Danali’s holds free equipment workshop

By Vicki Winger

On April 1, Danali’s Handyman & Rental Services kicked off its first ever free workshop. The workshop ran all week for two hours after school and was open to Hilltop High School students. The basis was to learn more on the proper use and safety procedures for equipment like bobcats, genie lifts, mini excavators, and pulling trailers. Danali’s staged its yard in the industrial park off Highway 32 with various equipment. Students received hands-on instruction on how the equipment works and the usage for each one. Owner/Operator Alison Marple said, “It’s a hands-on introduction workshop to give our youth some experience before entering the workforce.” Piles of dirt and gravel were placed for the students to get the feel of using the bobcat to plow, lift, and dump. The Genie lift gave them an idea of working at heights and the proper techniques for using a harness.

“We did it solely to teach the young people within our community. When some kids apply for jobs right out of school, they are lost because they don’t have any experience. We want to offer this on an annual basis and next year it will be available to high school students and all other youth in the community,” Marple added.