Woman demonstrates heavy-equipment skills
Mar. 23—THOMASVILLE — A Thomasville woman showcased her advanced heavy-equipment operator skills by maneuvering difficult work site challenges with precision while taking part in Caterpillar's inaugural Celebrating Women in Construction event.
Amanda Miles was one of 18 women representing Cat dealers throughout the Americas who gathered at Caterpillar's Edward J. Rapp Customer & Training Center in Johnston County, east of Raleigh, to compete in the state-of-the-art skills tests, learn about the latest industry trends and network with peers.
The construction industry has significant growth and demand, and women are critical to the growth of its workforce, a Caterpillar press release said. Though more women are joining the construction industry than ever before, they still make up only about 14% of construction workers.
The skills tests included expertise on a small wheel loader, compact track loader and small hydraulic excavator.
Along with the tests, the women participated in a panel discussion where they shared best practices, discussed managing a successful career in a male-dominated industry and talked about the importance of recruiting more female operators and technicians into the workforce.
