New Workforce Ready Graduates Complete NMCC Mechanized Logging and Forest Trucking Program

Fairfield, Maine — Northern Maine Community College, in partnership with the Professional Logging Contractors of the Northeast, celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2025 from the Mechanized Logging Operations and Forest Trucking program on Thursday afternoon. 

The ceremony took place at 1 p.m. in Fairfield, at the Kennebec Valley Community College Alfond Campus, where students were recognized for completing 20 weeks of field-based mechanized logging training followed by eight weeks of commercial truck driving preparation. The program equips students with the skills needed to safely operate heavy machinery and haul forest products, supporting Maine’s logging and transportation workforce. 

NMCC President Doug Binsfeld opened the ceremony, followed by remarks from Chuck Ames, board president for the Professional Logging Contractors of the Northeast and Charlie Collins, executive director for workforce training at the Maine Community College System. MLOFT Program Coordinator Donald Burr introduced the students and instructors and acknowledged the completion of the program. Nicole Cote, dean of economic and workforce development at NMCC, joined Burr to present certificates. 

Graduates honored during the ceremony included Brian Snider, Wesley Pipes, Cedric Chase, Tyler Turner, Stormy Gillan, Kyle Casey, Noah Crummett, Mark Kirch, Shane Scribner, Riley Snowden, Zach Pelletier, Tavish J Campbell, Owen Northrup, Brenda Medcoff and Colby Farnsworth. 

“These students are entering the industry with real experience and confidence,” said Nicole Cote, dean of economic and workforce development. “Employers know graduates from this program are prepared to work safely, efficiently and professionally from day one.” 

The MLOFT program is made possible through a one million dollar grant from the United States Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration and industry supporters.