Generally speaking, heavy equipment training is well regarded with most training organizations taking the time to undertake accreditation. There are, however, some people who offer to deliver training without any training credentials at all. Gaining certification under those circumstances will almost result in an expensive yet worthless piece of paper.

If the training organization is accredited then you know that your certification is going to be recognized by potential employers nationwide. This is important, particularly in areas such as crane operator training where state legislation has made certification compulsory before you can work in that field.

So what is accreditation? This is a process where training organizations meet a set of minimum criteria. These standards include the material taught, the qualifications of the trainers, the type of equipment used in training, and a standardized set of assessments. In the latter, that is important since this means that all training organizations are assessing students for common skills.

If the organization meets the minimum standards set (and they are high standards) then that training organization can deliver training, undertake assessments, and issue national certification documents.

One accreditation body is The National Center for Construction Education and Research or NCCER. They have been accrediting training organizations since 1995 when it was established by 11 of the world’s largest and most progressive construction companies and several national construction associations.

Before you undertake any form of heavy equipment training, check the training provider to ensure they are accredited and that the certification they provide is recognized across the nation. This will ensure that on completion of your training, you will have a valuable document in your hands instead of a very expensive piece of scrap paper.

One of the key components of the economic stimulus package is the creation of jobs – this includes a heavy concentration on the construction industry including heavy equipment operators, truck drivers and crane operators.

As private companies write their tender submissions for these projects, they will also be looking at other criteria which includes the employment of trained personnel. In other words, the contractor has to ensure that all employees are suitable qualified for the positions they hold. Gone are the days when you could just jump aboard a bulldozer and learn on-the-job.

Of course, one of the primary reasons behind this move is to ensure that everyone has attended a basic safety training program. All accredited training programs for heavy equipment include safety training as essential part of their program.

ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Schools are accredited to deliver training in the fields of heavy equipment, truck driving and crane operations. Safety is a primary concern to all and is included in all of our training programs.

AT ATS we ride ourselves on the quality of our graduates and work with them to ensure they have a successful and safe working career in their chosen industry, whether it is heavy equipment operations, truck driving or as a crane operator. Contact us for more information on a career in any of these fields and ensure that when you apply for that next vacancy, you have met the minimum requirements to be employed.

Excavator training has been a growth area for many years particularly as equipment manufacturers broaden the range of their models. Businesses can now buy excavators that range in size from small units suited to tight work spaces to huge machines that work in the mining industry.

It is not just size that has changed over the years. Like many of the different heavy equipment types, excavators come with a wide range of attachments designed to do a variety of jobs. Excavator training is no longer about digging trenches. Excavators can come with jack hammer type attachments, demolition attachments and a variety of bucket types. There are plenty of other attachments that I haven’t mentioned as well.

In today’s workplace, having a machine like an excavator that can do a variety of jobs is a big bonus. Having an operator that can work with each of those attachments is a must. Quality excavator training will introduce you to the various attachments, and, just as importantly, how to actually attach them. You would be surprised how many people will teach you how to use an attachment without teaching you how to attach it.

ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Schools are accredited to train individuals on a range of heavy equipment including excavators. Their excavator training component includes basic skill requirements like walk-around inspections, workplace safety requirements and of course, how to the various attachments are fitted.

Being accredited training means that upon successful completion of the course you will be issued with a nationally recognized certificate – as you can see – there is more to excavator training than just digging holes.

Finding a good quality heavy equipment training school can often be difficult. When you consider the cost of training, you need to be sure your hard earned dollars will result in good quality training that the industry recognizes. More importantly, you want training that will result in employment. If you follow these points you will find the selection process a lot easier.

1. Age – select a training school that has been around for some years. Heavy equipment schools are popping up everywhere so find a school that has stood the test of time.
2. Accredited – one sign of quality is whether or not the training school has taken the time to become accredited by a nationally recognised body. For heavy equipment, the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) is the accreditation body.
3. Certification – does the training school provide a nationally recognised certification? Training is becoming standardized in many areas and heavy equipment is no different.
4. Employment – heavy equipment training schools that provide industry with well trained operators will, over time, develop relationships with those employers. These relationships mean the training school is in a position to help graduates find employment once they complete their training.

If You check out ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Schools you will find they meet all these points. In fact they go further offering free online training to get you started and delivering training through many centers around the nation.

Some of the best paid careers in the construction industry is that of the heavy equipment operators. The classification of heavy equipment is broad and ranges from the enormous cranes and mining machines such as excavators to the small backyard skip loaders and backhoes.

In between is a broad range of equipment, all waiting for qualified operators and all paying well. The key to a success career in heavy equipment is in the word ‘qualified’. For example, crane operators need certification in many states. Heavy equipment truck drivers require their CDL, and most employers now want to see some form of accredited training for operators of graders, excavators or bulldozers.

Gaining the qualification is not that difficult. You can normally get qualified in as little as three weeks, depending on the level of qualification you are trying to achieve. For external qualifications such as your CDL, the end result will depend on how well you do during the assessment. Heavy equipment training can provide you with all the skills, how you implement them is up to you.

ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Schools deliver accredited training in a wide variety of equipment including cranes, trucks, bulldozers, front end loaders, graders and excavators. Since the training is nationally accredited, your training and certification will be recognized in all states. Your qualification may be recognized internationally as well although local licensing laws may apply.

Check out the videos online to see if this is the career for you. There are employers with well payed positions waiting for the right person to complete their training. Is that person you?

Possessing a CDL – or Commercial Driver’s License – can be a great asset when times are tough. The CDL enables the holder to drive commercial trucks. If you think about it, no matter how tough the economy is, we still have to eat that food has to get to the processing plants and onto the supermarket shelves somehow.

To gain a truck driving license you will need to meet certain requirements laid down by the various states. You will need to do a written and driving test similar to your car license requirements.

The easiest way to achieve this is by undertaking training through an accredited truck driving school. ATS Heavy Equipment Operators Schools have been training truck drivers for over 40 years. We know the legislative requirements to gain your license and so provide thorough training in all required areas.

You may decide that a truck driving career is not your first choice, particularly if you prefer operating heavy equipment. However, that commercial truck driving license may just make the difference when applying for a job. You may also find that if things do get tough, you have an alternative skill to fall back on.

Many older heavy equipment operators seem to look down on heavy equipment training schools preferring operators that they themselves have taught. Fortunately those older operators are few and far between these days. Formal training is a must if you wish to have a successful long term career in the industry.

In some areas, you not only need formal training, you also need to pass tests and obtain formal licenses before you can commence work. Truck driving is a prime example. There are a few distinct benefits to receiving formal training. These include:

Safety. By going through an accredited training program, you will learn the various safety measures that must be under taken on different pieces of machinery. Even the simplest of machines can be dangerous if not operated correctly, in accordance with proper procedures, rules and regulations.

Employability. The best jobs will require accredited training otherwise the employer not even both interviewing you. Proper training in the different machinery opens a lot of doors.

Mobility. Those who have received training from a nationally accredited school will also generally receive job-placement assistance. Oftentimes this extends long after graduation.

ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Schools is a nationally accredited training provider. We also offer employment assistance to those that graduate from our training programs. If your looking for a career change then visit our site for all the information on accredited training.

Have you ever noticed those signs? They are still popping up around the country and there is one simple reason – we are still building and that means we need more heavy equipment operators.

Civil engineering companies always have a need for skilled heavy equipment operators. As with most workplaces, the more experience you have the more employable you are. However new operators can always find a place if they have had the right training.

Employers are becoming more discerning. Learning to operate heavy equipment from your father will no longer cut it. Employers are looking for heavy equipment operators that have been trained by professional trainers. Operators don’t just need the skills to operate the equipment, they also need to know the safety requirements that legislators have put in place.

Heavy equipment training should now be undertaken through accredited training providers such as ATS Heavy Equipment Training Schools. Employers recognize the training provided by these establishments and often give preference to these graduates.

The industry needs new operators. If that is you – make sure you get the best training first to ensure your new career is successful.

Being a heavy equipment operator does not suit everyone. There are certain personal attributes that are almost essential if you wish to work in this area. So what are these personal attributes?

The first attribute is simply a love of the outdoors. Working outside in a wide range of weather conditions is part of the job. Whilst most heavy equipment come fitted with weather proof cabs, there are still a lot o machines with open cabs.

The second attribute is a willingness to get your hands dirty. If you’re the kind of person who insists on clean hands 24/7, then this type of work may not be for you. You may not get your hands as dirty and greasy as a motor mechanic, there is still some dirt involved.

The third and perhaps most important attribute is one of patience. If a pile of dirt needs moving, there is a right and wrong way to do it. You can’t rush the job, it needs to be done slowly and methodically.

There are several skills that may also have an important bearing on your success as a heavy equipment operator. These include good hand-foot-eye co-ordination and the ability to accurately gauge distances and sizes.

With those attributes and basic skills, you are well suited to a career as a heavy equipment operator. All you need to add are the actual operational and safety skills associated with the equipment you intend operating.

This where ATS Heavy Equipment Training Schools can help you. Our accredited training can take those attributes and basic skills and turn them in to qualified and skilled heavy equipment operators. Put us to the test through our free online training program!

The federal government is updating crane regulations and at some stage over the next 12 months new standards will come into force. This will require all crane operators to have the proper training, either through a training school or on the job. Either way, they will have to meet minimum standards and pass written tests to prove their knowledge.

This places more importance on the need for effective training that covers all the minimum standards that are being set. Under the new standards, crane operators will need to be certified. To achieve this, the new regulations will require crane operators to pass both written and practical tests in all 50 states and complete more training where necessary.

Certification will achieved through either an accredited third-party testing organization, through an audited employer testing program or by state/local licensing authorities.

ATS Heavy Equipment Training Schools deliver accredited training for all heavy equipment including cranes. This training will be prepare you for the accreditation process. If your interested in becoming a crane operator then now is the best time to get started.