Sessions of 2026 Connection Conference: Matt DePaul
DePaul, Matt
Recruiting Brand Ambassador
Matthew is a U.S. Army Veteran who served as a Construction Equipment Mechanic from 2009 to 2013. After serving, he held various roles over the next 10 years to include community organizing, workforce development, and corporate recruiting. In 2023, Matthew returned to the trades when he joined Empire Cat as a Component Rebuild Technician. Discovering Empire’s rich employee focused culture over his first year, he decided to leverage his collective experience to compete for a role with Empire Recruiting. He now serves as Empire’s Recruiting Brand Ambassador focused on hiring skilled tradespeople and fostering partnerships to develop the future workforce.
Sessions:
5581: Simulator Training for Mining Equipment Operators
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Westin La Paloma
- Construction Science Technologies
Discover how entry-level employees learn to operate some of the largest machines in the world through EmpireCAT’s immersive, simulator‑based training. This interactive session gives participants a firsthand look at the hands‑on instruction new hires experience, demonstrating how classroom learning translates into real‑world career opportunities. Attendees will also explore modern training methods that blend technology, innovation, and safety; learn about EmpireCAT’s ThinkBIG Technician Apprenticeship Program for recent high school graduates; and gain access to free mining‑focused teacher resources, including professional development, classroom visits, and ready‑to‑use student tools.
