Anyone that tells you this is an easy job has never done it before. Operating heavy construction can be quite demanding, & as a result you must be both physically and mentally capable of working under a variety of conditions. The work is often loud, equipment can jolt or vibrate, and you must always be aware of your surroundings.Stringent safety measures must be followed to keep everyone safe on the job site. In addition, you will find yourself working in all kinds of weather, even cold or rainy temperatures. Often, workers in this field will have to be out on nights or weekends when traffic is at its slowest. A Heavy Construction School gets you ready for the realities of this job by giving you as much instruction as possible and allowing you to experience hands-on work with machinery.What is the school like?Programs for heavy construction vary greatly, from apprenticeships to distance or classroom learning. Most schools are willing to work around current jobs & schedules and provide job placement assistance upon completion of the program. It is a good idea to look for a school that offers both classroom (formal) and practical, hands-on experience. If you are unsure, you can check with local construction companies to get an idea of the qualifications they look for in potential employees.
A good school will often have a simulated job site – an area where students can use real machinery to build or move earth, dig trenches & drill. It is a great opportunity for learners to dive in and get their hands dirty, while instructors maintain a controlled and safe environment. In fact, some employers require that you have this type of real-world experience before you can be employed.
Safety training is also an equally important component of heavy construction school. A school that puts an emphasis on safety values its students & their fellow workers, and strives to put only the best-trained employees out there. Knowing all of the health and safety procedures keeps both you and your co-workers safe on a job site as well as in compliance with OSHA regulations. Other components of safety training should also include maintenance and machinery repair.
Finding a heavy construction job
Another indication of a reputable program is the school’s ability to place you in a job upon graduation. Some have good connections with construction companies in their area & others even have national databases to pull resources from. Often, a placement coordinator is on site, ready to assist you in finding a job based on zip code or the geographical region in which you wish to work. A good employment network includes giving you access to an account that lists job postings and also allows you to contact the school easily if you have any questions while seeking employment.
Types of Training
You should search for a heavy construction school that holds up to the industry standards of training. The programs should be developed by industry professionals and compliant with all health & safety regulations.
There are many different types of heavy equipment and the use of them varies greatly with each construction project. Some schools teach only a few types or offer programs for different categories. You may want to seek a school that offers a larger array of machinery training in order to more easily secure your career. This equipment and training includes the following:
• All-terrain forklifts
• Skid steers
• Rock trucks
• Road graders
• Bulldozers
