2 answers
Matthew
Student
Broseley, MO
1
Question
Asked
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What made you decide to do heavy equipment operations and what did you have to have to begin your job and is it a good idea to go for an apprenticeship or no ?
What made you decide to do heavy equipment operations and what did you have to have to begin your job and is it a good idea to go for an apprenticeship or no? and should I become a traveling
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2 answers
Isabel Dominguez
Student
98
Answers
Corning, California
Updated
Isabel’s Answer
Hello Matthew,
Fascination with the operation of heavy machinery often stems from a keen interest in both construction and mechanical equipment. Generally, you'll need to possess a high school diploma or something equivalent, a legitimate driver's license, and a certain level of mechanical skill. Participating in certification or training programs can be highly beneficial as these are readily available at technical institutions or local community colleges. Engaging in apprenticeships is a fantastic idea, as they provide hands-on experience in a workshop setting, offer guidance from experienced mentors, and eventually lead to full-time employment. These apprenticeships also assist in establishing connections within the industry and equip you with the necessary skills to enhance your competitiveness in the job market.
Fascination with the operation of heavy machinery often stems from a keen interest in both construction and mechanical equipment. Generally, you'll need to possess a high school diploma or something equivalent, a legitimate driver's license, and a certain level of mechanical skill. Participating in certification or training programs can be highly beneficial as these are readily available at technical institutions or local community colleges. Engaging in apprenticeships is a fantastic idea, as they provide hands-on experience in a workshop setting, offer guidance from experienced mentors, and eventually lead to full-time employment. These apprenticeships also assist in establishing connections within the industry and equip you with the necessary skills to enhance your competitiveness in the job market.
Rene Raya
Mechanic
2
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
Rene’s Answer
Good morning Mathew,
I'm a heavy equipment mechanic by trade. Equipment mechanics need to know how the equipment they're working on is supposed to function in order to properly work on it. I'm an equipment operator only to the extent necessary to do my job. Equipment mechanics need a lot more training and need to know way more than operators do. But because mechanics enjoy a little more job security than the people using the machines, they generally don't make as much as operators do. Operators can make a very good living if they get in with the right company and /or a good union.
If you're finding it difficult to break into the field of equipment operations... I'd suggest getting a job at a warehouse where you can easily start out as a forklift operator while you look for something better. Another way I'd recommend getting into the field is to get a yard person's job at an equipment rental company such as Sunbelt, Herc or United rentals to name a few. A job like that doesn't require any experience plus you'll get a lot of free training and experience operating a variety of machines. Some of the training given at these companies come with certifications. The down side is that yard people usually don't make much more than minimum wage.
I'm a heavy equipment mechanic by trade. Equipment mechanics need to know how the equipment they're working on is supposed to function in order to properly work on it. I'm an equipment operator only to the extent necessary to do my job. Equipment mechanics need a lot more training and need to know way more than operators do. But because mechanics enjoy a little more job security than the people using the machines, they generally don't make as much as operators do. Operators can make a very good living if they get in with the right company and /or a good union.
If you're finding it difficult to break into the field of equipment operations... I'd suggest getting a job at a warehouse where you can easily start out as a forklift operator while you look for something better. Another way I'd recommend getting into the field is to get a yard person's job at an equipment rental company such as Sunbelt, Herc or United rentals to name a few. A job like that doesn't require any experience plus you'll get a lot of free training and experience operating a variety of machines. Some of the training given at these companies come with certifications. The down side is that yard people usually don't make much more than minimum wage.