Construction machine simulator makes a stop in Decorah

4-year-old Kane Larson is thrilled to get his chance to run the construction equipment simulator

It looks like a video game.  But the Construction Equipment Simulator parked in front of JB Holland Construction Tuesday and Wednesday has a much more serious purpose.

Six community colleges in Iowa have joined together to lease two of the units.  They will become part of the Construction Trades programs at the six schools, visiting campuses on a rotating basis.

NICC Program Manager Kyra Bellrichard says there's a strong demand for people trained in operating construction equipment.  Employees can earn from $30,000 to $42,000 a year.  NICC Calmar's Construction Equipment Operator classes this February and March will cover a five or six-week period, depending on the authorization desired.

The construction equipment simulator is a way for students to get training before they get behind the wheel of an actual piece of construction equipment.  It's also a good way to train students on different scenarios that could come up while they are operating the equipment.

On Wednesday, high school students from throughout Northeast Iowa will get their chance to work the simulator.  On Wednesday, February 1st, at 5:30 p.m. at NICC's Wilder Business Center in Calmar, NICC officials will give a presentation about jobs in the construction industry and the type of training needed to get one of those jobs.