Kris Koonar asked:

The work profile of heavy equipment mechanics includes repair and maintenance of backhoes, graders, loaders, tipping trucks loading shovels, etc. Heavy trucks, used by logging companies, need to travel long distances on bumpy forest roads away from towns and cities. Anyone who has traveled these trails is well aware of the difficulty of driving a logging truck on these roads. During their normal use, logging trucks have to travel over steep elevations, and on narrow serpentine roads winding along mountainsides.

This puts the truck engine under tremendous strain, causing excessive engine wear and tear. The strain also has a deleterious effect on the clutch, brakes, and suspension system, and other parts as well. This leads to frequent breakdowns at far out, inaccessible places, and most times requiring on site repairs. The heavy equipment mechanic needs to carry out these repairs on the spot, with the tools at his disposal.

The job of heavy equipment mechanics involves repairs of all types of construction and logging machines, and similar machines used by other industries. They also require to regularly maintaining these machines, to ensure they operate safely without snags and breakdowns. When breakdowns occur, heavy equipment mechanics are required to examine equipment, and trace the reasons for defects that led to the breakdown.

Nowadays, with advanced technological aids to help them, heavy equipment mechanics use various gauges, meters, and even make use of hand held computers for diagnosing faults in components that need repairs. They may need to dismantle complete systems in heavy equipment machines to examine and repair damaged parts or sub-assemblies. Being extremely heavy, moving such systems, assemblies, or sub-assemblies is difficult, and requires jacks or hoists to lift and move them.

Heavy equipment mechanics need to check parts for damage and wear using various gauges and meters. They need to clean parts by spraying or soaking the parts in cleaning agents or solvents. They oil and grease various parts as per the lubrication schedule, or as required. They need to be proficient in the use of hand and power tools for dismantling and assembling machine parts and components. Wherever necessary, they require welding broken frames or other components. After completing reassembly, repair, or service of the equipment, mechanics test them for optimum performance and safe operation.

Heavy equipment mechanics working in large equipment repair shops undertake jobs that are more complex. They may be required to rebuild engines, repair electrical faults, service or repair hydraulic equipment, including hydraulic motors and pumps that operate under high fluid pressures. Large workshops have a specialized work force, and the mechanics working there are usually specialists in specific type of repairs. For example, there may be specialist mechanics for working on transmissions, and others for major repairs on engines or electrical systems etc.

Job prospects for heavy equipment mechanics are good. The job pays well and as per the data available with the US Bureau of Labor Statistics pertaining to the first quarter of 2008, the National average of hourly wages for heavy equipment mechanics, except engine mechanics was $21.08.

Kris Koonar asked:

If you have always liked tinkering with the exteriors of cars, giving it a polished finish, then you could make a career out of it. You could do this by first getting the proper training in the collision repair department of a franchised dealership.

Collision repair as a career involves repairing the damaged body and parts of a vehicle. The candidates are trained to handle a range of equipment to repair the damage of individual sections. From using a hammer and anvil to smooth out dents, to using a pneumatic metal-cutting gun and welding equipment to remove and replace damaged sections, collision repair involves all types of restorations.

The following areas of instruction are available in collision repair technology: Computerized frame measuring, which is the use of computer technology to assess frame changes caused by damage. Other subjects such as computerized estimate writing, shrinking and stretching methods, alignment work on doors, hoods, and deck lids, the use of spray painting equipment, computerized mixing and matching of paints, frame alignment and more are also taught.

The goal of the Collision Repair Program is to train candidates with sufficient expertise and know-how to get into the job market. The candidates should be willing to work as heavy equipment repairers. The program provides you the opportunity to develop the basic skills required in auto body repair and refinishing. It offers you in-depth understanding of the underlying theories, the study of technical information, and related practical information to assure that you follow proper procedures in the repairing and servicing of any kind of damaged vehicles body and chassis.

The use of micro and macro tools is also explained during the program. Tools such as the mig welder, refinishing equipment (paint mixing system, paint gun, paint booth, etc.), frame straightening equipment, and various body tools (hammers, dollies, grinders, etc.) are also taught. More attention and focus is put on the use of hand tools.

