Faculty Spotlight – Jon MacLeod

We are proud to spotlight Jon MacLeod, Instructor of the Heavy Equipment Operations program at Washington County Community College. Jon joined WCCC in August 2025 and brings a wealth of industry experience, leadership, and a passion for helping students discover rewarding careers in the skilled trades.

 

A Day in Jon’s Role 

What Jon enjoys most about teaching is the opportunity to pass along his knowledge and real-world experience to the next generation of trades professionals. He values helping students understand the many paths available through education and skilled trades training.

For Jon, teaching is never boring. Every day presents new challenges, new learning opportunities, and new ways to help students build confidence in themselves and their abilities. He enjoys working with young adults and showing them how education can open doors to a variety of successful careers.

 

What Makes Jon’s Program Stand Out

The Heavy Equipment Operations program is a 1-year certificate that offers extensive hands-on learning opportunities that prepare students for careers in the construction, forestry, trucking, and earth-moving industries.

One of the program’s most unique features is its live training pit. WCCC is the only school in New England with a live pit where students can gain real-world experience operating equipment in an active learning environment. During the fall semester, students spend two full days each week in the pit, developing practical skills on the same types of equipment they will encounter in the workforce.

The program has an impressive fleet of equipment, including three bulldozers, two excavators, five dump trucks, a road grader, and two loaders. Students also benefit from dual classroom spaces, with instruction taking place both at the training pit and on the main campus. Once winter weather arrives, equipment is brought to the campus classroom area, allowing students to continue hands-on learning throughout the year.

This combination of industry-grade equipment, real-world training opportunities, and a one-of-a-kind live pit creates an experience that sets the program apart from any comparable program in the state.

 

Program Outcomes and Opportunities

The Heavy Equipment Operations program students learn through intensive shop and field-oriented courses how to operate, maintain, and repair a variety of heavy equipment.

Instruction emphasizes the maintenance of drive trains, running gear, external engine components, and hydraulic systems, while also teaching students the safe and proper operation of bulldozers, trucks, payloaders, backhoes, and other heavy equipment commonly used in the field.

Workplace safety is a major component of the program. Students earn OSHA certification along with Red Cross First Aid and CPR certifications. The program includes 30 hours of OSHA training, providing students with valuable safety knowledge and helping prepare them for future leadership and supervisory opportunities.

Upon completion of the certificate curriculum, graduates are prepared to demonstrate a strong understanding of workplace safety, operate and maintain a variety of heavy equipment, perform repairs and rebuilds, and apply technical knowledge to real-world situations. Graduates are qualified for entry-level employment as operators or technicians with construction companies, logging operations, farm businesses, and equipment dealerships.

Jon’s Journey in His Field

Jon’s background is rooted in carpentry and the building trades. Early in his career, he competed nationally in Kansas City, Missouri, where he earned a ranking of 17th in the country in Building Trades. Following that achievement, he started his own business and spent more than 15 years working with various contractors in carpentry, landscaping, and snow removal.

In addition to his work in the trades, Jon served as Transportation Director for MSAD 47, overseeing school bus transportation operations. His diverse experiences across multiple industries have given him a broad skill set and a practical understanding of the workforce, which he now shares with his students every day. He currently teaches the CDL course through the workforce division at WCCC.

Outside of the Classroom

When he is not teaching, Jon enjoys spending time with his family and making the most of Maine’s outdoors. He especially enjoys recreational camping and fishing, activities that allow him to relax and recharge outside of work.

Three Words to Describe Jon

Patient, Encouraging, Adaptable.

Looking Toward the Future

Jon is excited about the continued growth of the Heavy Equipment Operations program. He looks forward to creating additional learning opportunities for students, strengthening partnerships with employers, and expanding the program’s equipment inventory to provide even more hands-on experiences.

His goal is to ensure that students leave the program with the skills, confidence, certifications, and industry connections necessary to succeed in their careers.

Jon’s advice for future students is simple: be willing to get on the equipment and learn but remember that success also requires dedication in the classroom. Taking the time to study and fully engage in every aspect of the program will help students get the most from their experience and prepare them for long-term success in the industry.

Thank You, Jon! 

Thank you, Jon, for your dedication to your students and your commitment to hands-on, meaningful education. Your patience, industry experience, and passion for teaching are helping prepare the next generation of skilled heavy equipment operators and technicians for successful careers in the trades.