When contractors tell Chad Van Soelen they’d buy more directional drilling equipment “if we could find more operators,” he knows the underground construction industry faces its biggest challenge yet.
The persistent shortage of qualified HDD operators continues to limit growth across the underground utility sector. But one innovative partnership between State Technical College of Missouri (State Tech) in Linn, Missouri and Vermeer Midwest is changing that reality.
State Tech’s comprehensive two-year Utilities Technology program produces job-ready graduates with the exact skills contractors need. The secret? A strong partnership with Vermeer Midwest that combines academic learning with real-world equipment training.
“One of the things that our customers bring up all the time is ‘we would buy more equipment, more drills if we could find more operators,'” explained Chad Van Soelen, general manager for Vermeer Midwest in Chesterfield, Missouri. “So there’s a definite need in the industry for operators that can operate the type of equipment that we sell and rent.”
Directional drilling training curriculum built for real-world success
State Tech’s program goes way beyond basic equipment operation. Students train across three utility grids: communications, natural gas and water/wastewater systems. Most coursework happens in lab environments using commercial-grade equipment.
Cole Schaefer, department chair and instructor for the Utilities Technology program, explains how it started: “The program started probably back in 2014. There were some industry partners that the school was working with that identified maybe a more in-depth look at certain training.”
The two-year curriculum builds systematically. First-year students master fundamental equipment operation on directional drills, excavators and other essential machinery. Second-year students tackle advanced topics like job site management, blueprint reading and bore path planning.
“We want to make sure that the students know what they’re talking about, but also can do what they’re talking about,” Schaefer said. “You can have one of the brightest minds out there, but if you can’t do the task, whether that’s with a piece of equipment or just splicing fiber, climbing a pole, running a drill, if you can’t do that, it doesn’t matter how well you can explain it.”
Making this comprehensive hands-on training possible requires significant equipment resources.
Vermeer Midwest partnership drives program success through equipment donations
Here’s where the partnership really shines. Vermeer Midwest has donated millions of dollars worth of equipment including directional drills, excavators, fluid mixing systems and locating packages.
“Chad graciously donated us equipment at minimal cost.” Schaefer said. “The more equipment that we can have, the lower the number of student ratio to equipment that we have, the more seat time that we’re providing for that student.”
But it goes deeper than equipment. Van Soelen serves on State Tech’s advisory board, meeting twice yearly to review curriculum and identify industry needs. Vermeer Midwest coordinates training opportunities, with State Tech instructors attending certification classes at Vermeer headquarters, where they learn to teach Vermeer curriculum and course materials.
For contractors interested in additional training options, Vermeer HDD training programs offer comprehensive skill development for operators at all experience levels.
“We saw them start out. We wanted to help as much as we could,” Van Soelen explained. “Obviously, we want them to teach the Vermeer curriculum. We want the operators to be trained on Vermeer equipment.”
HDD certification programs deliver proven workforce results
The numbers tell the story. Since 2018, State Tech has trained over 300 students. The program started with 25 students per class and expanded to 50 annually.
Most impressive? 100% job placement with graduates earning an average starting salary of $77,000, according to Schaefer.
“Everyone who has graduated has found a job. In fact, the demand is so high for our graduates that they have their pick of employers,” Schaefer noted.
Van Soelen adds: “These kids have been through a two-year program, they know what the work is, they understand it, and they want to be there.”
Real benefits for students and employers
Students get something invaluable: a safe place to learn and make mistakes without serious consequences. This controlled environment helps them develop the fundamental skills needed to succeed on HDD jobsites.
“We’re allowing the students to learn to make mistakes and to get better at a certain craft or a skill,” Schaefer explained. “It’s providing opportunities for students to really fine tune some skills, get some hands-on industry specific training, and then just to mature.”
Employers get graduates who understand equipment operation, safety protocols and jobsite responsibilities. No more starting from scratch with new hires who need extensive guidance on HDD tooling selection and care.
“At the age of 18, a lot of kids still need to grow up,” Schaefer observed. “They need to learn responsibilities, and they need to learn that sometimes you have to work independently, but sometimes as a team.”
Career paths expand beyond equipment operation
The comprehensive curriculum opens doors beyond just running equipment. Graduates can advance to job site foreman, superintendent, manager or even start their own companies.
“The career path offers tremendous growth opportunities,” Van Soelen explained. “You might start by potholing, then advance to operating a directional drill. From there, you can progress to job site foreman, superintendent or manager. Some graduates even go on to start their own companies.”
For Vermeer Midwest, it creates a win-win. Students trained on Vermeer equipment often recommend it to future employers or purchase it when starting their own businesses.
Learn more about HDD training opportunities
Looking to enhance your HDD skills or train your crew? Contact your local Vermeer dealer to discover training programs in your area, or check out the Vermeer HDD Circuit Program — a comprehensive HDD training course.
This article contains third-party observations, advice or experiences that do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Vermeer Corporation, its affiliates or its dealers. Testimonials and/or endorsements by contractors in specific circumstances may not be representative of normal circumstances experienced by all customers.
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