Economic Stimulus Affects Grader Operator Requirements In New Ways

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There has been a lot of discussion here and throughout the news regarding the economic stimulus packages and the effect it will have on employment. This package is having a huge impact on heavy equipment requirements with motor graders in high demand. The economic stimulus package, however, goes beyond dumping a lot of money on infrastructure. There are few a little programs that can impact on grader operator demand in their own right.

One of these programs is the one-time 50-percent tax depreciation bonus that is available for purchases made before December 31, 2009. Heavy equipment manufacturers have jumped on this and made their own offers. This includes payment free six or twelve month periods. This has led many businesses to either replace or add new equipment to their work force. Those that have added new equipment are the businesses that are expecting to be part of the infrastructure construction program in 2010.

Obviously, if you add new equipment to your line up you are going to need additional operators to utilize the equipment. Motor grader sales are up compared to this time last year and the demand on operators continues to grow. This reinforces our opinion that now is the best time to act if you want a career as a motor grader operator. The winter period is one of the best times to gain hands on experience in these machines in preparation for the expected busy spring construction period.

If you are interested in a career as a heavy equipment operator, particularly as a motor grader operator, then act now and give us a call on 1-800-383-7364 to discuss your motor grader training options. It can be tempting to say – ‘I’ll wait until after Christmas’. This could be a big mistake. Act now and come the New Year; you will be well placed to commence a career as a motor grader operator.

The Equipment That Provides A Heavy Equipment Career

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When most people talk about heavy equipment careers the mind conjures up images of a bulldozer, grader or perhaps an excavator. They are no doubt the big three when it comes to heavy equipment, but there is a range of other equipment that also provides for interesting and well paid careers. This equipment includes:

  • backhoes,
  • wheel loaders,
  • scrapers,
  • rock trucks,
  • Skid Steers, and
  • All-Terrain Forklifts.

And that is just a short list. We talk a lot about backhoes and occasionally about wheel loaders but Skid Steers, All-Terrain Forklifts, scrapers and rock trucks rarely get a mention. These machines provide valuable service in their niche and without them, we would have to resort to using hand tools of some description. Take the all-terrain forklift. This vehicle is similar to a standard forklift but it can safely transport loads over different terrains. Without it, we would be forced to break loads down to much smaller sizes to move them over the rough terrain.

Scrapers of course do just that. They scrape the surface in preparation for other equipment. Rock trucks help to remove large rocks from construction sites whilst the little skid steer is able to get into tight areas to work where no other vehicle can fit. This machines all offer interesting careers. The skid steer maybe a small machine in comparison to a bulldozer, but it is still a valuable part of the heavy machinery family.

One of the benefits of training through ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Schools is that students are introduced to a range of machinery. This provides each student with a broad set of skills and a better insight into how each piece of equipment fits into a construction team. Heavy equipment careers don’t sit solely with the big three – there are many other options available for you to look at.

Crane Operator Training – Plan Now For A New Career

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As we start the last month of what has been a hectic 2009 for crane operator training, it is time for us to start planning 2010. For those who are interested in a new career in 2010, now is the time to start your planning as well. Crane operators are well paid in comparison to most other heavy equipment operators and the demand is always constant for operators.

Planning a career change can be a big move. You can make a decision and be well on the way overnight, or you can take a little time and plan things carefully. If you’re interested in crane operations but like to take a little time, there are several easy steps you can take:

  • Check out some of our posts on crane operations
  • Visit our crane operator training pages for information on what our training covers
  • Call us to work out what training options are available (1-800-383-7364)
  • Arrange finance – we can provide some help if required
  • Organize your time – you will need to set aside some time to attend training. If you’re working, arrange for holiday leave.

Once you have organized everything, you can sit back and enjoy a thoroughly relaxing Christmas. That way you will be prepared to start your training in the new year. Once you commence your training, you can start working with our job placement team. With a little work you may find you can walk out of your training program, and into a new job. What I do know, put a little effort into your training and you will walk away as a certified crane operator. That’s the first step to a successful career as a crane operator.

Backhoes Do More Than Just Dig Holes And Carry Dirt

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Backhoes are one of the most versatile machines in use when it comes to construction. They excel at digging trenches, particularly in tight areas where an excavator may not fit easily. Backhoes are also good at carrying stuff around a construction site. They help move dirt, often being called on to dig a trench then dump the excess dirt into dump trucks. There is one other job that backhoes (and excavators) do that most people don’t consider.

Digging a trench is a real skill. The trench starts at point A and ends at Point B. It also has to be a certain depth. That’s all in a days work for a backhoe – it’s what they were created for. However, what happens once the workers have finished working in the trench? Naturally, the trench has to be backfilled – anyone got a shovel? I don’t fancy doing it by hand – do you?