One of the main advantages of the program is that it offers an opportunity to begin working “hands on” during the second semester of the first year. Thus, you will do various jobs ranging from detailing to helping with a complete paint job in the first year of the program. The program also offers training with an up-to-date paint booth that can bake paint at temperatures of up to 140 degree F. Candidates are also offered a practical course on frame straightening equipment and the operation of HVLP refinishing equipment.

Apart from basic reading ability, skills in mathematics (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of fractions and percentages) are essential for this program. Physical abilities such as good eye-hand coordination and motor skills will help the candidate to progress quickly in the program.

Being a certified collision repairer opens up a whole range of job avenues. Positions such as a body shop and paint shop helper, automotive refinisher, auto body technician, fiberglass technician, the sales of paint and automobile body supplies, insurance appraiser, or auto body shop manager, are some of the jobs available in this field.

The program lasts for two years with a year of apprenticeship. A candidate can expect a 40-hour work week, and salary depends on the specific job, shop size, and the size of town in which the shop is located.

With the growth in the number of motor vehicles, which inevitably results in more accidents, there is no dearth in the demand of collision repair technicians. The US Department of Labor expects the employment prospects of automotive body repairers to grow about as fast as the average for all other occupations through to the year 2012.

Kris Koonar asked:

Once, you have successfully completed the heavy equipment training programs and are eligible to safely operate heavy machinery, you can apply for numerous positions in the field of heavy equipment operations. However, in order to pursue your career as heavy equipment operator in the right direction, it is essential that you choose the right heavy equipment job placement agency. Placement agencies help you to find the most rewarding and satisfying job opportunity by matching your sets of skills and expertise.

Many job placement agencies also have Human Resources, who may conduct an interview session of an hour or so, so that they can evaluate your skills and abilities. At the interview, you may be asked about your job experiences and future career prospects. With all this assembled data, the agency then aims to find a job that relates to your skills and job interests.

A well-articulated resume enlisting your professional details is a vital tool during any job search. So, before you approach any job placement agency for a heavy equipment job, have one already prepared before hand. Since, the placement agencies comparatively have greater access to information pertaining to job vacancies and better resources at their disposal, it is definitely a good idea to avail of assistance from them.

Reputed and competent job placement agencies are usually in better touch with companies, agencies and business that require your services. Hence, they can help you to secure a job that is not only appropriate for you, but also for your employer as well. This will enable you to deliver satisfactory job performance. They keep all the important factors in mind, like your job profile and description, your pay scale, future career prospects of growth and progress, training requirements and so on.

All industries like construction, mining, logging, forestry, landscaping that use heavy equipment and machines in their operations essentially need to employ specially trained and skilled personnel. They cannot afford to recruit untrained or unskilled people to operate heavy equipments. And there is always a constant shortage of qualified working force in these sectors. Heavy equipment machines are very essential in heavy scale industries and can prove beneficial to the employer in several ways provided qualified operators operate them.

In short, the demand for good operators will always exist in this field. With scientific advancements, heavy equipment machines have become more complex and computerized than ever before. Therefore, someone who has successfully been trained from a certified and accredited heavy equipment training school stands a better chance of securing a good position in this industry.

Heavy industries find a larger place in the economy in most of the countries. Moreover, due to the recent boom, there has been an increasing need for qualified and trained personnel in this sector. There are several job opportunities for the trained and qualified people right from the construction companies to conservation to utility companies.

Job placement agencies can provide you with job opportunities as a backhoe operator, loader operator, shovel operator, sewer flushing truck operator, bridge worker, side boom tractor operator, road oiling truck operator and many such more positions in this field, depending on the training that you have received. In due time, one can expect to make it to a managerial position with the help of his skills and experience and with an efficient job placement agency.

Abhishek Agarwal asked:

The forty eight regions, under the central government of America, offer multitude of employment schemes for the nation. If a person resides in one of the states and holds a qualification in tasks pertaining to or of the nature of a union of states under a central government distinct from the individual governments of the separate states, there are better chances of the person to be employed under the state regime.

The vacancies of jobs have elevated due to employees retiring or resigning from the job. Hence the job prospects under the aid by the state’s regime, paves way of many aspirants who count to about three Somme of the population.

The US offers many government jobs. The employees under the regime constitute of more than 2% of the workers of US. They earn an income up to sixty thousand dollars per annum. These vacancies are applicable only to efficient and skilled professionals all around the world.

