You have seen the incredible opportunity the industry represents and know that is the career you want. You see the stability and earning power of such jobs, so it makes sense, but the problem is that adequate training is essential. While we at ATS do everything in our power to keep the costs as low as possible and offer financial assistance, we know that for some it remains a little out of reach. We believe that this is an opportunity for everyone though, it is a viable career that can lift you out of bad situations, which is why we go out of our way to make it as accessible as possible.

Depending on your financial situation we have a range of assistance options that can help you get the training you need to give you the career you deserve. Whatever your status we encourage you to look over the options available here, you will be surprised at what is available to help you get on your way to that career you want.

Firstly, many of our students are eligible for various state and federal grants for industry training. Schemes from both state and federal governments exist to encourage new workers in vital industries, and also to help workers transition from one industry to another, there are special schemes for Veterans at a federal level that can help tremendously, and finding out what options are available to you really should be the start of the process.

For all Veterans who attend our courses, we offer a housing voucher that covers the cost of accommodation during the course at the school’s housing facility. We do this in recognition of the service you have given us all.

For those who still have a shortfall in funding, we offer a career loan option, that can provide the solution, and with our graduates in demand within the industry, it is a sound investment.  In addition to career loans, we are also proud to be connected to the National Farmworkers Jobs Program, for those farmworkers looking to change the industry. If you qualify for this, we can help you with that program and any questions you may have.

Whatever your situation, we want you to have access to our training, because we know that once graduated, you will have a career that could, and often does, transform your life. We are proud of that and wish to ensure as many people as possible can truly benefit in the same way. If you want that new career, don’t be put off, there are ways to make it possible for you, through a range of government initiatives and our own financing options, you can make a start on that new career and succeed.

Picture the traditional construction worker and their gear, and what do you see? Blue jeans are part of that description for most of us, having been the hard-wearing pants of choice for as long as there has been construction in the country.  But are they still the best solution for something to last the rough treatment your clothes always get? As with almost every aspect of our lives, technology claims to have brought us something better, but is it a reality?

Jeans are the traditional work pants, they have endured for almost the entire existence of construction as the cost-effective, hard-wearing solution, but they have never been without issues. They take a while to dry if they get wet for any reason, even using over trousers in the rain doesn’t always stop it. There are other issues too, but overall the traditional jeans have been the best option available.

Today there are options available from several manufacturers that use the latest lightweight materials and designs to create pants designed specifically for workers in the industry, but do they really improve on the reliable jeans?

There are a number of areas that they do, and while there are many variations, the designs available are mostly an improvement for the modern worker, they have inbuilt knee protection for safety and comfort for instance, so there is no need for extra equipment as would be the case with jeans. That is not all, with water-resistant, tear-proof material, these new options are actually harder to wear those jeans, and also much better onsite, especially in wetter weather. Options with spate linings offer cold weather protection without the need for cumbersome over trousers as well, in many ways the designs and materials really have made all the difference.

Design changes do not stop there, with larger pockets and more accessible pockets, often at the side of the leg for ease of access even if sitting, there has been a lot of thought with these modern options into what industry workers need, and here modern fabrics and construction really has paid dividends too. Where once pockets were small and inaccessible, and a tool belt was often required for anyone who needed to carry a few things around the site, today we have pants with fold-out waist pockets that are in essence built-in tool belts. The strong materials and construction mean that they can hold all the things you need for a day on-site without requiring extra tool belts, bags, protective wear or anything else, all in one package.

It may not seem like much, what pants you wear, but after a long day on-site in damp jeans, a bit of extra comfort can seem very important indeed. That is without taking into account the harder-wearing material, better design, and added comfort and protection.

While some states have fairly consistent climates and avoid the issue, all over the country the effects of a change from the cold, winter temperatures to the very warm summer ones are being seen in the roads that connect our towns and cities together. That calls for road repairs. For the heavy machinery industry, this is regular, reliable construction work that is happening somewhere in the country every year as we see temperatures change.

These projects offer valuable opportunities for heavy machinery workers all over the country, from smaller localized repairs to complete road renewals, the consequences of the shift from winter to summer brings opportunities that all industry workers can benefit from. Good working conditions and summer weather make these particularly appealing sites as well, and for many in the industry are some of the most enjoyable projects out there. Opportunities exist for all kinds of workers but in particular heavy machinery operators find their skills in demand on such projects. With a variety of heavy machinery in use, these challenging but enjoyable projects are well worth seeking out.

