Last updated 5 days ago
Before the recession, construction companies could afford to hire workers with little or no experience. However, now that our economic growth has been scaled back a bit, employers are mainly hiring workers who have experience, special certifications, or both. If you’re having trouble finding steady work, heavy equipment training from a private vocational school can help. Here’s how:
- Gaining jobsite experience
Since you can’t learn how to operate a backhoe in the classroom, all quality heavy equipment training programs include plenty of hands-on experience. For example, West Coast Training’s heavy equipment training course splits the time evenly between the classroom and the field. Completing a program and becoming a licensed heavy equipment operator proves to employers that you know your way around a jobsite.
- Mastery of multiple machines
Some people who are currently out of work have a history of putting all their eggs in one basket. Though specialization is important in the workplace, versatility is perhaps equally important. Once you complete a heavy equipment training course, you will be qualified to operate two or more different machines; though employers may turn down a backhoe operator, they may have a harder time turning down a backhoe and dozer operator.
- Learning important skills
A heavy equipment training course won’t just teach you how to operate a few big machines—it will teach you a host of other useful skills as well. For example, you’ll learn site preparation, surveying, preventive maintenance, and much more. In the classroom, you’ll also be exposed to engineering, volume computations, and safety measures. A heavy equipment training course will basically turn you into the perfect candidate for an entry-level heavy construction job.
If you’re having a tough time finding a job, contact us at West Coast Training. Our heavy equipment training course can teach you the skills you need to become an asset to any jobsite. Don’t spend another week on the couch—give us a call at (360) 450-3172 and take one step closer to a rewarding new career.
Last updated 1 month ago
The construction industry is one of the largest in the country, and a significant part of the workforce is made up of highly-trained equipment operators. If you want to become an operator of mobile cranes or heavy equipment, call West Coast Training at (360) 450-3172 today. Take a look at these great resources to learn more:
- Visit the website for the Bureau of Labor Statistics to learn about the role of the Heavy Equipment Operator.
- Learn what it takes to become a Heavy Equipment Operator and what the job entails from the International Union of Operating Engineers.
- Take a look at the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services to learn about Washington State building codes.
- Check out this article to see some of the many industries that use equipment like front loaders.
- Excavators can have many functional applications when properly equipped. Visit Excavators 101 for some examples.
Last updated 1 month ago
Building projects involve a complex organization of specialties to work through various crucial stages. Each stage of a building project calls for a unique set of skills and equipment to make sure that the whole process is executed properly. Heavy Equipment Operators and Crane Operators are indispensable throughout the duration of the project. Here is a quick look at the various stages of a building project:
Before a building project can begin, a few basic requirements must be met. First, designs must be made and blueprints drawn up by architects and engineers. Then, a plot of land must be made available for the project, with all of the necessary licenses and permits from state and local government in order.
Once the plot of land is secured, it must be prepared for a construction project. Bulldozers and other types of heavy equipment are often needed to clear excess earth and debris from the site; then, graders, excavators, loaders, and scrapers will go over the land to create a level surface for a road, building, housing development, or other large project
When the land is prepared for construction, excavation will often be necessary for a variety of applications. Excavators, backhoes, and other equipment will be used to dig trenches for utilities and foundations and to prepare any subterranean portions of the building project.
After everything is ready, construction will begin. For buildings, this will often require the use of many different types of equipment. Loaders and large trucks will need to transport materials to and from the site, as well as across the site itself. Many construction sites also make use of cranes.
If you want to make building projects a part of your life, then call West Coast Training at (360) 450-3172 today and ask about our career training courses. We offer training and certification for Mobile Crane Operator, Heavy Equipment Operator, CDL, and HAZWOPER positions. Contact us online for more information.
Last updated 1 month ago
Being a Crane Operator requires special training and a desire to work in one of the many industries that use cranes in their daily operations. The job also requires a strong knowledge of physical science and a focus on safety.
This video provides an informative look at the duties of a Crane Operator. The presenter interviews a Crane Operator to find out all about the qualifications, the parts of a mobile crane, and how the Crane Operator interacts with the rest of the crew at a worksite.
If you want to become a Crane Operator, then call West Coast Training at (360) 450-3172 and ask about our NCCCO certification course. We also offer training for Heavy Equipment Operator, CDL, and HAZWOPER certification.
Last updated 1 month ago
Heavy Equipment Operators play a crucial role in many industries, bringing the power of some of the most impressive machines on Earth to projects like construction, roadwork, mining, and demolition. This work is demanding, but it can also be very rewarding for the right individuals. Here is a brief look at how a typical day might go for a Heavy Equipment Operator:
Check-In
At the beginning of a day of work at a construction site or other heavy equipment operation, a Heavy Equipment Operator will have to check in with the foreman, manager, or other leader to determine what work is to be done. These “tail gate” meetings are important to discuss safety concerns, design and scheduling changes, or other issues.
Inspections
Before a Heavy Equipment Operator touches the controls of his machinery, he must perform some basic inspections. Checking and lubricating the equipment while surveying the immediate working area will allow the operator to identify and address any safety or maintenance concerns that could cause a catastrophic workplace accident if neglected.
Work
Once the plan for the day is set and inspections have been made, it is time for the Heavy Equipment Operator to start working on the project at hand. Many Heavy Equipment Operators are trained to work with various types of equipment, and will do so at various stages of the project. One operator may operate an excavator, a front loader, and a grader as a construction project progresses.
Shutdown
As the workday comes to an end, each Heavy Equipment Operator must finish his work as safely as he started it. This means fueling then parking the equipment at an approved location, doing some final inspections, and occasionally performing some maintenance and repairs. After this is done, it’s time to go home for some well-deserved rest.
If the life of the Heavy Equipment Operator sounds like something that you want, then come to West Coast Training in Woodland, Washington for your training and certification. We offer training courses for Heavy Equipment Operator, Mobile Crane Operator, HAZWOPER, and CDL licensing. Contact us online or call (360) 450-3172 to learn more.
