Testimonials
Some of our graduates volunteered to share their experiences. We asked them some questions, and here are the answers they gave.
Heavy Equipment
Tower Crane
Mobile Crane
Heavy Equipment
Tom, Heavy Equipment Operator,
London ON
Why were you interested in heavy equipment?
I enjoyed becoming a farm boy at the age of 15, but the economy wasn't strong enough to support myself and my new step-dad as partners. I was totally shocked when I ventured out in search of work only to find that all my hardworking habits and usual long hours meant nothing to the rest of the world.
After working through a temp agency, a future without any security was leaving me uncertain! The Unemployment Insurance Commission had me in for a career research day where I happened upon the job description of a heavy equipment operator. After many meetings, I proved my worthiness and convince UIC to invest in me through a training program, whereupon they enrolled me in the Local 793 Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario.
What training did you take at the OETIO?
My first course was the 10-day Fundamentals of Earthmoving. That time actually set the groundwork for my now safe and proficient working habits. My second was the 30-day Tractor Loader Backhoe Operator course. I was impressed with the fundamentals of digging and moving various aggregates. This was the beginning of my career in construction, establishing my earthmoving apprenticeship.
When winter came along, I felt it best to try and better myself by going back to the training institute for the Dozer course. I soon found my calling in the construction field. When the day was over I really didn't want to get out of the seat. My last course, 30-Day Excavator Operator, was taken in 2005, 4 ½ years after the initial research day at UIC.
Where are you or have you worked since you left OETIO? What are you doing now?
My first real construction job was with L82 Construction out of London, Ont. The next spring, I was dispatched by the Union to a local company BlueCon Construction. Contrary to my judgment I was not put on a dozer for some time, but I soon realized that there was method to their madness. I was left to learn in the field by running packers, sheep foot rollers and rock trucks, and by checking grade for the dozers and graders. I was soon learning the principle of construction from the ground up.
Within two years I was asked if I would care to try my skills as a dozer operator. My career as a dozer hand has since been helped by the constructive criticism of other operators.
How did the training help?
I have found my calling in the construction field. When the day is over, I really don't want to get out of the seat. I have a budding career, a beautiful fiancée, and respect from my peers and fellow workers. I am proud to say that I am an Operating Engineer, to follow in the steps of my fellow operators and to help the new ones coming into the industry.
What one piece of advice would you give someone thinking of becoming an operator?
My career has been a learning experience from the beginning, and I do believe I will never quit learning and being challenged in this field. There were times when I became discouraged and felt it wasn't worth the effort, but I soon learnt that the people who were the hardest on me were actually the ones who wanted me to succeed the most. This industry is not one you automatically just fall into it has to be earned and respect has to be given as much as received on everyone’s part.
Cindy, Heavy Equipment Operator,
Toronto ON
Why were you interested in heavy equipment?
When I was younger, I worked on a dairy farm and even then it was hard to keep me in the barn to milk the cows. I always wanted to be outside to run the machinery. It took me a little to decide to go back to running equipment though, I thought I should work in an office in front of a computer and did for 5 years before I went back to operating.
My dad always said that the union work is always the best and that I should join a union. He was right: when he was forced into retirement with cancer, the union was paying his medical bills and still giving him a cheque every month. I spoke with the Operators Union and was able to join and take training through OETIO.
What training did you take at the OETIO?
I originally trained on the rubbertire backhoe [RT]. Harold was my instructor. That man has patience! Way more than a site super or foreman. I went back to the school the following winter to train on the dozer.
Where have you worked since you left OETIO? What are you doing now?
I currently work for Panther, the company that I have been working for since my original training on the RT. Gus (the owner) has often told me that versatility is always good. You have a better chance of getting out if you know a little of everything, and he was very supportive the day he showed up on site and I was on his dozer pushing a pile. We spoke towards the end of summer and I told him that I was interested in going back to school and learning the correct way to operate the dozer. He was in favour of it, seeing what I had learned on the rubbertire.
How did the training help?
If anyone thinks it's easy and they can just walk onto a site or a job and operate the machinery, think again. I recommend going to the school and getting some experience. All of the instructors are experienced and are willing to give up little "tricks of the trade" that make operating the machinery way easier. Plus it's the most efficient and safest way. Show efficiency on a site and the super likes you, but show stumbling around making a mess and you'll be lucky to make it to first coffee or lunch.
