Posts Tagged ‘heavy equipment school’

Not all heavy equipment training schools offer job assistance. That’s why when you find one that does you should jump at the opportunity to get the training you need to further your career. And in these tough economic times, finding long-term payable work is a task worth putting all of your energy into.

Job assistance programs, of course, are of two natures: First, there’s the kind that simply takes your name and puts you on a list. Then there’s the kind of program where a list just won’t do. The job assistance program administrators actually care about your employment future (as much as they care about your employment history). Those kinds of programs will put out as much energy in helping you find the right job as you will. In many cases, they have their preferred employers and when you sign up for the job assistance program they will notify all the employers on their list to see who has an opening. Then they’ll contact you and give you your list so that you can be proactive in finding employment.

That’s the kind of job assistance you need. Real, proactive assistance. But before you get there, you need real, proactive training in the heavy equipment you’re going to be working on. You might as well pick the best heavy equipment training school with the best job assistance program.

Once you get your qualified as a heavy equipment operator, and once you have several years experience under your belt, you may want to buy your own piece of heavy equipment and work as a sub contractor. That is quite possible but there are many pitfall to such an undertaking.

The first problem you will face is simply getting the work. There are times when you can submit a tender, however generally speaking you will need to apply directly to building contractors for work. The only way to secure any regular contracts is by building contacts. You will need to get your name out there as a reliable heavy equipment contractor - reliable in getting the job done, reliable heavy equipment and reliable in reporting and getting the paper work done.

The second problem you will need to consider is the lack of income during quite times or when your heavy equipment is ‘off the road’ for maintenance or repair. You need to learn to put aside in the ‘good times’ for the ‘bad times’. You also need to have a contingency plan in place in case your heavy equipment breaks down part way through a job. In these circumstances, you may well lose money (if you have to hire a vehicle), however your reputation is just as important and often worth the loss - you just need to be prepared for these events.

The final problem relates to the admin side of things. Most outdoor workers have little knowledge of bookkeeping and related issues. Can you produce invoices and statements when they are due. Can you manage your finances to cover heavy equipment loan payments, insurance, fuel and maintenance? Can you chase up outstanding payments without upsetting contractors (you may need them for future work)?

These are all issues that need to be considered when establishing your own heavy equipment business. And I have only touched on some of the issues. Other issues such as taxation and licensing also need to be considered. Compare all this to simply working your job and collecting a regular pay check. It is up to you and the rewards can be great when you are your own boss - just be sure to check it all through thoroughly.

Why not look into a heavy equipment school today and start on the road to self employment?

Some ATS schools offer a combination Class-A (Tractor Trailer) and Commercial Driver Licensing (CDL) program. The CDL is required to haul your equipment on a flatbed/lowboy trailer and to drive dump trucks on public roads. ATS schools also teach off-road dump trucks, which do not require a CDL.

Many construction industry employers value equipment operators with a CDL. The CDL component trains you to test and receive a Class-A CDL. If you are planning on getting your Class-A CDL, you need to be aware that there are some additional fees related to this part of the program and those are not included in the tuition price. These fees include DOT physical exam, drug test, permit fee, road test, and license fee. These fees vary in price but can total as much s $300. These fees usually can be paid for with your financial assistance if you qualify.

To learn more about the CDL training and tractor trailer school, visit http://www.equipment-school.com/.