If you are looking for a career in constructions then perhaps some of these facts may appeal to you:

• Construction is one of the nation’s largest industries

• There are 6.9 million Americans in construction

• By 2012, there will be one million new jobs available in construction

• The construction industry is among the economy’s top 10 largest sources of growth

• There are 240,000 jobs available each year in construction

• Opportunities to own your own firm is better in construction than any other industry

The construction industry is part of our everyday lives. Construction workers build the roads, bridges, shopping malls, schools, homes, skyscrapers, stadiums, airports, and gas stations. In fact the list is endless.

Remember, nearly all construction starts with the use of heavy equipment. For a job in this thriving industry, visit our parent site, ATS Heavy Equipment Training Schools.

So you want a career in heavy equipment? How heavy? While we cannot promise you will ever get to operate one of these, and they require five operators to work the machine, we can at least get you started – just a little smaller perhaps.

Top speed for this beast is a leisurely 0.5 kph or 0.3 mph. If you get a flat battery I am not helping to push. Heavy equipment like this beast are used a lot in the mining industry, particulalry in open cut mines.

If you dream of driving heavy equipment then check us out at ATS Heavy Equipment Training Schools. We can’t promise to put you in the driving seat of a piece of heavy equipment like that – however a bulldozer or grader are a start.

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?

If you enjoy the outdoors and would like a career working outdoors then you really should look at heavy equipment careers and the prospects in the future.

Current trends suggest that demand for heavy equipment operators will continue to outgrow supply for many years. Gaining a qualification on any one of these pieces of equipment will almost guarantee you a future in one of the heavy equipment careers streams.

Heavy equipment use is not restricted to building sites. World wide, heavy equipment operators are in heavy demand in road building, mining – both open cut and underground, land clearing, demolition and the traditional construction field. Heavy equipment careers exist across the whole spectrum and skills and qualifications gained today can be used in many parts of the world.

The daily working life of a heavy equipment operator is varied. The day often starts with an inspection and daily maintenance regime before going into operation. Depending on the equipment, you may find yourself traveling many miles to the work site, or the work site may be many miles in length. If you hold qualifications for different machinery then you may find yourself operating a variety of machines on a daily basis. Multi license holders are in heavy demand and for those individuals, heavy equipment careers can be guaranteed.

ATS Operator Schools have a wide variety of courses available and are only too happy to discuss your training needs with your. If you think heavy equipment careers are part of your future, visit their site or give them a call on 1.800.678.8120

You’ve heard them before…, “Bulldozers, Graders, Excavators, Backhoes. Words like these conjure up images of toughness and invincibility…, of endurance and cold hard steel. Without seeing it for yourself, you wouldn’t guess that massive machines would wear away from moving a bit of dirt around. After all, these are the tools that we use to move mountains, dam rivers, and level hundreds of acres at a time, right?

All true, but moving large amounts of material doesn’t mean that there isn’t a cost. Given enough time, even hardened steel wears away. The abrasiveness of that material, whether it’s soft loam, loose sand, or hard rock, will determine the speed at which your blades, buckets, and rakers will erode, but erode they will. Sometimes at an alarming rate, and operation-killing costs.

The way this problem is solved: Before a blade, bucket, tooth, or other object is used for the first time, welders are brought in and they lay down beads of very hard welding rod. These rods are special alloys that contain metals like manganese, molybdenum, and chrome. Each manufacturer makes them with a range of properties, including:

• Hardness (loamy soil only needs resistance to wear. but rocks require resistance to breakage AND wear)
• Strikability from any angle (some rods flow better when welding upside down)
• Penetration (or depth into the base metal)
• Machinability (some hard surfacing needs to be machined, or shaped, after being laid down)
• Slag Peeling (a cost-saving measure – the welding slag doesn’t have to be chipped afterward)
• Pilability (some rods pile high, while others flow out flat against the base metal)

You may have seen hard surfacing before – it’s usually laid down in cross-hatch patterns. However, welding hundreds of yards of rod is tedious, so you sometimes see that more creative welders will make all sorts of patterns and designs, in order to keep their day from getting too boring. The point is to build up the hard surface on all areas that will contact the material and to have it thick enough that it takes the main force of whatever is being pushed, dug, or cut.

How often this needs to be re-done depends on the material being rubbed across the hard surfacing, and the amount of time spent playing in the dirt. In bad conditions, it may need to be done several times a season. One thing is certain though, if a contact surface isn’t hard surfaced, you’ll be buying a new blade, bucket, etc. before very much time has passed.

All of this can be learned at places like ATS Heavy Equipment Training Schools before you ever set foot on a job site.

