One of the more challenging machines in the heavy equipment field has to be a crane. A quick look at one of the job vacancies listed over the weekend gives you an indication of what is expected of a crane operator. Because of the complexities of this type of work, authorities have made it compulsory for crane operators to be certified before they can commence work operating a crane.

The weekend’s crane operator job listing required, in part, an operator:

Will observe load hook-up and determine safety of load using load charts and lift plans. Must be able to judge spaces correctly and handle many controls at the same time. Will initiate lifts, hoists and movements according to written, verbal or signaled instructions.

Whilst that may sound complex, most operators perform these actions day-in and day-out, almost on auto pilot. Of course, the job can’t be done on auto pilot alone when you need to refer to load charts and lift plans. To begin with, you have to have a clear understanding of these charts, how to read them, and how to apply the current situation to those charts.

When it comes to judging spaces, you’ll be surprised how quickly you can learn this aspect of crane operations, even when operating a multitude of controls. Experienced operators do appear to be handling this side of their work on autopilot – and they may well do so. If you drive a car, you soon learn to judge distances and speed – it’s a similar concept when operating a crane.

The key to successfully acquiring the abilities to perform as required in this job ad is through your crane operator training. You should be able graduate from your training with a reasonably good knowledge of load charts, and experience with judging distance and space. It goes without saying that your training includes reading hand signals and other communications devices. As a crane operator, you’re often blind to many aspects of a lift, so you will be relying heavily on those around you to give clear and easy to understand signal.

Crane operator training may teach you how to operate the levers in a crane, however, it is just as important to learn the the non-operational side as well.

Over the last five years we have seen the need for some form certification increase across a range of equipment. I know there are many operators who question the need for certification, with some even resenting the process. The problem is, it’s operators and employers who have forced this certification process on themselves.

Certification is all about safety, and it is designed to save both life and property. In most cases, accidents are caused by human error, often negligence. Minimum safety standards should, over time, help to reduce the number of accidents, more so if an operator has received training .

Construction sites are very busy with machinery constantly coming and going, and people always on the move. It becomes necessary in these situations to have everyone trained to at least the same mini. Heavy equipment operators can be a disadvantage – projects need to be completed on time to ensure future projects are not affected, yet there is little room for them to maneuver and work safely in.

By certifying operators, employers know that each has received their heavy equipment safety training that legislators expect of them. Employers also know that accidents should be on the decline, although no amount of training can prevent shear negligence. Fortunately, a certification system can remedy that as well – negligent operators may well lose their certification until they can prove they can safely operate their equipment. At present, there are heavy equipment operations that don’t need certification, however, this will not last for much longer, most other construction careers now do require that certification.

The term “mobile crane” probably invokes a picture of a smallish vehicle that has a crane on its back. These vehicles are common, however, mobile cranes are not necessarily small. There are mobile cranes around that dwarf large tractor-trailers, and which are capable of lifting huge weights.

Large mobile cranes often end up on a worksite where they are placed in semi-permanent positions for weeks or even months. The total extended boom length can be measured in hundreds of feet whilst the whole rig can weigh a hundred ton or more. Despite being a large vehicle, the principles behind its operation are no different to that of a small lightweight mobile crane.

It’s fairly easy to become a mobile crane operator. A few short weeks of crane operator training, an assessment to prove your knowledge and abilities, and a piece of paper that states you’re now certified to operate mobile cranes. That’s it. The training involves a lot of hands-on practice, including how to set up your mobile crane ready for work. There is also classroom-based training that looks at safety and other knowledge-based areas of crane operations.

Crane operators are in constant demand around the nation. Unfortunately for industry, crane operations has been an unwanted career in the under 25 age groups. This means the industry is struggling to replace baby boomers who are now reaching retirement age. Crane operations can be challenging, interesting and varied. Add to this a great pay packet with excellent benefits and you have the potential for a great career. As a mobile crane operator, you could be operating small lightweight cranes, or you could be in control of a monster.