The more equipment that you know, the easier the other equipment seems to be to run. For example, you get the sense of running the dozer flat, and you feel when you're digging in or not running level. Then when you're in the RT you can feel when you're grading if you're flat or on an incline/decline.
What one piece of advice would you give someone thinking of becoming an operator?
One piece of advice that I would give to anyone going to the school or joining the union is to never stop learning. The winters are slow for most companies and a ton of people get laid off. That's the perfect time to sign up for another course. You can learn another piece of equipment, recertify your CPR and first aid, and be a little more qualified the next season. Have fun and operate safe!
Chris, Heavy Equipment Operator,
Greely ON
Why were you interested in heavy equipment?
I was always intrigued by heavy equipment and being in the outdoors.
What training did you take at the OETIO?
I had taken Rubbertire Backhoe, and used that to incorporate the boom of the backhoe to take the Excavator Course
What are you doing now?
Operating the Excavator.
Where are you or have you worked since you left OETIO?
Yes, I am working for Osgoode Sand Gravel.
How did the training help?
When I was injured a long time ago, I was not able to do heavy lifting or my old job anymore. Operating the excavator is light upper duty, so I had myself retrained for it at OETIO. I learned how to work around others in a safe environment, to operate the equipment more smoothly, how to use trenching techniques, how to look after the equipment, safety hazards, and two-way radio communication.
I had to find a way to do this with the pain that I have. And had to learn and adapt in a way that I would be able to do this job for a lifetime.
What one piece of advice would you give someone thinking of becoming an operator?
Learn to not be afraid of high places, and learn to use two-way radios, precisely, with hand signals and verbal communication.
Richard, Heavy Equipment Operator,
Calgary AB
Why were you interested in heavy equipment?
I was fresh out of Algonquin College, with a diploma in Computer Technician Studies, and looking for work when I acquired the job of an unskilled labourer for a construction company in water and sewer works around Ottawa. During my first week of work, I received the opportunity to operate a Cat 245 during a lunch hour to dig a cut of a trench. My want/need to operate heavy equipment escalated from there. I was born and raised on a farm, so it took very little time for me to develop a comfortability with operating heavy equipment on a construction site.
What training did you take at the OETIO?
I had enrolled in the Excavator operator course.
What are you doing now?
I am currently operating a Hitachi 800 (80 ton excavator) digging triple ditch (a trench with water, sewer and storm pipe getting installed). I'm also craning material, such as pipe and gravel, to help labourers/pipelayers install the pipe. A keen eye for trench slope, the consistent full buckets when digging, a smooth trenching technique, and the strong ability to follow hand signals from workers in the trench has led me to this situation as the 800 is the company's high priority/high production machine. I have also acquired skills on other equipment since I have left the school to help me maintain a productive job site.
Where are you or have you worked since you left OETIO?
I'm in Calgary, Alberta working for Standard General and have been here since the completion of my course.
How did the training help?
The training I received at the OETIO developed a strong foundation for my understanding of how to operate a machine properly in order to become a productive employee on a job site. I learned the basics for trenching and operating safely around trenches, other equipment, and people. Using the skills I acquired, I was able to get a job opportunity which I used to continue to further the development of my skills to become a valuable asset to any company.
What one piece of advice would you give someone thinking of becoming an operator?
The best piece of advice for anyone interested in heavy equipment operator is to take pride in your job and always strive for improvement. I know operators who have been running machines for twenty to thirty years and are still trying to make every next cut straighter, better sloped, closer to grade then the next. You must pride yourself on your job at hand and care of the machine. A clean cab and up to date maintenance of your machine (as well as strong job productivity) will encourage any company to give you the opportunity at running a newer machine as they will not fear you wrecking it your first day in the seat. So make sure when you are finished with any job, you can look back at it and be proud to say, "I did that!"
Tower Crane
James, Tower Crane Operator,
Toronto ON
Why were you interested in cranes?
The reason I chose to work on cranes is I usually worked as a dock crane operator in Jamaica, so I thought doing tower crane would still be doing cranes.
What training did you take at the OETIO?
Tower crane and earth moving.
What are you doing now?
I am working as a tower crane apprentice. I just finished my 4000 hours.
Where are you or have you worked since you left OETIO?
I am working in downtown Toronto as an apprentice for a company called Hardrock Group.
How did the training help?
It helped me a lot. I use some of the training experience for work, especially in safety issues.
What one piece of advice would you give someone thinking of becoming an operator?
