Specialized Crane Operator Training In Your Work Place

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There are times when sending employees to a crane operator training school is simply not an option. There are any number of reasons for this including distance and work requirements. ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Schools have a specialized crane operator division that provides training under these circumstances.

We can organize training for your employees either at one of our training schools, at your workplace, or out on a work site. The training we provide can be in accordance with national guidelines or adapted to suit your specific circumstances. You would be surprised at how easy it can be to accommodate both, which gives your employees the added bonus of being able to receive certification as crane operators. We are approved by the NCCCO as a test site for both the NCCCO written and NCCCO practical exams for fixed and swing cab crane operators.

Specialized crane operator training is particularly useful if you have specific machinery that your operators need to be trained on, or specialized tasks that your employees need training to complete. We have a dedicated team of trainers who can sit down and discuss your needs and then translate them to a specifically written training program. They are able to travel to remote locations to deliver both the training and necessary assessments.

If you are a business owner that requires specialized heavy equipment training, including specialized crane operator training, then give us a call at ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Schools. We can sit down and discuss with you the training options available and the best way to deliver that training with the smallest possible impact on your business.

Motor Graders Lay The Foundation Of A Smooth Ride

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Building modern roads would be rather difficult without motor graders. One of the reasons we have such good highways is because of the work done by motor graders. They put the finish on the foundations of our roads.

When we drive along a highway, what we see is the finished product. What we don’t see is what is sitting below the road’s surface. In most cases, bulldozers and loaders work together to cut out a rough road. Motor graders then come in and cut that rough road back to a level and smooth base. If road base or other materials need to be added, it is the grader that levels this out, once again to a smooth surface.

I said that motor graders provide a level surface. This is not quite right. All roads have a slight slope to them. This slope is very precise since it is designed to help cars stay on the road yet encourage water to quickly run off the road. Motor graders use laser technology to get that precise slope in the road’s foundation.

Motor grader operators are amongst the elite when it comes to heavy equipment operations. The position is well paid when compared to other operations, the work more precise and hence more challenging, and they are a part of a well oiled team that steadily builds our highways.

Becoming a motor grader operator is not that difficult. Complete a heavy equipment operator training course that includes motor grader skills then hit the workplace to put your new skills into practice. Before you know it, you will be one of the elite operators on a construction team – leading the way to providing us with first class roads to drive on.

What Crane Operator Training Involves

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Crane operator training at ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Schools covers both fixed cab and swing cab mobile hydraulic cranes. Crane operator training is conducted over three levels with each level building on the previous. Training is designed to prepare graduates for both the written and practical exams for certification through the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO).

As you can imagine, training for certification is fairly intense. However, the information is presented in an easy to understand format, which makes learning both enjoyable and uncomplicated. Training involves both classroom based activities and hands on in the operator seat training. Some of the material covered in training includes:

Level 1:
Basic Principles of Cranes
Crane Safety
Operating A Crane

Level 2:
Machine Power Flow
Preventive Maintenance
Computer Aids/Operator Aids

Level 3:
Advanced Operational Techniques
Emergency Procedure
Transporting Requirements

You can get a full module list with short description by visiting our crane operator training pages.

Crane operators are amongst the highest paid heavy equipment operators in the country and there is always a demand for operators. By enrolling in our crane operator training course you will also be entitled to access our job placement program. This program assists graduates in finding suitable employment once they have completed their training. You may also be entitled to financial assistance – this will depend on your circumstances at the time of enrolling.

Our crane operator training program is recognized nationally as is the certification process at the conclusion of your training. National recognition is important because it means your qualification as a crane operator will be recognized in all states. If a career as a crane operator sounds right for you – contact us for the dates of our next training program.

What Skills And Attributes Do I Need To Be A Backhoe Operator?

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Becoming a backhoe operator is not that difficult although the skill levels are slightly more diverse than, say, an excavator operator or a loader operator. The reason of course is that a backhoe incorporates the skills required for both of those machines. You may wonder if there are any special skills or attributes needed to be a successful backhoe operator.

All heavy equipment operators need a basic set of skills and attributes. Like all workplaces, reliability is a key factor as is attention to detail. Being able to follow orders is important, but more importantly, you need to be able to stick to a plan.

Being physically fit is important along with general good health. Having good eyesight helps although being able to estimate distances and depths is an important attribute. Hand-eye coordination is also an important skill.

