside seasoned professionals while contributing to meaningful projects, including environmental restoration work that makes a positive impact on our community.
His willingness to learn, combined with the technical skills and work ethic developed through his education and competition experience, exemplifies the kind of dedication that has made B.R. Kreider & Son, Inc. successful for nearly 90 years. As a fourth-generation family business, we understand that investing in young talent isn't just good for business—it's essential for the continuity and growth of our industry.
Collin's journey from curious high school student to national champion to valued team member illustrates what's possible when students, educators, and employers work together. His success at both the state and national levels reflects not just his individual talent and dedication, but also the quality of instruction and support available through career-technical education programs in our region.
As we continue to foster our fifth generation of future leaders, we're proud to have team members like Collin who represent the best of what career-technical education can produce. Their skills, work ethic, and commitment to excellence ensure that B.R. Kreider & Son, Inc. will continue to serve our community with distinction for generations to come.
Interested in joining our team and building a rewarding career in construction and heavy equipment operation? Learn more about opportunities at B.R. Kreider & Son, Inc. by contacting us today.
Manheim, PA – (July 25, 2025) - Collin Goshert, Operator Assistant, for B.R. Kreider, achieved 2 remarkable accomplishments recently. First, he won 1st place in the state in the Heavy Equipment PA Skills Competition held April 2-3 and he placed 1st at the National Competition held June 25-26! Collin is the 1st National Winner from Pennsylvania EVER!
This is the fifth year the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) has included the Heavy Equipment Operator competition. NLSC is organized by SkillsUSA and is the largest gathering of America’s future skilled workforce, showcasing excellence in career and technical education.
Twenty-four competitors representing 18 states gathered for the Operator event, which included 22 judged competitions across two days. The competition had 2 days of skill stations, and Goshert had 10 minutes to complete each skill, as well as complete book/written testing.
B.R. Kreider trainers, Lawrence Hershey and Heath Kreiser, along with Goshert’s Lancaster County Career & Technology Center Heavy Equipment instructor, Justin Findley, helped prepare Collin for his skills tests.
Says Findley, “From his first time operating a wheel loader to becoming not only a state champion but a national champion, he showed his determination to be the best that he could. His hard work has paid off, and as his instructor, I'm very proud of him and his accomplishments." Justin Bruhn, LCCTC Brownstown Campus principal, continued, “Collin, in earning the distinction of first place in Heavy Equipment Operations, has represented the excellence of his program on the national stage and we couldn't be prouder. We thank B.R. Kreider for the company's continued partnership in our Cooperative Education program, and in employing talented LCCTC graduates like Collin!"
Jason Groff, B.R. Kreider’s VP of Risk, Quality & Safety, who oversees their training programs and is a graduate of LCCTC’s Heavy Equipment program, added, “Collin’s commitment to learning the skills needed to become a heavy equipment operator and strong work ethic is truly commendable, not just in competitions but on the job as well. We’re happy he’s a member of the B.R. Kreider team.”
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