Find the right heavy equipment operator training for you
W
hen you ask Christine Hansen, senior vicepresident at IHE Heavy Equipment Operator School what’s the toughest job to get as a heavy equipment operator, her answer may
surprise you.
But there’s good news. As the current heavy equipment workforce ages and operators retire, employers need to find people to take their place. But in an industry where experience is highly valuable, how can a young or newer heavy equipment operator best set themselves
“It’s your first,” she says.
up for success.
When you know the reasoning, it makes complete sense. The
The answer is simple: get the right heavy equipment training.
only way to become a smooth operator of heavy equipment is to get hundreds, even thousands of hours of experience. Most employers are looking for operators who are experienced, so they’re taking a risk by hiring someone new to the trade. “Your first job is your hardest one to get because you’re not
Across its three campuses in Alberta and British Columbia, IHE Heavy Equipment School offers courses covering single machines to more comprehensive training where a student learns how to operate a variety of machines.
Hansen. “And we really drill that into our students because it
Which heavy equipment operator training is right for you?
switches their psyche.”
When it comes to choosing the right heavy equipment operator
going to get a job unless someone pays you to learn,” says
Yet, you need someone to employ you to get experience. It’s a catch-22 that a lot of workers face. 30 Alberta School Counsellor / Spring 2022
training, the more comprehensive, the better. IHE offers several comprehensive heavy equipment operator
