Need help: CDL/Heavy Equipment OperatorOk, so I graduated in college back in May 07 with a B.S. degree in Computer Information Systems. A few months ago, I posted on this forum, once about overqualification, and a controversial rant about women working. But since then, I have finally decided what career would make me truly happy. I want to drive dump trucks and/or run heavy equipment like front end loaders/backhoes, excavators, etc. Of course, I figure this out $12,000 too late I have no interest whatsoever in sitting in an office all day. I have always loved construction, especially the heavy equipment. I am all excitied because there are big diggers, excavators and dump trucks at my current job doing work on an expansion project. But anyway, what would be a good route to take to get into this career field, and the one that minimizes cost from my pocket the most. I have heard I can become a bus driver to get my CDL B and then I would need to get the other endorsements, and there are some companies that will help you get your A (Either one is fine with me). I have found a heavy equipment school in my area but it is very expensive (or maybe it isn' t, it just seems expensive) and you get a Level 1 certification...and then you can continue (for more money of course) to get your level 3. They make claims that they have a great job placement program for when you graduate. Does anyone have any advice? One catch is I want to stay in state and work in my general area (Concord, NH). My current plan entails getting any job I can (likely retail) until I can save up some money. How can you contact construction related companies? They seem hard to find on the web.... Also, what is it like for women (in case you couldn' t tell from my username, I am female) in the construction field?
I realize you want to stay in your area, so I may be totally off base, but I happened to notice an article in the Wall Street Journal that might interest you. I think it was the 12/5/07 issue. Canadian oil companies are seeking trained heavy equipment operators and are paying $60,000 to $100,000 per year for these skills, according to the article. They also provide room and board. The article had to do with the room and board - steak for dinner, a gym for working out, your own bathroom. Evidently, this is quite a change from years past. I know this doesn't solve your current problem of getting the education you need, but I thought it might be nice to have a litle motivation. Good luck to you. | |
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