06/08/2026
Congratulations, Corey White! Corey placed 10th in the nation during the SkillsUSA Heavy Equipment Operation contest. Well done!
Corey White of Byron won the Heavy Equipment Operation contest at the SkillsUSA Michigan State Leadership and Skills Conference in Grand Rapids on April 18th. After submitting a one-page printed resume and participating in an interview, Corey showcased his skills using a hydraulic excavator, skid-steer loader, and rough-terrain forklift, first by successfully maneuvering a driving course, and then by conducting machinery inspections, changing attachments, and demonstrating trenching or backfilling. In June, Corey will advance to Nationals, joining over 6,500 students in Atlanta for a hands-on trade competition.
Corey is a student at Shiawassee RESD’s College and Career Readiness Center in Vernon. A senior at Byron Area Schools, Corey has been with the CTE Heavy Equipment program since its inception.
“Corey has been an outstanding student and all-around outstanding individual, having him in my class for the last 2 years has been great,” says Robby Sayles, CTE Heavy Equipment Instructor. “He never hesitates to assist other students and steps up when asked to by the instructional staff. We are very excited to see how well he does at the national level!”
Currently, 53 students are enrolled in the CTE Heavy Equipment program at the Shiawassee College and Career Readiness Center in Vernon. Students who successfully complete the program earn a National Center for Construction Education and Research Entry Level Certification in Heavy Equipment Safety, Basic Safety, Orientation to the Trade, Identification of Heavy Equipment, and Basic Operational Techniques.
SkillsUSA is the #1 workforce development organization for students, empowering them to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders, and responsible community members. SkillsUSA represents more than 443,000 career and technical education students and teachers in middle schools, high schools, and college/postsecondary institutions nationwide. Those members represent 130 in-demand occupational areas, from 3-D animation to welding. A vital solution to the skills gap, SkillsUSA has served 15.6 million members since its founding in 1965.
