WOW! Did you know that the overall employment of heavy equipment operators and especially bulldozer operators is projected to grow 12 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics?
Let kims machine train you for a very rewarding career as a heavy equipment operator. You will train on bulldozers, excavators, tractor loader backhoes (TLB), articulated loaders and laser survey equipment. Yesterday, I received a call from a company looking for 14 dozer operators, that could be you getting that high paying position as a dozer operator!
The time is now to start your career in the construction industry. Contact kims machine today to get started moving the earth!! 010 023 1761|078 791 5203
If you were that kid that loved to play in the dirt and mud, a career as a heavy equipment operator could be your dream job. Not only is this job currently in high demand, but it can also provide great pay. According to many operators, it is the best job they have ever had.
What is a Heavy Equipment Operator?
There are many routes you can take to become a heavy equipment operator. Choosing the right path can be daunting. So, to help you down the right dirt road, Gear flow has put together the complete guide on how to become a heavy equipment operator.
Earth moving equipment such as excavators, wheel loaders, and skid steers can demolish old buildings, dig foundations, and move dirt (along with many other materials). Material handling equipment like forklifts, conveyors, and tele handlers can move materials around the job site, lift materials into place, and assist in stacking materials upon delivery. Depending on the project, contractors and project managers may use many other types of specialized equipment.
Keep in mind, being an operator is not just about playing with big toys in the dirt. With any construction project, it is about safety and competency. The operator will be in charge of very expensive equipment and will need the knowledge on how to complete the task correctly and safely. A mistake could cause serious injury, costly damage, and high OSHA (Occupational Health & Safety Administration) fines. Proper training and sound judgment are therefore vital. Video via Avery Excavating on Tiktok
Various Types of Heavy Equipment
First, think about what type of machine you would enjoy operating. Don’t just immediately go to the stereotypical bulldozer or excavator. It could be anything from a landscaping trencher to a skyscraper tower crane. Specific equipment varies depending on the construction project’s needs.
Below is a list of the most common types of heavy equipment:
- Backhoes
- Scrapers
- Excavators
- Front End Loaders
- Bulldozers
- Road Graders
- Forklifts
- Cranes
- Farm Equipment
- Pile Drivers
- Dump Trucks
5 TIPS FOR BECOMING A HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR
1. Make Sure It’s the Right Job for You
Working in the construction industry as a heavy equipment operator is a great job with excellent earning potential, but it’s not for everyone. There are, quite literally, a lot of moving parts. So the first step in the process is finding out if it’s the right job for you. While it can be a rewarding position, it certainly isn’t an easy one.
For starters, heavy equipment operators work in all sorts of weather conditions. From working underneath the scorching hot sun in the heat of summer to being in frigid temperatures in the dead of winter, you’ll have to deal with weather extremes. There’s also the nature of the work, which can sometimes be quite dangerous. Strong communication skills and adherence to all safety standards are key components of the position as well.
2. Decide What Will Be Your Area of Expertise of Heavy Equipment Operator
You’ve taken our quiz and determined that this is the right field for you. Now what? The next step is narrowing your area of expertise. There are many types of positions available, so you’ll want to decide what your primary focus will be. At kims machine Training catalogue, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. That’s why we offer multiple courses based on our students’ chosen area of focus. That means you’ll be able to home in on and really develop an area of specialty.
In addition to our heavy equipment operator training course, we also offer 1 week crane/operator rigger training course and a 2 week mobile crane training course. Once again, our career readiness quiz will help you figure out what position is the right one for you.
3. Choose the Right Training Program
One of the best things you can do on your way to becoming a heavy equipment operator is choosing the right training program. A training course is an investment in your career, and it should be the right one.
West Coast Training offers its students a mix of classroom instruction combined with practical hands-on field experience. In fact, you’ll receive five hours of field instruction Monday through Thursday, with Fridays being devoted to a full day in the field. Unlike other training programs, we keep our training class size relatively small. In fact, our classes are capped at 12 students so that you’re guaranteed individual time with each piece of heavy equipment.
Our dedication to personal attention is yet another aspect of our training program that sets us apart from the competition.
4. Clear Your Schedule and Pay Attention
We offer a rigorous training program designed to help you fully prepare for your future career. Because our program is a full-time endeavor, we recommend you clear your schedule so you can devote the time necessary to your studies.
We also recommend you come to class fully prepared. Since you’ll be learning safety tips and procedures inherent to the job, the course will require your full focus. You’ll need to remain committed to the program just as you’ll have to be fully committed to your job once you graduate from our program.
Training to become a heavy equipment operator is a long, involved process. You should be prepared to devote a minimum of 10 hours a day, or 50 hours a week, to your course work. We’re confident that, in due time, your hard work will pay off.
5. Make the Right Connections
Ultimately, the key to making your way in the industry is making the right connections. All of our courses are taught by certified, experienced instructors. Many of them have decades of experience, and they’re eager to impart their wisdom to the next generation of heavy equipment operators. To learn more about our qualified staff, take a look at kims Machine Training’s website.
Our commitment to preparing you for becoming a heavy equipment operator doesn’t end when you leave our classroom. Our program includes graduate employment services. We’ll help you update your professional resume and assist you in developing a personalized plan for job hunting.
Because of our post-graduation assistance, many of our students are able to seamlessly transition from school to full-time employment. Labor statistics show opportunities for construction equipment operators are projected to grow at a faster than average rate. It’s a promising career path, and following these steps will help set you up for success. If you have any other questions, give us a call. We want to make sure you have all the necessary tools to carve out a successful career for yourself in this exciting