The out look for jobs for heavy equipment operators is excellent. Heavy equipment operators have an advantage over other industries and professions, in that there is a huge shortage of adequate training programs to train people for these jobs. Many workers also don’t enter training programs because they prefer to work in other areas that are a little more comfortable for them. About three out of every five heavy equipment operators works in the construction business. Many of these are involved in building roads, highways, buildings, rail roads and bridges. One out of every five construction workers that are heavy equipment operators work for their local state government. That means that they enjoy benefits, such as health insurance, disability insurance, workman’s compensation, and more. Others can be found working in mining projects or demolotion projects. Less than one out of every 20 construction heavy equipment operators are self employed, though.

I’ve been told that I have to have at least 2 years experience before I can be hired as a heavy equipment operator

This is simply not true. When you have a completion of training certificate from ATS, you have the opportunity to show what you’re made of too a wide variety of employers. The truth is that the industry desperately needs heavy equipment operators, especially to replace those who are leaving the industry, due to retirement or old age. They need to fill those jobs and therefore ther eis an overwhelming increase in all kinds of work projects, including construction projects all across the nation. When you have formal training in this, you don’t need experience.

How long are your courses in heavy equipment operation ?

The length of the course depends on certain factors. We have a structure program that can get you trained and ready in the shortest amount possible. Email us and find out more, or fill out our online application.

How much does a heavy equipment operator earn?

The earning potential can vary according to who you work for, the size of your company, your skill level, and your geographic location. Heavy equipment operators can earn anywhere between $13 an hour all the way up to $35 an hour or more.

Are you ready to earn that kind of money? Think about this; If you work a regular 8 hour day, for 5 days a week, and 40 hours a week for 4 weeks out of the month, here is what your income level could look like:

8 hours x $20 =$160 a day
$160 x 30 days in the month = $4800
$4800 x 12 months = $57,600

That’s over $50,000 a year doing what you love!

So you could earn over 50,000 dollars a year. Are you currently earning that now? If not, what’s stopping you? We have made it easy for you to be trained and trained as a skilled heavy equipment operator. We even have funding available for you through financial banking systems, so you can get student loans to cover your tuition and expenses. If you’re currently not working, then check with your employment office. They may have a lot of programs ready for you to help you train with us.

If you’re active military, you may be eligible for DANTES and Tuition Assistance. We will help you in anyway we can to make sure that your future looks brighter and better as a heavy equipment operator!

Evaluating your options in heavy equipment careers may have brought to your attention that you are going to have to spend some money on tuition, books and supplies. In addition to that, you may find that you also have to sacrifice some time for study and learning.

There are two main financial options for your advancement in heavy equipment careers

1. Career Loans
2. Grants

We offer financing solutions for your advancement in heavy equipment careers. One of them is career loaning. We have a guaranteed financing program that is designed to make it super easy for you to enroll and start training in your chosen field. You can visit our main site and fill out the online application to get the process started. You can also submit an application through the mail, or even fax it. It will take at least 48 hours for an approval to come through. You need to have a copy of your updated driver’s license included with your application.

We also offer you federal and state grants. Many of our students, who want to further their heavy equipment careers, qualify for federal and state grants. This can help them cover their schooling costs. If you’re receiving unemployment benefits, you may be able to receive these benefits as well. Some examples are:

Work force Investment Act
Trade Adjustment Act
Tribal Education
Veteran’s Benefits
Displaced Farmers
Vocational Rehabilitation

We also have heavy equipment career loans that you can use to pay for your tuition, hotel, books and other expenses related to your course of study. You simply make a down payment when you enroll in a class and the loan is used to cover the rest of the expenses. These loans are also able to be used to get extra cash to help you pay for other living expenses while you are in school.

There are three options to that; The first option is that the school can recommend a lender to you. The second option is that you could get a loan for tuition and in school housing. You make the down payment and the balance of the tuition and housing can be financed through the loan. The third option is to get a career loan from your bank. Many banks offer career loans. You should have a talk with your local bank about this option.

There is really no excuse for not advancing in heavy equipment careers. You have so much to gain and nothing to lose by advancing your skill level as much as possible. It means not only a more confidence attitude and more value to your employer, but it also means that you have higher income levels and more spending power. Who wouldn’t want that?

Make your move now and contact us about furthering your heavy equipment careers today!

Have you been thinking of starting a career in heavy equipment operations, but not sure if it is something for you? The United States Department of Labor has some information that you may find of interest. There are three main points you need to remember about the heavy equipment operations career field;

Many heavy equipment operations workers get their skills right on the job. There is a formal way to gain the skills through schooling and training programs.

Your job opportunities are very good in heavy equipment operations.

Your pay is per hour and it is relatively high.

Heavy equipment operators use heavy machinery to move earth and construction material. They work at mines and construction sites. They operate heavy equipment to clear debris and grade land. They also help prepare buildings, bridges and roads. In other areas, they dig trenches, reapir sewers, hoist heavy material and repair pipelines. Some heavy equipment operations may call for you to work offshore in oil rigs. You may also find yourself sprading concrete on roads and highways.