Like all training facilities, ATS has students who share their feedback on their experience during their training. At Associated Training Services, we have a very high success rate within our graduates. We offer career services to assist graduates in finding a career and this helps a ton. Here are just a couple of the stories that have been shared by past students of ATS:

‘I found myself getting laid off from a dead end job just a few years into my working career. I was not sure what to do and one of my friends mentioned he was looing into becoming a heavy equipment operator. He explained what the industry entailed and I was immediately interested. I researched training schools and ATS looked the best online. I contacted the school and got more information. Before I knew it, I was on campus and training to work in heavy equipment. I am almost done with the course and very satisfied with what I have learned. I have begun looking at open jobs and there are alot. I am hoping to find a good position locally and when I do, I have ATS to thank for my success.’
-Andres F.

‘I have been a crane operator for years but with the changing regulations, I had to get my certifications updated. I was not sure which school to go to. ATS had more to offer than any other school and after reading about it, I saw no reason to look furthur. They helped me get everything I needed up to date. I am now qorking for the same company but with a promotion, a raise and an education to add to my resume. I definitely made a good choice in ATS.’
– Gary H.

As you can tell, ATS has more to offer than other schools like it. With several programs, career assistance and more- there is no better choice. Contact ATS today to enroll.

If you have considered making heavy equipment your new career interest, decide on it today! Associated Training Services is a training program that can help you get started in the industry sooner rather than later. There is a lot of information to gather and ATS has A LOT to offer you. There are features and benefits of this program that others simply do not have.

If you visit the ATS website, you will be able to access information all about the programs we have available. You wil see that we offer programs in heavy equipment, crane operation, truck driving, and programs to become a signal person. There is a link for each of these programs where you can read more details about each of them.

Also on the website, you will find a link to an online application. You can simply fill out this form, submit it and wait for a call to confirm your enrollment. If you would rather get more information first, you can click to receive more information in a FREE BROCHURE available to you.

There is plenty more information on the site as well. You can read all about our training facility including our history and our goals. Next, you can see that we have career services available to assist students in landing a job upon completing their course. It is our goal to see students succeed and our career services help that to happen. You can also read answers to some FAQs as well as information on housing during schooling.

There is a lot of information about ATS listed on the webiste including the contact information for the school. If you have unanswered questions or a concern, please feel free to contact us. ATS is a great training school that produces great workers. Apply today!

If you fancy a career as a crane operator, then you’re going to need training that leads to certification as a crane operator. Learning the basics from a friend or relative simply won’t cut it in the workplace anymore. Besides which, it’s now illegal for businesses to employ crane operators who are not certified. Certification is a national standard, so once certified you can work in any state without the need to be recertified.

Crane operators can only be certified by passing a nationally recognized crane operator certification assessment. This assessment concentrates on the safe operations of cranes and has been designed to help reduce the number of crane accidents that occur each year. A crane in the hands of an unqualified operator can do a significant amount of damage to people and property, often with devastating consequences.

When considering a career as a crane operator, your best path is to undertake crane operator training through a well respected training organization. ATS Heavy Equipment Training Schools have been around for fifty years and have been approved to deliver crane operator training and the assessments required to achieve certification. Our certification program is conducted on behalf of the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) – a certification that is respected by employers nationwide.

ATS provides training on a range of cranes including:

• Large Telescopic Boom Cranes (swing cab/rough terrain)
• Small Telescopic Boom Cranes (fixed cab/boom truck)
• Lattice Crane (Crawler or Truck)
• Articulated (knuckleboom) Cranes

We also provide OSHA Compliant Rigging & Signal Person training for those interested in careers as riggers or signal persons. When looking at crane operator training, becoming certified is the only way to start a long and successful career, and ATS Heavy Equipment Training Schools can help you achieve that goal.

The more training an employee has under his belt the more valuable they are to their employer. This is true in every industry, and this is especially true in the heavy equipment industry. There are numerous machines that an operator can get trained on that will make him more valuable. But, a unique route can be taken to increase an operator’s value even more. This is to combine the heavy equipment operator training certification with a commercial driver’s license (CDL) .

Every construction or engineering company needs to get their heavy equipment from one work site to another. With the majority of heavy equipment, this requires a flatbed truck which will also require a driver with a commercial driver’s license. This driver may then be required to move around the heavy equipment once he has arrived on a work site. By combining these two training programs, an operator can truly increase his value to any company. In this tight economy, any chance an operator has to improve his resume should be taken. This combination of training could make an operator invaluable to his employer.

