| One of the sectors of the economy that is doing | | | | Before the trainees get their hands on the |
| really well is the construction industry. If you want | | | | machines in the heavy equipment training schools, |
| to become a part of this industry, you may easily | | | | they have to learn the technique of interpreting |
| do so by becoming a heavy equipment operator. | | | | blueprints. After they have learnt to visualize |
| This is a dream job for people who are interested | | | | projects that are on paper, they are taught the |
| in heavy vehicles. Apart from being employed in | | | | techniques of rigging. It is only at this stage that |
| the construction sites, these professionals are also | | | | students are taught how to operate vehicles like |
| required while the debris resulting from natural | | | | tractors and loaders. |
| disasters like earthquakes are cleared. They were | | | | Such schools have separate courses for |
| used even after the earthquake in Chile. | | | | advanced learners. In these courses the students |
| If you wish to operate big machines, you will need | | | | are provided training with regard to the operation |
| specialized training. Generally three types of | | | | of machinery like scrapers, bulldozers, and water |
| programs are offered by the heavy equipment | | | | trucks. Trainees also get to acquire seat time on |
| schools. | | | | machinery like backhoes and loaders. They are |
| In the courses for beginners, students are | | | | also provided extensive training with regard to |
| familiarized with safety related issues right at the | | | | grading requirements according to construction |
| beginning. Since construction sites can be | | | | plans. |
| hazardous at times, they are taught how to | | | | It may be a good idea to go to a school where |
| prevent untoward incidents by using proper | | | | the trainers are certified because this enhances |
| safety equipment. After this they are acquainted | | | | the chances of bagging a good job after the |
| with the math that is usually used in construction | | | | program is over. To ensure that students actually |
| sites. Once the safety related information and the | | | | get the coveted jobs in sectors like construction, |
| specific mathematical skills are available to | | | | mining, and forestry; some heavy equipment |
| students, they are introduced to hand tools. Apart | | | | schools also have their own placement cells. |
| from lessons about how the tools are to be used, | | | | One easy way of finding good such schools is to |
| information about how to care for the tools is | | | | opt for the ones that are members of National |
| also passed on to the students. | | | | Association of Heavy Equipment Training Schools. |