Developing metro cities and federations throng with job vacancies, especially with Multi National Companies showing their faces in over 200 places around the world. With various such prospects present, in various fields of profession, approximately three fourth of them opt for professional links. With the increase in competition, people with better technical know- how, skill and ability are more sought after. The various fields of occupations include managerial cadre, commercial activities and handling.

The methodology of government employment includes:

• Considering the curriculum vitae with cover letter instead of the application forms produced by the government;

• The opportunity of applying directly to the desired organization or company;

• Eliminating the required qualifications hundred and ten professionals under civil services and managerial cadre;

• Creating an online site to make the applying process easier;

• Availing touch screen mechanical devices, mechanical newsletters and telecommunication process for comfortably applying for the vacancy present; and

• Schemes for students to get a job, like, Student Temporary Employment scheme and Student Career Experience scheme.

We ought top update ourselves with the various changes in the government employment schemes and adapt to the procedures. These government jobs can be attained only by those who are efficient in all walks of life.

When opportunities knock at our doors, we should grab. Rather waiting for one, we should go in search of opportunities. For that, to win in this competent world, we should equip our knowledge with state affairs and be up to date with the happenings.

Kris Koonar asked:

Most people think that the work of a heavy equipment operator is limited to operating a heavy tipping truck or a bulldozer. This is not true. There are many other heavy machinery and equipment that a heavy equipment operator requires to be proficient in operating. In addition, the job is not gender specific, and this field offers employment both to men and women. If you are able to operate large and heavy machinery, are prepared to work in a team, have adequate communication skills, and are ready to accept suggestions for improvement, you can certainly be successful in pursuing a career as a heavy equipment operator.

The job of a heavy equipment operator does not fall under any designated profession or trade. A heavy equipment operator is required to operate, maintain and adjust huge and heavy machinery used mostly in the construction industry and also in several other industries like mining, fishing, logging etc. Operators also find work at freight jobs, travel, and refuse collection routes. Most heavy equipment operators get trained on the job.

A number of schools have come up in different parts of the country to cater to the educational needs for a career as a heavy equipment operator. These courses include basics of analytical and diagnostic techniques along with instructions for in-depth understanding of the principles of electronics. To cater to the demanding nature of the job, such courses also have a strong practical and hands-on training profile.

There are several sub-categories in the job of a heavy equipment operator, such as mechanics, repairers, collision repair technicians etc. Some of these require a certification, which is renewable every five years.

Apart from the educational requirements the most essential criterion of eligibility is possession of a CDL or commercial driver’s license. If you possess any experience in driving some type of construction machinery, trucks and tractors etc. it is an added advantage for employment. Other desirable attributes for employment include the ability to judge distances, work in a team, to be open to new ideas and suggestions for improvement, be ready for additional training and responsibility. Jobs as an apprentice are available for candidates having completed formal training programs in heavy equipment operations. However, salary for apprentices at best remains nominal for entry-level positions.

Heavy equipment operators are required to operate, maintain and adjust machines like excavators, bull dozers, loaders, shovels, heavy duty tippers, forklift trucks, graders, drilling machines, cranes, motor graders, asphalt pavers, vibratory road rollers, compactors, skid steer loaders, pipe layers, compactors, pile drivers etc. On junior operator levels the work consists of operating small equipment like small rubber tire loaders and monitoring equipment. Later on with greater experience moving on to heavier machines is possible. With ongoing training and promotions, it is possible to reach senior positions like foreman, trainer, safety officer, or superintendent.

The job prospects are quite good for heavy equipment operators. Nearly all towns and cities have manufacturing facilities and construction sites where heavy equipment operators need exist, so it is easy to relocate to a fresh location without much worry about finding a new job.

Kris Koonar asked:

Now our youth have a variety of career options to choose from. A career in heavy equipment repair is one such opportunity and an ideal choice for youngsters who have a mechanical inclination and who like to deal with this machinery that is used for construction or mining industries.

Machinery like bulldozers, cranes, forklifts, excavators and many others fall into the category of heavy equipment because of size and strength. This machinery can only operated by well-trained and skilled operators. Heavy equipment operators undergo training for operating as well as repairing these expensive machines.

