The annual field trip to York Excavating Company was an eye opening experience for the 12 students who attended on April 17.

The York Builder’s Association (YBA) sponsors this field trip “in order to introduce students to the high demand positions available in the trades. There is a massive need for employees in the trades which offer stability, great pay, and security,” said guidance counselor Joyce Marburger.

There were many incentives for students to attend this trip, such as the fact that it was free to them and they would receive a bag containing over $30 worth of goods, including a Dewalt tape measure.

An added bonus for attending the field trip is the fact that YBA gaurantees all seniors who attend the trip will get a job interview at seven companies within York.

“I decided to go on the field trip because I do a little bit of excavating with my Dad, and I wanted to see what the new technologies had and what a bigger company looks like since I’ve only worked with my Dad.”

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During the trip, students spent the morning with the President of York Excavating Jeff Walker. He shared information about his business, including an on-site discussion about the retaining wall his company built next to Tractor Supply in Red Lion.

Afterwards, students toured the York Excavating business, saw videos of job sites, and visited a job site where students were able to see and operate large equipment.

“I thought [the experience] was pretty eye-opening and interesting, because of how they use [Global Positioning Systems] GPS for all their bulldozing now. They don’t do it by stick and lazer any more,” Harkins said.

Through this field trip, two alumni have found jobs in the community: CJ Davis and Zachary Ensor.

For a video of the experience, please visit The York Daily Record.