Opening Doors and Windows of Opportunity
Casella Launches Mechanic’s Apprenticeship Program
Someone wise once said if you give a man a fish; you have fed him for today. But if you teach a man to fish, you have fed him for a lifetime.
It’s a simple idea with a huge impact—when we combine our resources and talents to teach someone a new skill set, it impacts the company and the community in a long-term, positive way.
That’s the goal behind Casella’s newly launched apprenticeship program in the field of heavy truck systems maintenance. Through this program, Casella has a smart way to attract, train and keep qualified mechanics.
Casella apprentices will be trained at length on how to repair and maintain its truck fleet, getting the chance to develop new, useful, and marketable skills while the company fosters a program that contributes to long-term economic development.
About the Program
The 46-month program was designed in partnership with Stafford Technical Center in Rutland, VT and covers 12 topics in depth, from preventive maintenance to engine diagnostics and repair.
Each week, the apprentices will get classroom learning time at Stafford Technical Center and hands-on work experience inside Casella’s maintenance shops. The students will work on Mack, Caterpillar, International, and Cummins engines as well as trucks from Mack, International, Autocar and other manufacturers while being fully trained in safety and OSHA requirements. After they graduate, apprentices can apply to the North American Institute to learn more engine-rebuilding skills. The program’s primary instructor, Doug Weeden, has 15 years’ field experience and is presently ASE-, Mack-, FleetPro-, McNeilus-, and CRW-certified. Doug is a Rutland, Vermont native who was recently promoted from Casella Waste Management in Montpelier to supervise and instruct the new apprentices.