There is a huge demand for operators as well as heavy equipment repair technicians due to industrial growth in transportation, trucking, construction etc. Employers are unable to recruit highly specialized repair technicians due to a shortage of trained technicians. So if you are keen in making a career in this field then you can join any of the heavy equipment training colleges to become an accredited repair technician.

These training schools design programs educate the candidates with details of the equipment as well as train them in repair and maintenance of the heavy equipments like wheel loaders, backhoes, forklifts, bulldozers, skid steers and excavators.

Training courses guide you through the repair and maintenance prospects and show you the right way to grow in this career. Such courses are highly practical and provide hands on training. This career can provide you a start from $10-$25 per hour and as you gain experience in this field you can surely expect a high pay scale. After gaining five years experience in this field, you can surely expect a hike of $70,000 per annum.

Repair training courses are available throughout the year and some colleges offer courses in the evening, while some offer regular daytime courses to enable you to adjust your schedules accordingly. The demand is ever increasing in the field of heavy equipment repair technicians in the field of transportation technology and those who love hands on work experience as well as those who are mechanically skilled can choose this field. This repair course allows you to flourish in this field and avail of many opportunities. You can even learn to impart your skills and you can expect a pay scale of $10-$25 per hour or more. Career prospects in this area include automotive, aviation, heavy equipment operation, equipment repair, truck driving and collision repair.

If you have an interest in heavy equipment repair, then you can take up an accredited training. Once you are trained, you can surely grow in this field and get many credentials and become a professional technician.

Growth prospects range from service technicians to service mangers or you can start your own repair shop some day. This can be achieved with an academic career-training program provided by various training schools. The jobs provide job satisfaction as well as help you to earn an attractive pay package. Initially the pay scale may be modest, but it is bound to increase with experience and expertise.

Kris Koonar asked:

A construction project manager is a qualified individual with a degree in construction management, civil engineering or construction science. Being in charge of construction projects, he has to ensure that the entire project is completed on time, without exceeding budgetary limits. It is a high pressure job. The manager has complete control and is responsible for everything related to the construction project.

The label Construction Project Manager is loosely used to define any supervisory level managers who direct supervisors in construction projects. He may also be called by other titles such as construction superintendent, general construction manager, executive construction manager, constructor or even contractor or sub-contractor. He could be a salaried employee of a construction company or engaged to manage a particular construction project.

The construction project manager has to be involved in the project from the beginning through to its completion. By employing his knowledge and expertise in terms of the efficient use of required resources, he has to ensure the achievement of predetermined objectives of cost, time, and quality. To make sure of these objectives, he has to decide which construction methods are appropriate for cost effective scheduling. He has to discuss architectural and engineering drawings with design engineers to effectively plan and harmonize every facet of the project. This may include preparation and use of complicated flow charts and bar charts, and various graphs for data representation. Nowadays, project managers use computers to analyze, conceptualize and implement plans and designs.

The construction project manager has to plan a logical, phase wise implementation of the project, assigning predetermined timeframes for the completion of each phase. He has to take all measures to see that the time frame is adhered to.

These days, there is a great demand for people with a good academic foundation in the field of construction management. Employers generally prefer a degree in construction science, with special focus on the management aspect. It is a four-year degree course offered by over 120 colleges in the country.

Coursework for a degree in construction science is very comprehensive. Some of the subjects covered would be engineering and architectural sciences, mathematics, statistics, computer science, project control and development, site planning, building design, construction methods, construction materials, value analysis, cost estimating, contract administration, building codes and standards and inspection procedures.

The American Institute of Constructors (AIC) and the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) also give certification after written examinations and verification of education. The AIC awards the Associate Constructor (AC) and Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) designations and the CMAA awards the Certified Construction Manager (CMM) designation.

There are better job prospects for candidates with work experience. The preference in the job market is for academically qualified people who have undergone internships and worked in the construction industry. They should be well versed in building technology.

The National Association of Colleges and Employers conducted a salary survey in July 2005 and found that candidates with a degree in construction management got an average annual salary figure of $42,923.

There are bright career prospects for a professionally qualified construction project manager. Practical work experience is of vital importance before a position of independent functioning will be offered. A few years experience at a junior-grade position on construction projects is a prerequisite required by most employers. The position would fetch a handsome salary package and commands a respectable position in society.

