GT&E, a long-standing supporter of Pennsylvania College of Technology, offered free rentals on two pieces of equipment and an educational discount on a third in 2025. The business also sponsored the college’s 2025 Diesel Summer Camp and has supported the annual Diesel Technology Competition for several years.
For three years, the company has waived its rental fee for equipment and offered discounts to Penn College through a partnership that benefits students in the heavy construction equipment technology majors.
Students in Pennsylvania College of Technology’s heavy construction equipment technology majors gather around equipment from GT&E. The long-standing supporter of the college offered free rentals on two pieces of equipment and an educational discount on a third in 2025.
“It can be quite costly to rent a piece of equipment – upwards of $4,000 to $5,000 per month,” said Justin W. Beishline, corporate relations officer. “When we get one, it saves the program rental costs so that we can use those funds for other educational components of the program.”
Free rentals for 2025 included a John Deere 320P backhoe (May through December) and a John Deere 550K dozer (donated in 2024 and used through December 2025). An educational discount was offered on a John Deere dozer rental from August through December. This equates to more than $90,000 through rentals and summer camp sponsorship.
“The equipment loan of the John Deere 320P backhoe and the 550 dozer, along with the reduced cost of the 450 dozer, enables the students to gain experience on the latest technology, while also building brand recognition for John Deere and GT&E and giving students an understanding of the modern capabilities of their equipment,” said Seth J. Welshans, diesel equipment technology instructor. “This equipment is used in the education of heavy equipment operators and heavy equipment technicians. None of this would be possible without the continued support of GT&E.”
The Diesel Truck & Heavy Equipment Summer Camp is a two-day program that introduces high school students to options in diesel technology and heavy equipment maintenance and operation. As an industry partner, GT&E empowers educational initiatives that enrich experiences and opportunities for growth for aspiring professionals.
Chris S. Weaver, assistant professor of diesel technology and department head, called the partnership a “game changer” for the diesel technology summer camp.
“By donating brand new equipment, GT&E gives campers the rare opportunity to run modern machines in a real training environment, making the day exciting and unforgettable,” Weaver said. “This hands-on experience brings learning to life, builds confidence and sparks genuine interest in diesel and heavy equipment careers.”
The company’s lifetime giving is $287,000, making GT&E a member of the Visionary Society ($100,000-$499,999) on the college’s Donor Wall. The business also is a member of the Corporate Tomorrow Makers program.
GT&E is a regular visitor on campus, engaging students at equipment showcases, signing days and recruitment events.
“Technical education is not optional in our industry – it’s foundational,” said Jeff Oldham, GT&E CEO. “Penn College continues to develop the skilled technicians and operators that keep our customers productive and our equipment performing. We’re honored to be partnered with an institution that delivers real-world, hands-on preparation for the demands of today’s jobsite.”
What makes the relationship especially meaningful, he added, is seeing Penn College graduates thriving within GT&E.
“That connection reinforces our commitment to support the program and invest in its future,” Oldham said. “We look forward to continuing this partnership and creating even more opportunities together.”
For information about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, visit www.pct.edu, email admissions@pct.edu or call toll-free 800-367-9222.