What happens is that the road surfaces crack, warp, and even collapse under the stresses that such temperature changes provoke, and while such things are not good for local commuters and those traveling around the country, for the construction industry it is a valuable business source that appears with regularity. Because such movements occur naturally, there is little to combat it, new road designs are always under review however for extremes of temperature the issue of cracking has never been solved.

That is one of the things that makes the heavy machinery industry such a great choice for a career because road repairs like that are not the only regularly occurring construction work out there. From new building works for expanding populations to projects to combat the effects of erosion around our coastlines, the simple movement of time itself brings new opportunities for the construction industry.

This is central to the appeal of the industry for careers because it is at its core an industry that can never become unneeded. For all of us connected to the construction industry, the work itself is interesting and the teamwork and friendships make it enjoyable, but it is the dependability of the need for such work that makes it the career choice it is. Industry is at the center of our way of life, and by just living and thriving, our country generates the work that keeps us busy. That is not going to change in any foreseeable future, making this one of the few industries today that can offer a secure career for life.

Varied and challenging, but always in demand, that ultimately describes the heavy machinery career, but that is also the core of what makes it such a great career for you. Opportunities are always there, in an expanding industry the need for your skills is growing, and as we have discussed, the world around us generates more of that demand simply through the passage of time, it is an industry to build a career in.

The construction industry job market today can be daunting, no matter what your skills the competition is fierce, but more than that, whole industries are rapidly changing, and with those changes come new ways of working, and often fewer jobs, and fewer job security. Knowing where to look for a career that offers some stability is no longer easy, as jobs in many traditional industries seem to disappear before our eyes.

Knowing what to do, what skills will help your career, and providing a reliable source of work is more difficult now than perhaps at any time in the modern world, but there is an answer. We at Associated Training Services believe that the construction industry as a whole and in particular heavy equipment operation offers a dependable option for anyone. Not only that, but we think the ever-changing work, the skill required, and the job satisfaction you get make it a great career too.

But being enjoyable, challenging, and varied is not why the construction industry is a brilliant career choice in the modern job market, that is why you would want to do the job. Look at the country, and you will see why construction is such a good choice. While cars can be made anywhere and shipped around the world, along with most other manufactured goods, the reality is that we always need new roads, new factories, and new construction work, and it cannot be exported across the world, it is a job that is done on-site, and always will be.

There are other challenges for many jobs too, automation is an issue facing many industries today, something that could eventually simply remove millions of jobs that people have taken for granted for the last century or more. However, operating heavy equipment is a skill, it takes a little finesse and situational awareness, teamwork, and adaptability. With each job different, each site different, and each team different, the human touch is essential in many aspects of heavy machinery work.

Our training can give you the skills and confidence you need to forge your career in construction today. In an industry that is seeing increased spending every year, essential for the nation’s survival, construction skills will always be needed. Our comprehensive training opportunities prepare you for the challenges ahead, whether you are looking to be a crane operator, truck driver, digger derrick operator, or heavy equipment operator, we have the expertise to help you learn the skills you need.

Any training is an investment in yourself, but in this changing world, making sure that investment is the right one has never been more important. The construction industry today offers the chance at a stable, reliable career, but more than that, it offers challenging but enjoyable work that brings great job satisfaction and the pleasure of working with a team.

It’s probably crossed your mind already, just what is it like to be a crane operator? If there is one job that everyone sees being done that makes us think, it is the crane operator. But what is the job actually like for those that take on the training and go out and do it?

The first task of the day, no matter what kind of crane is being operated, is safety. Whether a mobile crane or a tower crane, giving things a check over is important. For mobile cranes, this means a once-over before setting off to the site, for a tower crane, operators check the crane at each stage as they climb to the cab. Responsibility, as shown by the safety checks, is a big part of being a crane operator, and that is why it can be so appealing. You are responsible for your crane, yourself, and the loads you move.

For mobile cranes, finding today’s site is the next challenge, moving large cranes around is itself a skill, but with each new site is a new work environment, and those ever-changing surroundings mean that life for a crane operator is never routine, never dull.

Operating the crane itself is, of course, the main part of the day, and is an exercise in precision and teamwork. Crane operators take responsibility, but they also need a team to guide them as loads are moved. Hand signals, radios, and even flags are all tools that allow the team to work seamlessly and safely to get the job done. Many people think a crane operator’s day is a lonely one, but the truth is that it takes a team to make it work. Operators may be alone in a cab, but they are never on their own on a site.