Kris Koonar asked:

Nowadays there are various career options open for the youth of today. A career in heavy equipment repair is one such avenue. It is an ideal career choice for people who are dexterous, have a mechanical bent of mind, and like the idea of dealing with some of the large heavy equipment machinery used in various heavy duty industries.

There is a huge demand for heavy equipment repair technicians in industries like trucking, transportation, construction, etc., and employers find it very difficult to find qualified people to troubleshoot and maintain the specialized equipment. So if you are keen in making this your career, you can join Lansing Community College, which is in partnership with AIS Construction Equipment, one of the premier heavy-equipment suppliers of the area, to provide students a new gateway to acquire knowledge and become accredited heavy equipment repair technicians.

These training programs will teach you to repair and maintain heavy equipment like backhoes, wheel loaders, forklifts, skid steers, bulldozers, excavators, and the like. The training courses can show you the right path and lead you to career prospects, in order to grow in this field. Such programs are practical, hands-on, and can result in a career starting from $10 – $25 an hour. With more experience, the pay scales rise even higher. For example, five years down the line, your experience and level of expertise may give you a hike of $70,000 per annum.

Such courses are available throughout the year. Some of them are offered in the evenings, while others are available during the daytime. Due to such flexible timings, it becomes easier for you to adjust your schedule.

Transportation Technologies

Heavy equipment repair technicians are in demand in the field of transportation technologies. Those who are mechanically skillful, who love hands-on work experiences, and who like challenges and variety in their job are the ones who flourish in this field. If you choose a particular course or training in this field, they provide you many learning opportunities that impart the skills you need in order to get jobs which can pay in the range of $10 to $25 an hour or more.

Various Career Prospects in Transportation Technology

. Automotive

. Aviation

. Heavy Equipment Operator

. Heavy Equipment Repair

. Truck Driver Training

. Collision Repair

The skills required & what can be achieved

If you have the skills and competence to repair heavy equipment, and are aware of what it takes to be a good mechanic, then being a professional technician in the heavy equipment careers mentioned above is an ideal choice for you. Once you know you have the ability, in order to grow in the field it is important to get the credentials to become a professional technician.

The growth prospects range from starting off being a service technician to becoming a service manager, and perhaps of even being the owner of your own repair shop some day. This rise begins with the academic career training programs provided by various institutes.

Once you complete the certification programs successfully, you are ready to take off on your chosen career path. Not only does it provide job satisfaction, but the pay scales are attractive as well. While initially the pay scales may be relatively modest, it can increase substantially with experience, more expertise, and your ambition to grow in this field.

Kris Koonar asked:

Heavy equipment mechanics are a specialized category of people. Their job involves the repair, service and maintenance of heavy equipment. They work under varied working conditions at different workplaces, both indoors as well as outdoors. Hence, this kind of a work requires specific expertise and skills related to machinery and machine parts.

Apart from the mechanical knowledge, they need to have a keen sense of observation, and a knack for locating possible faults or damages. In order to do this, they need high levels of reasoning and problem solving abilities. With these faculties, a heavy equipment mechanic has the ability to identify specific problems, and to critically review the available information. Usually well attuned to the mechanics of the equipment he deals with, he is quick to notice when something goes wrong, or even when it is about to do so. Once the mechanical failure is identified, he also evaluates the costs and the advantages of following a course of action to rectify it. Thus, he works out solutions to various problems, and judges their effectiveness.

These skills and abilities can be broadly put into two categories: One, problem solving through reasoning, and second, willingness to work with various things. Since the repair of machines or systems forms the core of the job profile, a heavy equipment mechanic has to excel in determining the reasons for technical glitches, and to think of ways to solve them when they occur. Hence, a person who is willing to try out various methods to find solutions does well in these kinds of jobs. They must be ready to take apart, operate or re-assemble machines, till they find the real problem or get the correct solution. They need to examine various gauges, dials, as well as the actual output to check whether the machine is in proper condition.

