Over the past two weeks we have written about how and where some of the federal economic stimulus funding will be used and its association to construction and heavy equipment. There is little doubt that the need for heavy equipment operators will increase. When looking at the various spending packages, one thing has stood out and that is the number of bridges either being built or reconstructed. When it comes to bridge building you almost always need cranes and of course crane operators.

As with most other sectors of the construction industry, certified crane operators are going to be in demand. The question is – do we have enough certified crane operators to go around? I doubt it! Now is probably the best time to undertake crane operator training and to undertake the assessments required to become certified.

ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Schools are accredited to deliver crane operator training through our training facilities in Wisconsin, New Hampshire, Ohio and Colorado. Our crane operator training and certification program teaches individuals how operate both fixed cab and swing cab mobile hydraulic cranes.

One you graduates from the training program you can sit the written and practical test for certification through the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO). The NCCCO crane operator certification is one of the most widely recognized crane operator certifications in the crane operator industry and required by many states before you can commence work as a crane operator.

Crane operators are amongst the highest paid heavy equipment operators in the country. The work is interesting and varied and provides a lot job satisfaction. With the shortage of crane operators on the horizon now could be the ideal time to make a career change. If you’re interested in crane operator training then feel free to contact us and we can help you determine the best training program for your circumstances.

The Governors of Minnesota and Wisconsin have entered into an agreement to share services and to work together on more than 80 projects funded under the economic stimulus package announced by the federal government. These projects include the Midwest Rail Initiative, water conservation and transport programs. Whilst this is only a start, as the two governments start working together, rather than competing for resources they will start to schedule projects to best utilize available resources – this will include labor and machinery such as heavy equipment.

Individuals living in Minnesota may well find themselves working on road or rail projects in Wisconsin – of course the reverse will also be true. To take advantage in the surge in demand for heavy equipment operators, Minnesota residents looking at heavy equipment as a career should be preparing now – your first step will be to undertake training.

Whilst ATS doesn’t currently have an operator school in Minnesota, we do have one in Sun Prairie, just north of Madison. Our Sun Prairie heavy equipment operator school provides training in a wide range of construction related fields including heavy equipment, truck driving (CDL) and crane operations (including crane operator certification).

Just because you live outside the state does not mean you cannot participate in training. In fact, you can get a head start by signing up and completing our free online training program for heavy equipment operators. Whilst travel on a daily basis may be difficult, finding accommodation for the period required should not be too difficult.

The demand on both sides of the border is set to jump and those who have had the training and experience will be well placed to fill those vacancies. ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Schools have a reputation for being one of the best training organizations in the country so if you are looking for heavy equipment training in Minnesota, don’t let a state border get in the way – the two state governments are not going to.

The economic stimulus package has seen billions of dollars allocated to construction work in the transport sector with new roads and bridges being planned across the nation. These projects are going to require the use of a lot of heavy equipment and much of this equipment needs transporting, generally on flat bed tractor trailers. Truck drivers require a commercial drivers license (CDL) to drive these trucks and to obtain your CDL, you need training.

ATS have been involved in truck driver training for over forty years. We deliver training that ensures those that graduate are well prepared to pass their CDL assessments – both written and practical. Our training prepares individuals to work in the fields of equipment transporting, dump trucks/trailers, sand and gravel, paving, concrete/asphalt,and construction materials. These are the drivers that will be required to rebuild our economy through the various construction projects planned.

The truck driving program offered by ATS involves classroom instruction covering subjects such as Department of Transportation rules, safety and safe operation of equipment, Commercial Driver License regulations, logbooks, and hazardous materials. “Hands-on” instruction includes backing and other close quarter maneuvers, pre-trip inspections, coupling and uncoupling and of course actual driving on both highways and city roads.

The demand for truck drivers capable of driving these construction related trucks is set to explode as every state across the nation commences their road projects almost simultaneously. I know truck drivers are good at their jobs, but I cannot see them being twenty places at once. The only solution of course is to employ more drivers – a lot more.

ATS have truck driver training (CDL) schools in Wisconsin, Ohio, Virginia, Colorado and Southern California – Our truck drivers have been known to drive coast-to-coast – we certainly have truck driving training covered coast-to-coast. If you have a yearning for truck driving as a career – act now while the opportunities are there.

Across the nation the demand for skilled construction workers and heavy equipment operators is set to rise sharply over the next six months. President Obama’s economic stimulus package is behind a multi billion dollar increase in transport infrastructure. Spending includes projects covering new road, rail and seaport infrastructure together with bridge building bridge rebuilding along with road resurfacing programs.

With so many projects commencing simultaneously the biggest threat to their completion will be a lack of skilled workers. For those individuals who have in the past considered a career as a heavy equipment operator, now is the perfect time to do something about it. Heavy equipment operator training is a relatively short intensive course that will have you ready to start work in no time at all.