Now the backhoe has a scoop at the front that could do a great job of backfilling that trench. There is one problem, however. The workers have laid gas pipeline in a trench that is five feet deep. Do you want dirt and rock falling five feet to crash into sensitive gas (or sewerage) pipelines? Gas, of course, is under pressure so it will soon make its way through any weakness. Guess it is a job for a manual shovel.

Actually, the backhoe is well suited to fulfilling this role as well. It can use its bucket to life dirt and lower it into the trench and, for a machine, gently empty its contents into the trench. Having dirt and rock drop a couple of inches causes far less damage than having it drop 3, 4 or 5 feet. Not only that, experienced operators can manipulate the bucket so that it sprinkles the dirt back into the trench. It’s actually an interesting experience watching a backhoe operator carefully backfilling a trench. Of course, once the pipes have been covered sufficiently, you can use the front scoop to just push the dirt in.

Training to become a backhoe operator gives you the opportunity to learn a diverse range of skills. Backhoes, because of their versatility, get a lot of the interesting jobs on a construction site – and they are reasonably well paid as well.

Why Crane Operator Certification Is A Must

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Some people ask why crane operator certification is worth the effort. Operating a crane is one of the most demanding jobs on a construction site with some cranes able to lift loads of 300 tons. Can you imagine having a 300 ton load slipping from the crane’s grasp? There would be two effects (probably more). The first, of course, is the 300-ton load hitting the ground – it would be a like a mini-earthquake for blocks. The second effect could be just as catastrophic. With the load suddenly released, the crane’s hook would suddenly spring back in the reverse direction – this could actually topple the crane itself.

That may give you some indication as to why crane operator certification is worth the effort. If you need any more convincing, you may consider that in many states, certification is a requirement before you can step into a crane’s cab. Safety isn’t the only reason for obtaining certification. From one perspective, whilst crane safety is very important, having a qualification that is recognized throughout the country has to be an important consideration.

In the past, a crane operator who was qualified to operate in one state may not have been considered qualified in a neighboring state. Too bad if you lived close to the state lines and could work on either side. With a qualification that is universal around the country, not only are you ready to work anywhere, your certification is valid anywhere.

Having a portable qualification is one of the best weapons you can have in your skills toolbox. It means that even in hard times, you are able to find employment somewhere. If you are undertaking crane operator training, don’t forget to sit for your crane operator certification at the conclusion of your training. If your training provider doesn’t offer it – then change provider. ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Schools are accredited to deliver crane operator training to deliver crane operator certification testing at the conclusion of your training. Everything under the one roof – what more could you ask for?

How Do I Become A Bulldozer Operator?

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I could be glib and tell you to sign up for one of our heavy equipment training programs. Of course, becoming a bulldozer operator is not quite as easy as that. Mind you, it’s not all that difficult either. Let’s have a look at the steps required:

  • Desire – you have to have a desire to work as a bulldozer operator. You’re here reading this so that is a start.
  • Training – you will never get any job these days without some form of training. Completing a heavy equipment operator course only takes three weeks so the training commitment is not huge.
  • Experience – experience has two components – in the cab and on the job. Your training provider should give you as much experience as possible inside the cab. On completion of your training you should look around to see what on the job experience you can get.
  • Employment – once you have completed your training and gained some experience you can call yourself a bulldozer operator and gain employment wherever opportunities exist.

There are many employers around who will let you gain your experience whilst employed as full-fledged bulldozer operators. There are other operators who may take you on for a trial period allowing you to gain some experience in the type of work they do. If you are up to it they will then take you on permanently.

ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Schools have a good reputation for producing well trained heavy equipment operators. We also have a job placement service to help you find that first job. Becoming a bulldozer operator is not that difficult – you just need the desire and to then sign up for one of our heavy equipment training courses.

Crane Operators Are An Essential Part Of Environmental Protection

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You may not realize it, but there is a strong link between mobile crane operators and environmental protection strategies. One area that mobile crane operators may like to consider is emergency services. These operators are responsible for clearing accident scenes and this may involve vehicles with dangerous loads.

Whenever possible, authorities work to remove as much of the load before trying to clear an accident scene. There will, however, always be residues. All workers on the scene, mobile crane operators included, have to work with great care to ensure that none of the residue that is left contaminates the area. Mobile crane operators often work with others to lift vehicles back onto the road. Sometimes they need to lift vehicles onto flat top trailers ready to be driven away.

Lifting vehicles, or parts of vehicles, can be a tricky job and a lot of care is required to ensure no further damage is done to the environment. This is why a crane is brought to the scene, to lift debris rather than dragging it and causing further damage.

Don’t expect to walk out of a mobile crane operator training school and walk into one of these jobs. It requires several years experience before an employer will consider you for a job such as this. However, don’t let that put you off since you have to start somewhere. Like all jobs, you start at a level that equates to your training and experience. The more experience you gain as a mobile crane operator, the better equipped you will be to apply for more challenging positions.

ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Schools can help you get the start you need. We offer you the opportunity to acquire the skills and knowledge to work as a mobile crane operator. We may even be able to help you find that first job so that you can start acquiring the on-the-job experience needed to succeed. The rest is up to you – if you’re up to it of course?

Start A Truck Driving Career In Just Over Three Weeks

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Does a truck driving career interest you at all? Local truck drivers have the best of all worlds. They get to spend their days driving around their area making deliveries and pick ups where necessary. At the same time, they are home for dinner each night – there is no overnight driving involved. Better yet, local truck drivers are well paid for their efforts – in this case, it’s three strikes and you’re in.

Did I say three strikes? There is more. Training to become a truck driver can be completed in just three weeks. When we say training, we are talking about comprehensive training that will have you ready to pass the commercial drivers license written test as well as the practical component. Our training focuses on the knowledge and skills required to be a good driver – anyone can drive in a straight line, but can you reverse a tractor-trailer? You will be able to once you have completed your training.

That is one skill that is obviously necessary. There are many others. Driving in traffic can be difficult given the unpredictability of other drivers. Being able to drive safely is an important consideration. Do you know how far a truck will go when full brakes are applied at 50 mph? You need to. Am I scaring you? I hope not. Once you complete a truck driver training program at ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Schools you will have all these skills.

As the oldest and most successful heavy equipment school in the country, we know exactly what skills are required to succeed in the work place. We know what employers want and we know what the licensing authorities want. We deliver to those requirements so you can start delivering to their requirements.

With over 45 years experience in truck driver training, we have built a large database of employers ready to hire our graduates. Complete your training and pass your commercial drivers license test and one of those employers could be your first boss. What are you waiting for? You could be driving a truck in just over three weeks.

What Are The Job Prospects Following Crane Operator Training?

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Are there job opportunities for graduates following crane operator training? The answer is a big yes. The construction industry has been riding the crest of a wave in recent months and whilst in some areas it has slowed due to wintery conditions, come spring it will kick back in with renewed vigor.

It is a pretty good time to be considering a career in heavy equipment operations and this includes crane operations. The economy is slowly recovering from the downturn experienced over the last two years. The Federal government’s cash boosts to construction programs has been like a huge protein shot to a recovering athlete – you can’t keep them still.

There are road building programs planned all around the country along with new schools, hospitals and other basic infrastructure programs. This has led to a mini shortage of operators which can only be addressed by recruiting and training new blood to the profession. Job vacancies are there, it’s simply a matter of targeting the right employers.

ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Schools can help you target the right employers through their job placement program. They have a huge database of potential employers and many of them are requiring operators. Because of the reputation that ATS has developed over the years, graduates often get a head start when applying for a position.

The work is there. The economy is set to boom again which will put further demand on crane operator requirements. If you are considering a career change, and heavy equipment operations is on your list, consider seriously a career as a crane operator. They are well paid and the job delivers a lot in the way of personal satisfaction. Contact us for further information related to crane operator training.

Excavator Operators – What Skills Are Employers Looking For?

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Do you know what skills employers are looking for in excavator operators. Just as importantly, do you know what skills your excavator training organization is going to teach you? It makes sense, when looking at training programs for excavator operators, to find out who delivers training that provides graduates with the skills that employers are looking for.

Is there a basic set of skills that employers are looking for? It seems I have all the questions – do I have all the answers? I sure do.

When it comes to core skills, there are four that every heavy equipment operator needs to possess. These are:

  • Soil knowledge. Can you differentiate between different soil types? This is an important part of any heavy equipment operator’s working day. Different soils can often require different approaches. Sandy soils, for example, may need support to prevent the sides constantly filling a trench.
  • Safety. I think it is fairly obvious that safety issues would be up amongst the most important skills required by an operator. It is not just knowledge of safety that is important – it is the ability to work putting in place safety practices.
  • Site layouts. Understanding blueprints and how to access sites under construction is also important. You cannot just barge in and start work. Often you have to navigate in and around other areas of the site to get to your part of the job.
  • Heavy equipment maintenance. Like safety, heavy equipment maintenance is an important issue. Every hour of down time is an hour of lost income for an employer. If they are working to a tight schedule, the employer may be forced to hire in a replacement machine. Preventative maintenance is key area of any operator’s job.

Of course, those four core skills form the basis for other skills. The fifth skill that I haven’t mentioned is machine specific and that of course relates to actually operating an excavator. Can you actually use an excavator or can you just tell me how to operate one? Naturally, being able to competently operate an excavator is the important skill.

If you don’t have all of these skills, don’t worry. At ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Schools we have you trained and ready for the workforce in next to no time. Furthermore, you will have all the skills that employers are looking for.