There are a lot of people who see heavy equipment in use and either wonder what it would be like to operate one themselves or wish they had opted for a career as an operator. For many, the desire to learn to be a heavy equipment operator is still there, however, something holds them back. One of the biggest hurdles is simple fear – in a way, it’s a fear of the unknown, and that just happens to be one of mankind’s biggest fears.

A number of negatives always appear – can you relate to any of these?

• Can I afford the cost of training?
• Is there work available once I finish my training?
• Will I be any good as a heavy equipment operator?
• Will my family support me?

I am sure there are many other questions, however, those four cover the most common, and they all have basis in that unknown. You can quickly dismiss the last negative – just talk to your family. If you want to change careers, and heavy equipment is one of your options, then discuss this with your family. Discuss the initial upfront costs, however, don’t forget to mention how lucrative a career it is.

Can you afford the cost of training? You don’t need to pay for all of your training up front. There are loan options available, and once you start working as a heavy equipment operator, you’ll soon have those loans cleared. There are also several government programs available to help cover some of the costs – you may be eligible for one of those, particularly if you are an ex-military service person.

When it comes to employment, ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Training Schools work with their students to help them find that all-important first job. We don’t just deliver training, we have a dedicated career services department and their whole reason for being is to help you find employment in your chosen field.

Finally, will you be any good at it? You won’t know until you try it out. If you have any doubts about your ability, call us and discuss your options. Who knows, you may be able to visit our training school, talk to the instructors and students, and perhaps even get to sit in the seat of one of our machines. It’ll certainly give you a feel for the job. We can’t answer every question, however, we’ll do our best.

Need heavy equipment to help with a demolition job? The backhoe could just be the ideal tool. Backhoes are one of the most versatile pieces of heavy equipment used in construction. Their ‘hoe’ is ideal for digging trenches, knocking down walls, and even ‘raking’ debris into a pile. The loader at the front is then ideal for cleaning up debris by scooping it up and emptying it all into dump trucks.

A backhoe’s versatility doesn’t end there. Backhoes are one of several pieces of heavy equipment that can have specialized tools attached. These tools include a breaker that can be used to break up concrete blocks. A backhoe will often be called in to do this job in situations where the concrete is too large or too thick for standard jackhammers. The breaker is only one of many attachments that include tools such as an auger, a grapple, and single and triple shank rippers. Together, these tools make a backhoe a very handy tool around demolition sites.

A little less effective is an excavator. Excavators have the same range of attachments that a backhoe supports, however, an excavator doesn’t have the scoop at the front to collect and remove debris. A second piece of equipment in the form of a loader is required. One trend is to replace backhoes with mini-excavators and bob cars. Between them, they offer a lot of flexibility and can be used very effectively in confined spaces. That option does require two heavy equipment operators, a cost factor that businesses are ever mindful of.

The recommendation from the industry now is fairly simple – learn to operate as many different types of heavy equipment as possible. Whilst backhoes are still popular, it is wise to also learn how to operate an excavator and loader, and perhaps a bulldozer as well. Heavy equipment training through ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Training Schools is delivered using a wide range of machinery. You can graduate with well-developed skills in a variety of heavy equipment giving you the versatility to pick and choose the jobs that appeal to the most.

When looking at heavy equipment job listings, it’s important to read the requirements that an employer has included. They are there for a reason – the employer is looking for someone with those skills, attributes, or experience. When reviewing job listings, pay particular attention to the type of heavy equipment and the type of work being done. Job listings this week are light on, although the last month has been quite busy. The job vacancies below are a good example of the types of jobs we receive and the skills, attributes, and experience that an employer is looking for.

Backhoe Operator
Jacksonville, FL
Load Adjusts and Transfer Company hiring heavy equipment operators with experience operating backhoes.

Excavation Equipment Operator
Jacksonville, FL
Heavy equipment operators required to operate excavation equipment

Heavy Equipment Operator
Allentown, PA
Full-time heavy equipment operator required. Must have Heavy Equipment Experience.

Heavy Equipment Operator & CDL
Fort Polk, LA
Seeking Heavy Equipment Operator to join our outstanding team at the Fort Polk Army Base in Louisiana.

Heavy Equipment Operator II
Hawaii
The Heavy Equipment Operator II will be responsible for the safe and efficient operation of material handling and processing equipment at the assigned Hawaiian Earth Products facility, as directed by the Operations Manager.

Heavy Equipment Operators
Southern States
Operators required for forestry projects in southern states.

Heavy Equipment Operator
Palo Alto, CA
Heavy Equipment Operator in the Public Works Maintenance Operations-Street Division. Operators may be required to operate one or more types of heavy equipment.

Heavy Equipment Operator
Mountain Pass, CA
Operates designated machine or equipment. Observes and follow all safety rules and procedures. Performs other duties and activities as directed. Typically requires 2-5 years of related experience and certification.

Equipment Operator
Mendota, CA
Operate and maintain front-end loaders and other material handling equipment such as conveyors, reclaimers, disc screens, and truck dumpers.