Our training organization, ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Schools is accredited to provide training in a wide range of heavy equipment, cranes and trucks (CDL training). Although we may not have a training facility in your state, we have certainly got the nation covered from coast to coast so there is bound to be one located close to you. The following locations currently have training schools with more being opened all the time.

• Wisconsin – Located in Sun Prairie and offers training in heavy equipment, mobile crane and truck driving;
• Ohio – Located in Columbus and offers training in heavy equipment, mobile crane, truck driving and GPS training;
• New Hampshire – Located in Brentwood and offers training in heavy equipment and mobile crane;
• Virginia – Located in Rapidan and offers training in heavy equipment and truck driving;
• South Carolina – Located in Pelzer and offers training in heavy equipment;
• Florida – Located in Lecanto and offers training in heavy equipment;
• Texas – Located in Wills Point and offers training in heavy equipment;
• Colorado – Located in Watkins and offers training in heavy equipment, mobile crane and truck driving;
• California – We have two schools, one located in the south at Victorville which offers training in heavy equipment and truck driving and the second located in the north at Eldorado Hills which offers training in heavy equipment.

ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Schools have over twenty years experience in the training industry. During that time we have developed a reputation for producing operators that are work ready. In fact, we have developed a network of employers who look to us when recruiting new operators.

If you have a yearning to sit behind the controls of a crane, perhaps drive a truck, or to learn to operate heavy equipment used in construction then visit our web site or give us a call on 1.800.678.8120. We can help find the best location and right training program to get you started in the industry. You will be embarking on a rewarding and interesting career whilst helping to rebuild our economy.

Florida is about to embark on one of the most ambitious construction programs in the country with the demand for construction workers and heavy equipment operators set to at least double by the end of summer, perhaps even triple. In fact, the only thing that will prevent Florida from achieving its construction targets will be the lack of suitably qualified labor.

Almost $13.5 billion dollars has been allocated to Florida as part of the economic recovery program with Florida setting aside a massive $2 billion for transport alone. This includes almost $100 million for airport work, $135 million for general transit work and $1.35 billion on roads and bridges.

That’s not the end of the allocations either. Florida is still considering projects involving rail extensions and seaport upgrades. This will lift the total transport expenditure to well over the $2 billion mark – one of the most ambitious programs in country given the timelines set down by the federal government.

The biggest problem, as I mentioned in my opening paragraph, is the lack of suitably qualified people to the fill the job vacancies that will arise. Considering every other state has construction programs taking place at the same time, labor requirements will need to be sourced locally, not from interstate. The only way to achieve this is through a strong training and recruitment program.

ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Schools have a training facility located in Lecanto a little north of Tampa. Our training facility is geared towards training individuals in a broad range of heavy equipment including motor graders, bulldozers, front end loaders and excavators to name just a few.

Florida will be looking for qualified heavy equipment operators in the near future – and we are talking about a lot of operators here – so undertaking your training in preparation for this demand will enable you to participate in the nations largest infrastructure program in history. For heavy equipment training in Florida, make us your first stop.

The majority of the federal economic stimulus package is to go towards interstate highway construction in South Carolina. This has led to a call for more skilled construction workers, particularly those able to operate the heavy equipment required to construct roads. If you have been wondering about heavy equipmenet training in South Carolina then wonder no more.

AT ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Schools we specialize in heavy equipment training through our training facility in Pelzer. We have been training heavy equipment operators across the nation for decades and stand ready to train new recruits as operators to help in the nations recovery process.

In South Carolina, there are almost $500 million being spent on infrastructure, under the federal recovery program. Under this program, roads and bridges will receive huge grants to enable their construction.

Bridges will be one of the major areas of construction with over $70 million already allocated to projects. This is one area where demand for heavy equipment operators will be felt most. Finding qualified and experienced operators for all the projects will be difficult. They will need to be dragged from existing project to handle some of the more technical aspects of bridge building.

This will leave large gaps in the construction industry around the state. It is hoped that by training new operators employers will be able to fill in the gaps left by recruitment of more experienced operators to bridge building.

Students of ATS are fortunate as our training covers a wide range of heavy equipment used in the field of construction. Graduates will be able to find work quite quickly as the more experienced operators move onto more difficult projects.

Heavy equipment training in South Carolina is on the increase so those individuals looking to enter this career need to act quickly before training places fill. You can access our website and apply online or call one of friendly advisers who can answers all your questions and help you select the right training program for your circumstances. Call us – it’s obligation free and may be the first step to a new career by undertaking heavy equipment training South Carolina.

The demand for heavy equipment training in Virginia is growing and as more details of the federal stimulus program are released. Virginia is expecting to spend almost $700 million on transport infrastructure through the program with $118 million targeting state’s three urban metropolitan areas.

Transport infrastructure of course means roads and rail, areas that are labor intensive. Skilled operators for a variety of heavy equipment machinery will be required especially those that can operate a variety of machinery.

The highest demand will be bulldozer operators, front end loader operators and motor grader operators. Specialist operators will also be in demand to lay paving and to operate roller machinery. Entry level operators will find plenty of employment opportunities as bulldozer and loader operators.