Having an analytical bent of mind is always helpful for heavy equipment mechanics. It helps in testing the equipment as well as to find the root cause of the problem. When a heavy equipment mechanic is asked to prepare a proposal to buy machine spares, or the costing of a particular piece of machinery, these skills come in handy. Thus, if one has mathematical skills, then it is an added advantage. Also, keeping a cool temper in moments of stress and high tension is an absolute necessity. On the whole, these are the traits that companies look for in a heavy equipment mechanic, or a prospective newcomer.

Apart from the job related work, if a heavy equipment mechanic nurtures hobbies, they are a useful way to balance the stresses of the job. One can handle stress more effectively when one has a satisfactory family life, as well as a good hobby.

Here are a few aspects that heavy equipment mechanics deal with in their working environment:

Relationships: As their job is usually solitary, and depends on individual skills, when they do work in a group, they like an environment that is non-competitive and pleasant. Being highly individualistic, they dislike being pressurized into doing things that are against their notions of what is right or wrong.

Working Conditions: Good pay and steady employment are factors that are important. However, they seek jobs that suit their individual style of work. Heavy equipment mechanics may either prefer to work alone, or take on various tasks, and they dislike being idled, preferring to be busy.

Focused on achievement:

Most of people involved in this field are focused on achieving results. They use their abilities to produce the results that they want to accomplish. With a job well done, they like the feeling of fulfillment that comes with it. They also enjoy any recognition that is given to their work.

There is nothing uncommon in the activities or qualities displayed by heavy equipment mechanics. Their jobs are quite similar to other professions. But the level of involvement tends to be more intense. Strong support from their managers, co-workers and customers are essential for the smooth functioning of a team of mechanics or the maintenance department of an organization. Thus fair play and good work ethics are important aspects that heavy equipment mechanics prefer in their work environment.

Kris Koonar asked:

Heavy equipment training involves imparting of specialized training to heavy equipments operators with the use of heavy machinery equipments like bulldozers, forklifts, cranes in industries like construction, mining, and logging. Due to the nature of work and the high degree of risk involved, it becomes essential that all equipment operators receive some kind of specialized training from certified and accredited heavy equipment training schools. All equipment operators are required to first pass, written as well as practical series of tests, in order to qualify for the work and safely operate heavy machines.

A trainee has various options in heavy equipment training schools and institutes to choose from. Only after he is certified by a major organization like the NCCER (National Centre for Construction Education and Research), he can start working as a equipment operator. Although, different companies require certification from different organizations, the NCCER is one of the most well-known and reputed centers for heavy equipment certification.

Depending on the needs and requirements of the job, you have the alternative to select from three major training courses that are conducted for heavy equipment operators. Level I deal with the basics of equipment operations and is a foundation course. Under this, the trainee is taught essential safety measures to be taken while at work, the rules and regulations that need to be observed at the site and other similar vital information is also imparted. After one completes this course, the trainee can then operate simple heavy machinery like dump trucks, loaders and backhoes.

The second heavy equipment-training program also known as the equipment operation level II can be taken up, after you complete the primary course. Only the trainees of level I are eligible for the level II training program. This program is inclusive of the refresher of the level I courses, civil blue print reading and earth moving training. This course enables the trainees to safely operate heavy equipments and machines at construction sites like bulldozers, forklifts and rollers.

The third heavy equipment training program is a more advanced and comprehensive course. It can be applied only after the trainee has cleared the level I and II operations. It deals with imparting training in commercial concepts like advanced safety precautions, leadership training in the industrial world, project planning, and skills that will enable one to successfully complete and pursue his career in this field. Certified people of the level III courses are eligible to operate complex equipments and machinery like excavators. These courses not only instill operating skills, but also leadership and management skills in the trainees.

However, before you choose to enroll in any of the above programs, it is essential that you make sure that the prospective school is not only competent but also has a reputation in this field and confirm the fact that it is accredited by establishments like the NCCER which is an essential criterion, since all major companies recognize courses certified by the NCCER.

The NCCER is a non-commercial and non-profit organization that was formed by the collaboration of 11 of the largest construction companies in the worlds. It aims to provide the compulsory education and training all equipment operators, keeping their safety in mind. It also helps to address severe shortage of qualified personnel in the equipment industry. The NCCER has made it easier for people to receive training and certification by successfully managing to unify the training heavy equipment program.

In short, being certified and accredited by a heavy equipment training school not only ensures your safety but also enables you to take advantage of various job opportunities in this field.