Heavy Equipment Operator
Cedar Rapids, IA
Operate motor grader, dump truck, and other equipment. May also be required to operate low-boy and heavy equipment such as a bulldozer, motor graders, front-end loaders, and excavators; plows snow; sanding equipment; drive trucks; and unskilled labor when not operating.

To see these and any new jobs that arrive firsthand, take regular visits to our dedicated job website. You’ll find vacancies listed for heavy equipment operators, crane operators, and truck drivers. For more information on training programs to prepare for a career in one of those fields, visit our heavy equipment training website.

Mention heavy equipment and most people think of a bulldozer. That probably relates back to most people’s childhood where a bulldozer was an essential toy in every sandbox. In the adult world, bulldozers are still one of the most popular choices when it comes to heavy equipment careers.

Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, depending on your mind set, many employers see life differently. Rather than employing a bulldozer operator, their preference is to employ a heavy equipment operator – in other words, an operate who is skilled across a range of heavy equipment. That’s not to say you can’t spend your whole working life as a bulldozer operator. Having those extra skills does come in handy when times are quiet.

In truth, there is a certain sameness coming into heavy equipment. The levers, buttons and pedals are very similar across most heavy equipment. Bulldozers run on tracks, but then, so too do many other types of heavy equipment. Bulldozers have a range of attachments that can be added to the rear – so too do excavators and backhoes. Most heavy equipment machinery now utilizes modern technology such as onboard computing, GPS and laser technology.

The big difference between each type of machinery is the type of work done. Bulldozers typically push dirt around. Excavators excavate, loaders load and graders grade. Modern operators learn how to perform each job, how their heavy equipment interacts in various environments and with different soil types.

Bulldozers are still the number one choice for many new operators to the industry. However, if they have attended a good heavy equipment operator training school, then they will have the range of skills that many employers are now looking for.

There are three steps to a successful career as a heavy equipment operator:

• Finding a good heavy equipment training school
• Successfully completing your training
• Finding a good employer

You’ve found a good heavy equipment training school – we stand by our record of providing well-trained heavy equipment operators to a wide range of industries. When it comes to successfully completing your training, we try to do everything possible to help you through the training – whether or not you succeed depends on your attitude and willingness to learn. When it comes to finding a good employer of heavy equipment operators, that’s a lot easier than you may think.

In fact, we have you covered in that area as well. When you commence your training at ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Schools, you will be introduced to a member of our Careers Services team. They will work with you to find suitable employers in the area you wish to work. They will also coach you through the various components of securing a job. This includes creating a resume, filling in job applications, cold calling, and interview strategies.

We will also give you access to an employer database that is filled with thousands of potential employers. Our dedicated job site is also available where you can check on a regular basis for any heavy equipment jobs that have been listed. Every Saturday we list the best jobs here as well.

When you put the package together, we deliver a fairly comprehensive service. Our heavy equipment operator training is second to none when it comes to quality and meeting industry standards. Our Career Services team help you find the right employers. The only ingredient missing is your dedication – if you have plenty of that, then we’re ready to help you take those first steps to a successful career as a heavy equipment operator.

Heavy equipment operator job listings will go through an unsettled period in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. For some construction businesses, everything has come to a standstill as they try to assess the damage done to work in progress. Hundreds, if not thousands, of heavy equipment operators, truck drivers, and crane operators are going to be needed to help with clean-up efforts, repairs, and with the demolition and rebuilding of buildings badly damaged. There are a lot of roads that are going to need work on as well.

Right now, heavy equipment job listings are fairly light, although that follows a rather heavy list of job opportunities last listed last weekend. There is plenty going on in the south and west in states that were not affected by Hurricane Sandy, however, there will be operators from these areas who will be called in to help with the cleanup. Opportunities listed over the last two weeks include:

Heavy Equipment Operators
Southern States
Operators required for forestry projects in southern states.

Heavy Equipment Operator
Palo Alto, CA
Heavy Equipment Operator in the Public Works Maintenance Operations-Street Division. Operates may be required to operate one or more types of heavy equipment.

Heavy Equipment Operator
Mountain Pass, CA
Operates designated machine or equipment. Observes and follow all safety rules and procedures. Performs other duties and activities as directed. Typically requires 2-5 years of related experience and certification.

Equipment Operator
Mendota, CA
Operate and maintain front-end loaders and other material handling equipment such as conveyors, reclaimers, disc screens, and truck dumpers.

Heavy Equipment Operator
Cedar Rapids, IA
Operate motor grader, dump truck, and other equipment. May also be required to operate low-boy and heavy equipment such as a bulldozer, motor graders, front-end loaders, and excavators; plows snow; sanding equipment; drive trucks; and unskilled labor when not operating.

For more information on these or any job vacancies that arrive, please refer to our dedicated jobs website. For more information on careers in heavy equipment operations, truck driving, or crane operations, please refer to our training website.

It probably doesn’t surprise readers to learn that over 200,000 women currently work as truck drivers. What is probably not known is that there are more than 100,000 women working as heavy equipment operators. It’s not just the older women who are looking for something to do once the kids have leave home either; there are a lot of young women who are also undertaking training in these fields.