It can be long days, sometimes 12 hours on big projects, but that combination of responsibility, skill, and teamwork makes crane operators something unique. It also makes the work day for crane operators unique as well, which is why we see those cranes and wonder what it would be like. If you like the idea of something different every day, working as a team and taking on responsibility for yourself and others, it’s time to think about that crane operator training for yourself.

When you spend most of your day operating heavy equipment, your office is the cab, it’s where you are in control, and you know what is happening. However, without good communication lines, it can be a very isolating place as well. Operators need the ability to concentrate of course, but isolation is not an answer, ensuring in-cab communications are as good as they can be has become very important, for a number of reasons. Here are some things that can be problematic if communications are not maintained correctly.

• Safety – We all hope it never happens to us, but accidents do occur, and no matter how minor they are an investigation will always examine communications leading up to the incident. Good communication systems that are working correctly will always improve safety on site, both for heavy equipment operators and other workers on the site.
• Work Schedules – One of the costliest parts of any project is completion delays, missing deadlines, and failing to meet work schedules. Heavy equipment operators really benefit here from better communications, as it can help individuals and teams work more efficiently. On large projects, even small improvements can add up to big-time savings and can be the difference between meeting and missing a deadline.
• Teamwork – Smooth running of any site relies on teamwork, that operators are where they are supposed to be at the right time. However, given the nature of the industry, few people get to work in the same team often enough to build that relationship, so making sure the team functions properly each time is all about communication. Being able to adapt to a new environment and understanding how each group works is important for operators, and at the core of that is improved communication.
• Reliance on visual signals – Think of all the signals a heavy equipment operator has to take note of during any site operation to ensure the safety of themselves and others on site, there are hand signals, flashing lights, and flags used as guides or alarms, and this can lead to a problem known as alarm fatigue. This is where operators become overwhelmed by too many visual alarms and are unable to process them all. In-cab communications should not replace visual signals, but they complement visual alarms very well and can reduce the chance of an alarm being missed due to alarm fatigue.
• Stress – Operators isolated from the rest of the project in a cab without good communication can become stressed. Two-way communications allow questions to be asked and answered and operators to understand the project better and feel a part of the team instead of separate, helping reduce the stressfulness of the work.

There are many very good reasons to ensure cab communications are working well on any project, heavy equipment operators should always be in communication throughout any project.

It is no surprise the growth in construction and telecommunications throughout America has led to an increased need for directional drills to bury fiber optics, electrical lines, water pipes, sewer lines, etc. Further, the use of backhoes or excavators isn’t always practical, feasible, or economical, due to existing hazards or terrain. That leaves Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) as the most efficient option and the fastest-growing type of equipment for utilities, municipalities, contractors, and the communications industry. Associated Training Services has the knowledge, curricula, and instructional staff to deliver your organization the highest quality training for your directional drill operators.

Primary Objective:

Through a combination of classroom and field training sessions, participants will acquire the knowledge and skills required for operating a directional drill efficiently and safely.

Training Subjects:

Standard training subjects are as follows:

• HDD Safety
• General Maintenance of Equipment
• Pre-Planning
• Field Operation
• Tracking Electronics
• Drilling Fluids
• Maintenance
• Locator Equipment / Operations
• Downhole Tools

Some of us don’t think much about it until we start to build a new building near our home or work.  Then, we usually just complain about how the construction affects traffic and slows everything down.

But stop to think about it: what would life be without construction; without heavy equipment? Before heavy equipment, everything was done by hand. Picks and shovels; wheelbarrows; and long hours of hard work.

Heavy Equipment Development

Through the early 1900s, the horse-driven and steam-powered heavy equipment revolutionized the construction industry, increasing productivity and shortening the length of time construction projects took to complete. With the invention of the internal combustion engine, the industry began to change even more.

The Interstate Highway System construction during the 1960s was the boom time for the construction and heavy equipment industries.  This type of work called for high-horsepower equipment and new types of equipment.

The high horsepower scrapers were developed to move the massive amounts of materials produced by the highway system construction.  There were hundreds of scrapers at work on these projects.

The 1960s was also the “monster machine” decade.  Machines grew in size and horsepower; the surface mining industry called for machines that are still the largest, even today, including the 360-ton haul truck, which has grown to a 400-ton haul truck, becoming more productive and efficient, but not much bigger.

