Four students from Marshalltown Learning Academy were able to experience the heavy equipment simulator hosted by Iowa Works and Iowa Valley on April 28.

The simulator is similar to playing a video game, but it allows individuals to experience operating the controls in a safe and fun environment and spark interest for a future career choice. Simulator options included a bulldozer, road grader, excavator, loader and welding.

After going through the simulator, MLA students met with staff from Iowa Valley Community College District to talk about options for training in related career fields.

“The simulator gave students the opportunity to experience a career path that they would otherwise not be able to try,” said Nicole Critchfield, career development and IT teacher at MLA. “It was great to be able to see the students get excited about how they did on the equipment and then have them talk with school representatives to find out how they can become employable in this career path.”

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