An employer is always looking for ways to increase profits and speed up processes. A great way for an employee to save his employer money is to be able to perform the duties that would normally require two people. A heavy equipment operator that can drive equipment to a work site will stand out to his employer and will make him instantly more hirable. Today, millions are struggling to make ends meet, but a CDL licensed driver that can operate heavy equipment will be a highly coveted employee on any work site.

Certified crane operators are well paid when compared to many other heavy equipment operator positions. In fact, if you were to compare the hours of training required to become certified to many other positions (of any skill), certified crane operators come out well on top. Training to become a crane operator can take as little as three weeks – now, compare that to some occupations that take a minimum of six, twelve, or more months.

Mobile crane operators can also look forward to a position that involves a lot of variety. Mobile cranes don’t often stay long in the one place doing the one job repetitively. It’s not unusual for a mobile crane operator to do two or three different jobs in two or three different sites, all on the one day. If there is a down side to being a mobile crane operator, it is the fact that you could be called out in the middle of the night for an emergency. Don’t worry, it doesn’t happen that often, and it only applies to operators who have made themselves available for that task.

ATS Crane Operator Schools are one of the nation’s oldest crane operator training schools. Our three-week training program includes both in-class and in-the-seat training. This training is comprehensive and will cover all the areas required for a graduate to successfully complete their certification assessment following training. Certification is becoming a requirement in most states so employers are not longer willing to employ operators without this certification.

If you are looking for a well-paid job, a job where you can be trained and in the workforce quickly, then consider becoming a certified crane operator.

Heavy equipment training centers on teaching students how to operate a range of equipment. Let’s face it, that is why you sign up to undertake the training. However, today’s training has a strong emphasis on heavy equipment safety and there are a number of reasons for this. In fact, one of the major factors that has influenced the need for more safety is not only the increase in accidents, but the potential for accidents given how easy today’s equipment is to operate.

In years gone by, when the equipment was slow and cumbersome, workers often had warning when something was about to occur. Not today. Modern equipment is fast and reasonably nimble when compared to some of those old machines. You don’t need strength to wrestle controls now – some machinery can be operated using the touch of your little finger. This makes the equipment very responsive – often too responsive.

With this in mind, it is now more important to think and look before pushing a lever. In the past, if you were swinging a crane load, you knew you could start the maneuver, even though there were people walking by. Good judgment meant they were well past before the load arrived at that point. Today, that load is likely to arrive on top of them, so it becomes important to wait until the area is clear. Good crane operators have always waited, of course, but I think you get the idea of how fast equipment can move now.

Legislators are worried by the number of workplace accidents that have occurred in recent years. This had led to many states insisting on some form of certification or, at a minimum, heavy equipment safety training prior to an operator commencing work. Some employers undertake their own training program, however, most expect new operators to come into the industry already equipped with the necessary heavy equipment safety training.

If you are considering entering the heavy equipment industry then be sure the training you receive has a safety component. If you don’t receive this component, you may find it difficult, if not impossible, to find any employment. Heavy equipment training does have an emphasis on safety – it’s designed to keep the operator and those around them safe at work. Something I think everyone can agree on.

Crane operators can lead a boring life sometimes. You sit through your crane operator training, find a job on a construction site, then spend day after day lifting the same old stuff. Compare that to a mobile crane operator and things are completely different. In fact, the working life of a mobile crane operator can be quite an adventure – you just never know what tomorrow may bring.

Of course, the biggest difference between a mobile crane operator and a fixed construction crane is that a mobile crane is on the road. Every day brings a new job, a new location, new people and something entirely different to lift. In fact, much of your time is spent on the road, grounding the crane or packing up ready to move on.

Mobile crane operators do just about everything. They help with the laying of pipes; help to right overturned vehicles, especially big trucks; they even help to lift plant and equipment into homes and buildings. Mobile cranes have been called upon to lift giant wheels from earth-moving equipment when a change is needed out on site.

Operators of mobile cranes are multi-skilled requiring the skills and licensing of a truck driver whilst on the road, and the skills and certification of a crane operator while on the job. Operators also need to be able to make quick assessments of the job at hand to determine how best to perform the lift given the environment they are in.

You can undertake a fully accredited mobile crane operator training program through ATS Crane Operator Schools and following completion of the three week course, undertake the certification process through us as well. There’s nothing boring about a mobile crane operator’s job – in fact, every day brings something new. If this is the career for you, contact us for more information on the latest training schedules.