As winter weather approaches and crews prepare to keep roads safe, one Ohio Hi-Point Career Center (OHP) student is already behind the wheel, gaining real-world experience through a work-based learning partnership with the Champaign County Engineer’s Office.
Jack Gaus, an OHP Heavy Equipment senior from Mechanicsburg, is participating in the district’s 1x1 work-based learning program, alternating weeks between full-time coursework at Ohio Hi-Point and full-time employment with the Champaign County Engineer’s Office. Through this opportunity, Jack is making significant progress toward earning his Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL) while gaining hands-on experience in highway maintenance operations.
According to Champaign County Highway Maintenance Superintendent Danny Boggs, Jack has already passed multiple CDL permit exams, including general knowledge, air brakes, combination vehicle and tanker endorsements. He has also completed and passed the required online theory coursework.
“Jack is on a great pace in obtaining his Class A CDL,” Boggs said. “He recently went out with one of our full-time staff to pre-treat a plow route, driving for the first time with us. We also used his time over winter break driving our semi and lowboy trailer to prepare him for his road test.”
Cole Carpenter, Heavy Equipment Operations instructor at Ohio Hi-Point, said Jack is a hardworking student and that the placement site has provided a valuable opportunity for him to begin his career while gaining additional experiences.
“Jack is a hardworking student who has taken full advantage of his placement with the engineer’s office,” Carpenter said. “I’m proud of him and excited to see how he continues to grow and develop his skills for his future career.”
Boggs added that Jack has made a strong impression on the department, noting his willingness to work alongside veteran employees and his positive attitude.
“This has been a great experience for our office as well as Jack,” Boggs said. “If he chooses, he has a bright future with the Champaign County Engineer’s Office.”
Through Ohio Hi-Point’s work-based learning program, students gain hands-on experience with local employers while still in high school, preparing them for in-demand careers and helping meet workforce needs across the region.