The 1970s faced the Arab oil embargo.  This produced an increased need for coal, which increased the demand for heavy equipment.  The demand was so great, that ordering a large machine found a 2 to 3-year waiting list.

In the 1980s, a recession transformed the industry, with a lot of companies failing.  The recession also changed the future of the four major heavy equipment manufacturers: International Harvester,  Euclid, Caterpillar, and Allis Chalmers.

By the 1990s, only Caterpillar remained with its original name.  In the mid-’90s, a wave of environmental laws forced manufacturers to begin making cleaner and more efficient diesel engines.

The most recent recession in 2008 caused the focus to change from ownership to leasing of heavy equipment. Currently, over 40% of all equipment is bought by rental companies.  The pressure on manufacturers continues, to produce more energy-efficient heavy equipment.  Continued development of electrification of major engine components and more energy-efficient alternatives to conventional powertrain systems are the expected future of heavy equipment.

Even with all of the changes, the global heavy equipment market is estimated to be around 192 billion U.S. dollars in 2017. During 2017, it is expected that around 809,000 construction machines will be sold worldwide, with approximately 186,000 delivered to customers in North America.

No matter what you think about construction and heavy equipment: no roads, no buildings, no houses; nothing in our lives could be constructed without heavy equipment and the construction industry, and the people who run the heavy equipment.  Together with the trucking industry, everything in our lives, from our homes to where we shop, depends on the construction, heavy equipment, and trucking industries.

Have you ever considered a career in the construction industry? Becoming a CDL truck driver, heavy equipment operator or mobile crane operator can open up exciting new job opportunities. Here are some companies that have recently hired our graduates:

• Amherst, WI hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers.
• Murray, KY hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers.
• Houston, TX hiring heavy equipment operators.
• Oconto, WI hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers.
• Malone, WI hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers.
• Flint, MI hiring mobile crane operators and riggers.
• Greenville, NC hiring mobile crane operators.
• Green Bay, WI hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers.
• Neenah, WI hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers.
• Houston TX hiring heavy equipment operators.
• La Porte, TX hiring mobile crane operators.
• Thorton, CO hiring mobile crane operators.
• Wautoma, WI hiring heavy equipment operators with Class-A CDL.
• Piqua, OH hiring heavy equipment operators with Class-A CDL.
• Merrimac, WI hiring heavy equipment operators with Class-A CDL.
• Sun Prairie, WI hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers.
• Whitewater, WI hiring Class-A CDL truck drivers.
• Wyandanch, NY hiring mobile crane operators.

These are just a few of the job opportunities for truck drivers, mobile crane operators, and heavy equipment operators. Companies in these industries are always looking for new and experienced operators.

If you are thinking about a job in truck driving or becoming a heavy equipment operator, ATS heavy equipment school is a great place to start. We offer instructive classes as well as in-the-seat training for various machinery. You can also find more information about jobs in your area or across the U.S. through the Total Resources Network job board which is accessible to all students and graduates of Associated Training Services and Diesel Driving School. Please contact us for more information and begin your exciting new career as a heavy equipment operator, mobile crane operator, or commercial truck driver today!

When you get your training at Associated Training Services (ATS), you increase your value as an employee. Our Heavy Equipment Operator programs are recognized by employers all over the excavation, earth-moving, and construction industries. That means graduates of ATS are already respected because they have been proven to be up to the professional standards these industries require.

Comprehensive Training Programs

Students of ATS get more than a knowledge of the machine. They learn how to read grades, use laser levels, identify soils, understand site layouts, maintain their equipment, and operate safely on the job site.

The classes use a curriculum developed by the industry and instructors have national certification. That means the standards of training have the respect of employers everywhere because ATS graduates meet the standards their insurance companies demand. It also means they get employees who know their stuff.

Multiple Types of Heavy Equipment Experience

ATS training starts out in the classroom but does not stop there. After a thorough grounding in the head knowledge you need to operate heavy equipment safely, there’s the in-the-seat operation of many types of heavy equipment.

This practical, whole-body training means ATS grads have experience with real heavy equipment. They sit in the driver’s seat of backhoes, wheel loaders, scrapers, excavators, bulldozers, graders, skid steers, articulated haul trucks, and all-terrain forklifts. They run the machines, feel the way it tilts or shudders on uneven ground, and learn to operate in the types of job sites the future holds.

ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Programs are the reason our graduates are more valuable to potential employers and the reason they get hired.