Confidence in the Controls: Collin Goshert on Turning Practice into Pride

Vintage Blacktop Co. exists to put real people and real paths in the spotlight. When Jason Groff introduced us to Collin Goshert, we knew we'd found exactly that kind of story. A 2025 graduate of the Heavy Equipment and Basic Maintenance program at the Lancaster County Career & Technology Center, Collin's journey exemplifies what happens when curiosity meets persistence. This year, he achieved what no one from Pennsylvania had before, winning both the Pennsylvania State SkillsUSA competition and the SkillsUSA National Championship in heavy equipment operation. What makes his story remarkable? He stepped into the world of heavy equipment with zero experience and a wealth of curiosity, then stayed long enough to feel the craft transform into mastery. "The first time I ran the Volvo rubber-tire loader with Mr. Findley, I figured, why not give it a try," Collin recalls. "Just getting to run new equipment felt cool on its own. I never thought about winning."

Unlike many in his field, Collin didn't grow up around heavy equipment. His pivotal moment came during junior year, not from family tradition but from his construction class. He was told about a skill competition & shown pictures of heavy equipment.  For Collin, the appeal wasn't trophies or recognition, it was the visceral experience of controlling a powerful machine to accomplish tangible work and realizing there was a clear path forward to mastery. "I came into the heavy equipment class last year with absolutely no experience," he explains. "We saw pictures of what we might get to do at the competition and I thought, why not. Just being able to try the equipment was appealing enough."

Collin's progress followed a deceptively simple rhythm that proved remarkably effective. Observe, practice, repeat. His co-op shifts alongside experienced operators provided the patterns and techniques of the trade. Back at school, he diligently replicated those movements in the training yard, building muscle memory and confidence with each session. "I still consider myself a beginner," he admits with humility, "but going out to the workforce on co-op, watching seasoned operators, then using what I observed at school really moved my training along."

For those picturing heavy equipment operators as merely seat bound and disengaged, Collin's experience offers a compelling counternarrative. "People think operators don't move much and are lazy," he notes. "That hasn't been my experience at all. I haven't worked with anyone who makes me agree with that stereotype."

Collin emphasizes that there isn't one perfect entry point to this field. His advice is refreshingly straightforward. Start close to the work, keep expectations simple, and say yes to learning both the hands-on skills and the technical knowledge. "A good starting point is a heavy equipment class or part-time work with a construction company for the summer," he advises. "I listened to my teacher and my trainers at B.R. Kreider and trained on both equipment and paper. Blueprints, parts manuals, grades."

Like most success stories, Collin's journey was supported by key individuals who showed up when it mattered most. The presence of mentors proved especially valuable during high-pressure moments. "I can't point to one line that stuck, but the motivation from Mr. Findley meant a lot," Collin reflects. "He came down to the competition and that helped with my nerves."

Collin wants educators and parents to understand that heavy equipment operation isn't just about moving dirt. It's about being an integral part of the building process from the very beginning to completion, with standards that foster continuous improvement. "In skilled trades like excavation, we're there from start to finish in the building process," he explains. "This isn't a trade where you get thrown into a position and a mistake is an easy fix. It can take a little while to grow in a company, but it's worth it. If you keep putting out quality work and have pride while you do it, you can go anywhere."

If you know a student who's showing even a spark of curiosity about trades like this, consider sharing Collin's story. His experience demonstrates how one invitation, a safe first opportunity, and a summer of dedicated practice can fundamentally alter a young person's trajectory. Sometimes the path to pride begins with simply taking the controls and seeing what happens next.

Photos Provided by: B.R. Kreider & Son, Inc.