If you can tick each of those areas off then you are a step away from becoming a backhoe operator. The missing step of course is to undertake backhoe operator training. Heavy equipment is a field of employment that can be suitable for people of most ages and genders. Whether you’re twenty or forty; male or female; there is no discrimination when it comes to heavy equipment operator training – this includes backhoes.

ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Schools offer heavy equipment training in ten locations around the country. If you’re considering a career as a backhoe operator, or in heavy equipment in general, then give us a call to determine what training options are available for you. It’s a call you’ll never regret making.

Crane Operator Training Is No Longer A Man’s Domain

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Over the last twenty years there has been a steadily increasing number of women entering the field of heavy equipment operations and crane operator training is seeing the same trend. Mobile crane operations have probably been a little less fashionable than bulldozers, excavators and backhoes, but that trend is certainly seeing some changes.

There is absolutely no reason why a woman cannot operate a crane these days. There are no special strength requirement, skills or attributes that differentiates men from women when it comes to operating any form of heavy equipment. This has been true for many years although the perception has probably been different.

If you are a woman and you fancy yourself as a heavy equipment operator, one of your first steps should be to sign up for our free online training. This will give you a good indication as to whether or not you have the aptitude and real interest in the profession. If you do then your next step should be to talk to someone at ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Schools to see where your nearest training school is and what training options are currently available.

Crane operators are always in demand. In years gone by it was a difficult field to get into if you were a woman. These days the opportunities are there and the training is available – all that is missing are the women seeking a career in crane operations.

If you’re man, never fear. There are plenty of opportunities for all. In fact, you could always form a husband and wife team, gain some experience and eventually buy your own rig – but then, instead of being operators, you would be business people. Is there anything wrong with that?

Heavy Equipment Safety Starts At Home

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Heavy equipment safety is one of the most important aspects of any heavy equipment training program. Sure, learning to operate a piece of heavy equipment is mighty important, but doing it safely is actually more important. In fact, most employers would rather you didn’t operate the equipment at all if you don’t know how to do it safely.

This has been backed up over the past decade with legislation at both a Federal and State level which now requires work sites to operate to a certain level of safety standards. There are safety inspectors touring workplaces and undertaking safety audits. If a business fails its safety audit there can be rather large fines issued.

We at ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Schools take safety seriously and include all relevant safety practices within our training. We do not consider a student competent to operate heavy equipment unless they can do so according to those safety standards. In fact, we go one step further and insist our trainers are fully conversant with safety procedures before allowing them to train others. As a student, our expectation is that you will take heavy equipment safety seriously as well. Otherwise you could cause serious injury to yourself, a fellow student or one of our instructors during training.

Believe it or not, heavy equipment safety starts at home. Your work gear may be a part of the safety requirements. Steel toe boots and most likely a hard hat as well. However, that is just the external coverings. Heavy equipment safety starts from within; it requires an alert mind, eyes that can see, and an attitude that ensure you operate according to procedures. Dull any of these through substance abuse, poor sleep or an all night party and suddenly everyone could be in danger.

Yes – heavy equipment safety is important and it does start at home.

Funding Your Crane Operator Training – Act Now Before Interest Rates Rise

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Many people use a lending facility to pay for their crane operator training. This has worked very well over the years. In fact, crane operators are one of the highest paid heavy equipment operators so repaying the loan has not been a problem. Low interest rates have made borrowing a little easier on the pocket although lenders have become a little tougher when it comes to lending criteria. This could all change.

The latest figures are showing that we are well and truly out of a recession and that the economy is starting to grow. A growing economy inevitably leads to one thing – increased interest rates. This is particularly the case if inflation also starts to grow. I am sure there are many out there that remember the high interest rates of the 80’s following a severe recession.

What does this mean for those looking to become crane operators? If you are going to fund your crane operator training using a credit source, do it now before rates start to climb. Past experience has shown the Federal Reserve starts slowly then moves quickly. Before you know it official interest rates will be up around the six or seven percent mark. This can equate to double that in lending markets, triple when it comes to loans with high risk.

Crane operators are still amongst the highest paid when it comes to heavy equipment operations. If you are considering a career as a crane operator then now is the time to act. Demand for operators will increase over the next 12 months, however, waiting six or nine months could see you paying considerably more for your crane operator training at a time when demand may have already peaked. Can you really afford to wait?

The Best Places To Learn To Be A Bulldozer Operator

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If you’re considering becoming a bulldozer operator then the first thing you will need to consider is bulldozer operator training. If you pick up a telephone book, newspaper or search on line you will find hundreds of places that offer this training. Your task is to find a training provider that is close to home; provides accredited training; is well respected within the industry; and can offer a job placement service should you need it. Depending on your circumstances you may also need to consider how you are going to fund your training.

We have thought of all of these factors and can provide bulldozer operator training in ten locations around the country. ATS Heavy Equipment Operators Schools has been accredited to deliver heavy equipment training for many years. We have a reputation for producing well trained work ready operators – in fact, we have many businesses coming to us looking for new operators. Our ten training centers are located in:

  • Sun Prairie, Wisconsin;
  • Columbus, Ohio;
  • Brentwood, New Hampshire;
  • Rapidan, Virginia;
  • Pelzer, South Carolina;
  • Lecanto, Florida;
  • Wills Point, Texas;
  • Watkins, Colorado;
  • Victorville, California ; and
  • Eldorado Hills, California.

When it comes to funding your bulldozer training, we can help out there as well. Fill in an online loan application and we will process it and get back to you – often within 48 hours ( a little longer for weekends).

Are you looking at the role of a bulldozer operator as a possible career? Let ATS Heavy Equipment Operators Schools help you take the first steps.

How To Become An Employed Certified Crane Operator

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Becoming a certified crane operator is not that difficult. Becoming an employed certified crane operator is a little bit more difficult. What you can do of course is ensure your training and certification is done through an accredited training provider. Whilst not guaranteeing you a job, it will certainly enhance your ability to win a job. Let’s look at the three components separately.

Crane Operator Training

Receiving your crane operator training through an accredited training provider means you are receiving training that has been approved at a national level. This means your training credentials will be respected across the nation, relieving you of the need to pass a test or do more training in each state.

Accredited training is delivered to a standard set of skills. Every person that undertakes accredited training should in theory have the same set of operating skills no matter where they undertook their training.

Crane Operator Certification

Like the training, crane operator certification has to be undertaken through an accredited provider. These are providers who have been approved to deliver assessments and issue certificates to those that pass. Like the accredited training, the assumption is that everyone who has been certified is able to demonstrate the same skills and knowledge no matter where they undertook their training.

There are many states now where all crane operators must be certified before they can be employed to operate a crane. It doesn’t matter where that certification was done so long as it was done through an accredited provider.

Crane Operator Employment

Once you have completed your training and passed all the requirements for certification, you are ready to seek employment. More importantly, you will have all the requirements for an employer to hire you.

Some accredited training providers also provide job placement services. These services are designed to try and match your skills and attributes to the right employers.

ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Schools are accredited to deliver crane operator training. They are also accredited to undertake crane operator assessments and to issue crane operator certifications. Finally, to complete the picture, they also provide a job placement service. That’s everything you need to become an employed certified crane operator. If that’s your career plan, what are you waiting for?

Former Truck Drivers – Refresh Your Commercial Drivers License And Come On Back

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There is a lot of hidden talent in the US today with many former truck drivers either not working or working at non-driving jobs. Many of those drivers have let their commercial drivers license lapse as well so they have written off ever returning to the industry. Perhaps it’s time for a rethink. Times have changed, we have more trucks on the road now and there are some road rules and regulations that have also been updated or introduced.

If you’re a former truck driver then the bottom line is – your skills and knowledge are in demand. The way to resolve the issue is to undertake a short three week truck driver training program, resit your commercial drivers license tests and you’re ready to take to the highways again. You may think it’s a bore redoing the training, perhaps even unnecessary. You could be right but we can all use refresher courses occasionally and if you have been out of the cab for five years or more, then you really do need it.

The nation is now going through a period of rebuilding and this is putting a strain on the resources we currently have – including commercial drivers. Working conditions for truck drivers are much better these days and so too is the remuneration packages on offer. What can you offer the industry? A lot! You know the score. You know the highways and you know the routine when it comes to loading and unloading. It may be several years old, but that knowledge still places you ahead of green drivers coming through with no experience.

If you have a yearning to return to the truck driving profession then give us a call. We can discuss your truck driver training options and the quickest path back to a commercial drivers license and employment.