Some heavy equipment operations workers inspect the machinery and make sure that there are no repairs needed. You work and control the machinery by pressing foot pedals and moving levers. You may also be using joy sticks and switches to operate it. This kind of equipment is a lot more complicated to use now than it was in the past, due to technology. Now there are things such as Global Positioning Systems that can help with your leveling and grading.

Your work environment will include out doors and every type of climate possible. Some workers do not work in the winter months, depending on your location. Heavy equipment operations can be a very dangerous field, so you want to be sure that you have the proper training available so that you will not hurt yourself or others in an accident.

Employers generally prefer you to be a high school graduate, although some will hire non graduates. It always helps to have formal training and to be certified to get the job. It shows that you already have the skills and can do the work without having to be rained. Also, due to technological advances, by having previous training in the heavy equipment operations field, you are a step ahead of the competition, and you’re able to offer your employer a lot more than others. You can get certification and licensure with Associated Training Services or ATS. We make sure that you are able to do everything necessary to be a valuable asset to any company or employer.

In addition to having proper training in heavy equipment operations, you also have the opportunity to become a supervisor. Some heavy equipment operations workers also choose to become instructors at training facilities and others start becoming contractors in their own business. Heavy equipment operations can be a very rewarding career path, provided you get proper training today!

In order to advance in any field, you have to gain two key things;

1. Experience
2. Training

Most employers prefer that you have both training and experience

If you don’t have a ton of experience, then certainly training is a big plus. The thing is, you don’t want to just go to any institution of higher learning to get your training. You could train on the job, by becoming an apprentice of some sort. This kind of training can be very beneficial, but your employer would have to invest quite a bit of time and money in you. Most employers don’t want to take that chance, because they may not have a guarantee that you’ll stay on board after you’ve trained.

You can also seek out a school and courses to get your training. In this regard, you’ll want to be sure that you’ve got a reputable school that is accredited and has a high success rate from it’s graduates. When you seek out a school for your training, you want to be sure that you can get personal attention and also hands on training. Hands on training involves you actually doing the work of a professional during and throughout your training courses. You want to go beyond mere text book knowledge and actually implement your skills in real time.

When you are able to implement your training in to real time, you are actually gaining the necessary experience and confidence to do the job. While many companies will want you to have some experience, the bottom line for them is whether or not you can do the job.

If you’ve had some solid training in your field, then you can demonstrate your ability and bypass the experience factor. You can let your prospective employers know that you do know how to do the job and that it would be in their best interest to hire someone like you.

Your Training With ATS is not going to be like others

We have a unique system of training our students. Not only do you get a solid foundation in the basic principles, but you also have actual professionals guide you and teach you hands on. You will understand not only the do’s and don’ts but you will also benefit from your instructor’s experience.

There are some things that cannot be learned from books and on your own. These things are learned with years of experience and you will gain them when you start your training with ATS.

You can get a free brochure and a DVD when you apply online. Just log on to our training website and find out more information. We can even help you with your financing to help you get started on your training classes right away. We even have a job placement program for those who graduate from our training classes. Just think about your possibilities when you develop your skills even further. Think about how much money you’re leaving behind on the table by not training with ATS.

ATS has the broadest courses to boost you in your heavy equipment careers. Our programs are full time and comprehensive. They are also nationally recognized and accredited by the National Center For Construction Education and Research. Our mission is to create a safe and product work force of professionals. Our school delivers a variety of different courses and programs that are accredited by NCCER. We strive for two things, which are quality and consistency.

The National Center for Construction Education and Research was created to help decrease the workforce shortage that is so rampant in our industry. We are endeavoring to develop maintenance and pipeline courses. We are also supported by many hundreds of construction companies as well as trade associations.

The National Center for Construction Education and Research is a not for profit organization that was founded in 1995. It was founded by 11 of the world’s largest construction companies. This means that we are connected to a large force of construction companies and we can assist you in finding a job after you complete our schooling.

We have nationwide locations including, Wisconsin, Ohio, Colorado, California, Texas, Florida, South Carolina, Virginia, New Hampshire and soon Arizona. This meaks it easier for you to get the necessary skills you need to boost your career and your income potential.

Still not convinced? Check out this testimonial:

I am presently a finish dozer operator for MJ Ryan Construction Company in Burnsville, MN. My employment started one month after graduation and would have never been considered without the certification I received from ATS. The knowledge I received from thier down-to-earth instructors has proven to be invaluable. Attending ATS has been the single most important event of my life. I have already recouped the cost of the school, and it’s only been one year. I have already recommended this school to several people.

– Jim (Minnesota)

The kind of wages you can in heavy equipment careers vary. You can earn anywhere from $15 an hour and more, depending on what your skill level is and the location you are in. For entry level positions, you may start out with around $15 an hour. If you’re already experienced and have a broad level of skills and experience, you could be able to earn as much as $20 to $30 an hour.

Best of all, you don’t need a high school diploma or a GED to attend our schools to further your heavy equipment careers. We make it easy for just about anyone to advance their heavy equipment careers.