So why are they entering what has in the past been considered a non-traditional career for women? Money is one lure as is the freedom that heavy equipment operators and truck drivers experience. There’s also the lure of power – not the kind of power that politicians crave; rather, it’s the power of the equipment. Being in control of a bulldozer that is pushing around tons of dirt each day is an incredible feeling for those who are new to this type of work.

Every woman will have her own reasons for considering a career as a heavy equipment operator. If you’re a woman and considering training to become a heavy equipment operator, I’m sure you will have your reasons – and for many, it’s a combination of those three – money, freedom and power. It’s the one area where anyone from any walk of life can work successfully in if they have had the right sort of training.

Heavy equipment operator training lays the foundation that opens doors to entry level work. Once you’re on the job, you can start to build on those skills. Modern equipment is easy to operate, and physical strength is no longer a requirement.

When it come to looking for work, you’ll be surprised how many employers readily hire women. They have a reputation for the meticulous, especially when it comes to attention detail, following plans, and completing the required paperwork that often comes with each job. If you’re a woman looking for a different career, consider joining the growing army of women truck drivers and heavy equipment operators.

Scenes on the news of a crane that was damaged by the high winds in New York this week are a timely warning to all heavy equipment operators. Weather is an important factor when operating heavy equipment, cranes, and even when driving large trucks. Strong winds can be a problem, however, what really causes damage is when that strong wind gusts. You may feel that operating a vehicle in 30 mph winds is okay – and it may be, however, wind can often gust to twice it’s speed, so that 30 mph suddenly becomes 60 mph, or more. The real damage being caused because it is unexpected.

It’s not just wind, rain and snow can also cause real problems. It may be quite safe to drive a bulldozer into a paddock to clear away trees and debris, however, a sudden downpour of rain could make a bulldozer’s escape a little difficult, perhaps even impossible, until the water has dispersed.

When thinking about heavy equipment safety, it’s easy to forget about weather, more so if you have had months (or years) of reasonable weather. The storms currently crossing our east coast are once every ten or twenty year storms – the kind of storms that most operators rarely get to see. This week’s storm is so severe it’s plain commonsense not to operate your equipment unless it’s an emergency. It’s the smaller storms that are a worry, the kind of storm where a heavy equipment operator may be tempted to risk it. You really need to ask yourself – is the risk worth it?

As heavy equipment operators, you have a responsibility to operate your equipment in a safe manner. It is your responsibility to ensure that people and objects are safe, that your equipment is safe, and ultimately, that you yourself are safe. If there is a risk to any of those areas, you shouldn’t be operating your equipment. Heavy equipment training can cover a lot of safety issues, however, it’s your job to assess the environment at the time.

In-the-seat training is essential for careers such as heavy equipment operations, truck driving and crane operations. In fact, the more time you can spend in-the-seat, the better. However, you should never underestimate the value of out-of the-seat training, often referred to as classroom training, or theoretical training. Classroom training is where quality operators and drivers are born since it delivers training in areas such as safety, working in a team, paperwork (and these careers certainly have paperwork), site layouts, and the legal requirements to operate heavy equipment, trucks or cranes.

When it comes to heavy equipment, operators also need an understanding of soils and soil types, and how those soils react when being worked by heavy equipment. This requires a combination of in-the-field and in-the-classroom training – and the field training is more like getting your hands into the soil to feel the differences. Out-of-the-seat training also involves observation – watching how heavy machinery reacts in different situations. Operators can better relate when they are then in the operator’s seat.

ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Training Schools have carefully developed a training program that uses a combination of in-the-seat and out-of-the-seat training. Our school is well respected within the industry for producing graduates who are well grounded in all aspects of heavy equipment operation. We even train our students in the fundamentals of laser levels and heavy equipment maintenance.

If you are looking for a career as a heavy equipment operator, be sure to choose a training school that does deliver a well rounded training program. You can spend hundreds of hours in the operator seat, however, if you don’t have an understanding of some of the theoretical aspects, then you won’t be a better operator, and you may just disappoint employers and find yourself without work. Get it right from day one and you’ll be ready for employment.

Work places have become quite tricky when it comes to following OSHA guidelines. In many jobs, your primary role may be very easily defined, however, it’s your secondary tasks that could cause confusion – and problems if you’re not very careful. Truck driving is one job where problems could arise.

Truck drivers that deliver pallet loads of building bricks to construction sites are often required to use a small crane boom that is attached to the truck. Rather than being a truck driver, they are now crane operators, and as such they require all the crane operator training and certifications that full-time crane operator receive. Small cranes, even those attached to the back of delivery trucks, require skills that go above and beyond those of a truck driver.

Small crane operators still need to assess the load, stabilize their vehicle, and ensure the load is moved safely and in accordance with crane operator guidelines – hence the requirement for certification as a crane operator. The upside for truck drivers who are certified to operate a crane is that they have a secondary occupation they can fall back on if times are tough in the trucking industry – not that there’s any likelihood of that in the foreseeable future.

If you have a commercial drivers license and you want to extend your skills base, consider crane operator training. If there is always a demand for truck drivers who are multi-skilled, another example being truck drivers who can also drive heavy equipment on and off flat bed trailers. You can learn these skills in less than a month and they will provide a lifetime of employment opportunities.