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Find the right heavy equipment operator training for you
When 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.
“It’s your first,” she says.
When you know the reasoning, it makes complete sense. The 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 going to get a job unless someone pays you to learn,” says Hansen. “And we really drill that into our students because it switches their psyche.”
Yet, you need someone to employ you to get experience. It’s a catch-22 that a lot of workers face. 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 up for success.
The answer is simple: get the right heavy equipment training.
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.
When it comes to choosing the right heavy equipment operator training, the more comprehensive, the better.
courses. All of them vary in length and price, including the Earth Mover, Heavy Equipment Operator, Full Equipment, 3-Piece Combo, and individual machine courses.
Consider your budget and time
Though Hansen recommends the 10-week course to almost everyone, it also depends on the student’s financial situation.
“It all comes down to their budget and plan on where to work after. It really depends on each person’s individual need and life situation,” says Hansen. “We really pride ourselves on listening to the needs of our customers and students, and then adapting our program, delivery, and plan for them to meet their needs.”
The single-machine courses are only recommended for people in certain circumstances. For example, if a person is already employed and their company requires them to get training on a specific machine or, a person already has a job offer on condition.
“If you’re brand new to the industry and brand new to equipment, we search for any funding support options available to aid with costs so we can enroll you in a longer course with more seat hours like the 10-week or even 12-week Earthmover course.”
In addition, all IHE alumni also receive a resume career package to jumpstart their transition from training to employment.
But Hansen says the true key to graduates’ success is a good attitude, a willingness to learn and to take advantage of any work opportunities offered to them.
“Having a can-do attitude, being respectful to others and being willing to learn and start where your peers are willing to work with you is the best way to get a great job reference as a newer operator on a job site,” says Hansen.
Still not sure what heavy equipment operator training is right for you?
Investing in the right training is a big life-changing decision. If you still have questions or want more information, IHE Heavy Equipment School is here to help.
Call 1 (866) 399-3853 to speak with one of their student advisors today or go to www.iheschool.com for more information. n
HEAVY EQUIPMENT
OPERATOR SCHOOL Training safe and skilled operators since 2005.