The advice I would give someone who wants to be a crane operator is to listen to your foreman and try to get up in the crane when the operator is actually operating the crane. This way you can observe what they are doing and ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. You can have mean operators (which I did), but anything they ask you to do, you should try and do it because it is safe.
Chad M., Tower Crane Operator,
Toronto ON
Why were you interested in cranes?
Cranes are interesting because they are one of the biggest machines in construction. They always lift the heavy material, and cranes are the "heart" of the construction site.
What training did you take at the OETIO?
The training that I took at OETIO, other than the operation of the tower crane, were: Fall Protection, Safety on the Site/Crane, WHMIS, and Safe Rigging and Lifting Material.
What are you doing now?
I am currently completing my 4000-hour apprenticeship in Toronto in order to get my license to be a crane operator. I have ¾ of the apprenticeship completed.
Where are you or have you worked since you left OETIO?
I have been working on a high-rise building at Yonge and Finch for almost two years.
How did the training help?
The training at OETIO helped me by getting me into the trade with some experience.
What one piece of advice would you give someone thinking of becoming an operator?
Have patience and a good pair of work boots. And get ready to work hard during your apprenticeship.
Mobile Crane
Bill, Mobile Crane Operator,
Sarnia ON
Why were you interested in cranes?
I am interested in cranes because of their lifting abilities and also the respect you have to have not to over-lift with them. Also, the many crane configurations that can be assembled.
What training did you take at the OETIO?
I took Apprenticeship 1 training at the OETIO.
What are you doing now?
I am presently working for Cooper's Crane Rental in Sarnia, Ontario.
Where are you or have you worked since you left OETIO?
I have been working in the various chemical plants in Sarnia, and on the Windsor casino.
How did the training help?
The training helped a lot because of the different exercises and equipment that you practice on. There were several good things about it, such as the simulators, the experiences that teachers have gone through over the years and shared with the students, and also the machinery on-site to help get a feel for all the different crane equipment conditions out there.
What one piece of advice would you give someone thinking of becoming an operator?
Make sure you really want to become a operator, because it's not just getting hired and sitting in a crane pulling levers, there’s a lot of hard work, long hours, and respect you have to earn from the operators before you get to that point. Also, when you do get some seat time, you'll learn really quickly that it's not as easy as the operators make it look.
Martin, Mobile Crane Operator,
Ottawa ON
Why were you interested in cranes?
My interest in cranes came from my youth. I was always surrounded by them, from the sand box to my grandfather's crane!
What training did you or are you taking at the OETIO?
I took everything from Mobile Crane Apprentice I to my AZ truck driving course. I took my Heart Saver, Basics of Fall Protection, Air Brake Adjustment, Transportation of Dangerous Goods and WHMIS, which I use everyday!
What are you doing now?
Right now I've returned to the school to finish off my training, enjoying the life at the new training facility in Oakville. Afterwards, I will be returning to work for Dulepka Equipment Rentals in Ottawa, apprenticing on their 110 ton Liebherr mobile crane.
Where have you worked since you left OETIO?
I've mainly worked at Dulepka, but I've also made my way around Ottawa, getting my apprentice hours anywhere I can get them, from Dulepka in Ottawa to Mcgregor Crane Rental in Cornwall.
How did the training help?
The training helps a lot in familiarizing yourself with the tools of the trade, as well as educating you on what not to do.
What one piece of advice would you give someone thinking of becoming an operator?
Don't be discouraged at first when you are at the bottom of the seniority list, and not getting paid that much. The money will definitely come!!
Chad B., Mobile Crane Operator,
Port Hope ON
Why were you interested in heavy equipment?
I wanted to operate a piece of equipment that was uncommon and more specialized. I was intrigued by their size, complexity and uniqueness.
What training did you take at the OETIO?
I’ve completed my Mobile Crane Apprentice I course in Oakville.
What are you doing now?
Where have you worked since you left OETIO?
I started working for Latta Crane the day after I graduated from school, and I’ve been there ever since. I’m currently in the second year of my apprenticeship. I’ve had good operators to train with and they’ve already given me plenty of experience in basic setup and function of the machine. They’ve also given me seat time and the opportunity to learn.
How did the training help?
It gave me an introduction to the equipment and an understanding of crane operation and assembly.
What one piece of advice would you give someone considering becoming an operator?
You have to be a people person. You’re always dealing with customers and people on the jobsite. You can’t be arrogant — the operators expect you to listen, pay attention, and learn.
|