Entry level operators will require formal training before employers even consider their applications. Those individuals who can complete their training now and build some operating hours will find employment even easier – skills and experience are always a big factor.

You can undertake heavy equipment training in Virginia through ATS’ Heavy Equipment Operator School located in Rapidan. The Rapidan school can also deliver truck driver training for those interested in obtaining their Virginia CDL.

Why choose ATS as your heavy equipment training organization? At ATS we believe in providing students with a training program that introduces a wide variety of heavy equipment machinery. You will learn to operate equipment ranging from a motor grader through bulldozers to front end loaders. This will provide you with entry level skills that you can further develop in the workplace.

Having a variety of heavy equipment skills ensures you are more employable. Our heavy equipment training in Virginia has developed a record of excellence with employers often coming to us to source their labor. Are you going to be a part of the economic recovery?

California is leading the way when it comes to spending the federal economic stimulus packages. They have already put in place 57 projects which are expected to create 11,000 new jobs if 1% are for new heavy equipment operator positions, that equates to 110 new jobs.

In reality, the number of new positions created could be as high 5% or around 500 new heavy equipment operators. Given the demand on these skills from other states and from projects already commenced and you will have some understanding of the need to train new operators now, ready for the commencement of these projects.

It should also be understood that this is only the start. These are the projects approved to ready to start, there are more in the pipeline. With over $600 million to spend, they are now looking at projects that had in the past been put aside as too expensive. Construction in California is set to boom with demands across all skill levels skyrocketing. Skilled heavy equipment operators can be hard to find during these times due to the cost of training – people can be reluctant to spend when times are tough.

Cost need not be a major factor however. For those looking for heavy equipment training in California, ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Schools may have the answer to your problems. We have two training facilities in California, one in Victorville and and on in Eldorado Hills. Both facilities deliver comprehensive heavy equipment training.

The good news for those looking to enter the heavy equipment profession is that payment for your training does not necessarily need to be an issue. We have a variety of payment options and there is bound to be one that suits your needs. Just visit our site and complete an online financial assistance for heavy equipment training form. We will generally process the form within 48 hours.

Texas is one of the fortunate states with its economy still growing, albeit very slowly. However, growth is growth and in the last financial year the state has more than doubled the national averages when it comes to growth. With growth comes jobs and with jobs, there is a requirement for training. Demand for heavy equipment training in Texas is set to grow even faster following the announcement of the Federal Stimulus package.

The growth seen in Texas has already seen almost $10 billion in business investment for new buildings or the extensions of existing buildings. Construction is a high growth area and as it continues to grow the demand for heavy equipment operators increases.

ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Schools have a training facility located in Wills Point, Texas. This school specializes in the training of heavy equipment operators with training being delivered on a wide range of construction equipment.

We have networked with hundreds of construction businesses nationwide (including Texas) so our job placement program has the resources to help to match you with a suitable employer. With construction jobs tipped to explode in the coming months, finding work will not be as difficult as some people imagine.

If you are looking to take on a career as a heavy equipment operator in the state of Texas then you will need training – employers will not hire unskilled operators to handle their expensive machinery. Finding heavy equipment training in Texas is not a difficult task – just call us or visit our website where you will find information about the training programs available.

According to the official Ohio job site, there are currently 732 vacancies for heavy equipment operators with more than 300 paying in excess of $40000 per year. That’s a good wage and Ohio isn’t that bad a place to live in.

If you think that is a lot of job vacancies then wait and see what happens when the federal recovery package starts to kick in. The Ohio Department of Transportation currently estimates the recovery package will total approximately $774 million for road and bridge work. This will require even more skilled construction workers including heavy equipment operators.

You will often hear people talking about the slump in construction and the recession we are going through. Whilst it is true there have been job losses, you cannot paint every professional with the same economic brush. When times are tough there are many industries that actually boom. Gambling and alcohol have always been big winners during recessions. I guess people try to win their way out of trouble and when that doesn’t work, they drown their sorrows. Once they sober up they start building and that requires the services of qualified heavy equipment operators.

Governments of course always use construction to try and trigger economic growth. This is why construction is one of the first growth areas in any economic recovery. Heavy equipment operators, from truck and crane drivers to dozer, excavator, and loader drivers are required in almost all areas of construction.

For individuals looking to gain employment in the field of heavy equipment their first step is to undertake training to gain the skills required to work effectively. Those skills can only be gained by attending and completing a thorough heavy equipment training program.

If you’re looking for heavy equipment training in Ohio then the place to be is in Columbus. ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Schools have a comprehensive training facility in Columbus where you can undertake training in crane operations, truck driving, and a broad range of heavy equipment. Most modern equipment uses GPS as part of their navigation so we also provide GPS training.

Who says there is no work available for heavy equipment operators? Nationwide, the demand is growing almost daily. If you’re looking for a career change then consider heavy equipment operations. It can be lucrative and extremely rewarding and right now, the economic recovery efforts need people with those skills.