Ever dreamed of being behind the wheel of a giant truck, a tall crane or a big forklift? While, as kids, we all envisioned ourselves operating heavy equipment when we grew up, for some of us, the dream never died! And if that’s you, then you’re in the right place.
In this post, the construction training experts at Construction Training International demystify heavy equipment operation and explain what you can do to get qualified to be behind the wheel of one of these mean machines.
What is heavy equipment operation?
Heavy equipment operation involves controlling large, heavy pieces of construction or engineering equipment and vehicles. Some examples of heavy equipment include earthmovers like dump trucks, bulldozers and rigid haul trucks, and cranes. Let’s explain the training processes for mastering these pieces of equipment:
Crane operation
An office with a view, great pay and rewarding work – driving a crane certainly isn’t too shabby a job. But to conduct this type of heavy equipment operation, you can’t simply waltz in and ask for a job. Crane operators need extensive training to perform their work, and they need to obtain qualification through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
To become a crane operator in Victoria, one needs to complete a specialised crane operation course in order to become qualified. At Construction Training International, our crane operation course lasts for 4 days, with 8 hours a day on-site training. A full crane operation training course at CTI involves 11 modules, training you how to operate various types of cranes. This lasts roughly 11-12 weeks.
Earthmover operation
Bulldozers, dump trucks and rigid haul trucks all fall under the category of earthmovers. These heavy vehicles require operators to be trained and fully qualified before being able to use them at work.
Earthmover training at Construction Training International involves 14 modules, most of which last between 3-4 full days of training. At the end of the course, you’ll be qualified to operate heavy equipment like dump trucks and articulated haul trucks.
Load Shifting (forklifts and material hoists)
Although forklifts and material hoists aren’t considered heavy machinery, we thought we’d include them on this list, as they’re popular pieces of machinery for construction students. Construction Training International also offers forklift and material hoist training which can be completed in just two days.
Construction Training International is where keen students go to learn the ropes and get qualified in heavy machinery operation. We’re Melbourne’s best RTO in construction, having helped thousands of Victorians become qualified construction professionals and enjoy illustrious careers. Our institution boasts real-life training construction sites, seasoned, passionate tutors and affordable training costs to boot. Get in touch with Construction Training International and enrol today.
