Looking for a new career that will allow you to spend lots of time out in the open air?
Becoming a certified backhoe operator can be a perfect option for you.
After completing your training and getting certified, you can work on various construction projects in your area.
There are numerous schools all over the USA that offer backhoe training courses.
After a quick search, you’ll be able to find a whole variety of such programs and some of them can be completed online.
The question is that whether it is a perfect career for you or you should pursue it as an additional skill.
Below, you can find everything you need to know about backhoe training and how it can influence your career.
Article Table of Contents
What Backhoe Training Courses Offer?
Backhoe training courses exist to provide students with the knowledge and skills required for machinery operating.
Different schools organize their courses in different ways.
Some schools offer online programs that contain a bunch of video instructions.
In other words, applying for one of these programs, you get access to video instructions.
After watching all these videos, you need to complete a test so you can get a certification.
It may seem like a great option for lots of people.
However, you should think well about this option as not all employers will accept this kind of certification.
You need to have a certain set of skills so you can operate heavy machinery.
The lack of skills can result in numerous dangerous situations that can affect you and the people around you.
What You Can Learn Applying for a Training Program
A good and successful backhoe training program should contain two parts: theoretical classes and practical training.
You can spend endless hours in a classroom but if you don’t have enough practical training you won’t be able to work with the equipment properly.
A successful backhoe training program should contain numerous disciplines such as:
- Backhoe fundamentals;
- Personal safety while operating the equipment;
- Operational safety both in and around the equipment;
- Machine safety to ensure your equipment is working the way it should;
- Stick time, to understand how to operate a backhoe from startup to shutdown;
- Preventative maintenance and procedures to recognize problems before they occur;
- Trenching and excavation techniques;
- How to transport equipment to the worksite, including loading and unloading procedures.
As you understand, it is really hard and sometimes even impossible to learn all these aspects just watching a bunch of videos.
Also, you need to make sure that your training program includes enough hours of training.
Moreover, the school you are applying to should be well-equipped so each student can get enough practice.
The Content of the Program is the Most Important Point
There is a bunch of training programs that aim only to prepare students for a test.
Usually, these programs are pretty short and cannot provide you with a deep understanding of the issue.
In fact, it is pretty easy to understand whether the program is good or not.
It can be a separate course or a part of a larger course such as Heavy Equipment Operator Training.
The main point is that it should be focused on providing you with a lifetime knowledge required for your future career.
Also, it should be well-organized and include enough theory and practice.
Daily training load should be reasonable as it will help you to understand the information better while short-term programs just overload you.
Moreover, in such a way, you’ll be able to learn all the aspects and nuances of your future career.
Applying for a program focused on various types of heavy machinery, you’ll learn how to operate not only a backhoe but also dozers, graders, excavators, loaders, etc.
If you cannot find a good program in your area, don’t give up.
There are schools that offer the house for their students so it won’t be a problem especially considering the fact most programs last for about 1-2 months.
It may sound a bit complicated but it is better than online programs as you can get a bunch of practical experience.
You can increase your chances to get a better career option.
It’s Who You Know, Not What You Know
Usually online programs are provided by businesses that are worried solely about their income.
It is always easier to pay once to create videos and workbooks and sell them numerous times.
As you understand you can hardly get any precious knowledge applying for one of these programs.
One other important point is that it is better to choose a program that has qualified and experienced professionals instead of teachers.
You can get a bunch of useful knowledge and skills instead of lots of general information.
Moreover, you need to make sure that your training program meets the requirements of the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER).
Credentials provided by approved programs are recognized nationally.
It means that you can get a job anywhere around the country.
Some schools even offer postgraduate employment services that can be a great benefit for you.
It is a perfect way to make your job search faster and easier.
Usually, the list of postgraduate employment services includes such options as:
- Job search strategies and resources;
- Resume preparation help;
- Interview practice;
- Guidance throughout the process.
Finally, you need to make sure that the school you are going to apply for has some successful history.
Learn about school graduates and make sure they have the required skills and knowledge and started their careers successfully.
Just keep in mind that you should be very attentive when choosing a training program.
There are lots of points that should be considered and cannot skip even one of them.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator