Equipment World Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/873881
September 2017 | EquipmentWorld.com 42 learn by trial by error, and it's been a lot of trial by error but a lot of great leadership and great mentoring." ITD says course graduates receive multiple safety certificates and a heavy equipment operator certificate from Associated General Contractors. Several other state transportation agencies have developed Local Technical Assistance Programs (LTAP) through the Federal Highway Administration. There are more than 50 LTAPs and centers for Tribal Technical Assistance Programs across the country with the mission of supplying local agencies with training programs and information on technological updates. FHWA says the centers are designed to provide these resources where they may not have been accessible before and, in particular, provide road departments with workforce development services. For example, the Minnesota LTAP offers a two-day course on motor grader operation, which includes a day of classroom training and a day of hands-on training, with the most recent session in mid-July. The program is held at the University of Minnesota Center for Trans- portation Studies. The program covers operation basics, including safety and maintenance, as well as blade techniques and road grading methods, such as slopes, super elevations, ditches and drainage. It's designed for both new and experienced operators, as well as supervisors. On-the-job training While Alston agrees with the concept of a training center or proving grounds for safety, basic operating procedures, pre-operating checks and maintenance, she believes on-the-job training is the best way to advance skills. "Just getting them in the feel of what it's like to be on the machine, particularly if they're green," she says. "I think that with any other piece of equipment you could throw the guy on a proving ground for six or eight weeks in a controlled environment. I think that's a great source." But for a motor grader operator, Alston doesn't believe that's a realistic expectation. It takes time and practice. "That's how it was for us," she says. "You're putting two grader operators out there or you're putting another guy out there in training, so you're paying for someone who's not really creating any productivity. But I now have a guy who is a 24-year-old version of the phenom- enal 40-year-old I have. And that is a comfort for us to know that we've got these skilled guys." Alston believes this is the best method for contractors to either train quality crew members or get new workers up to speed. "You're making an investment," she says. "It's no different than sending somebody to college or paid training." highway contractor | continued Caterpillar's 14M3 features Grade with Cross Slope, which gives automatic control of one side of the blade. John Deere 620 Grade Pro and 622 Grade Pro models feature a new dual joystick option, designed to minimize hand motion during changes and gear shifting. Komatsu GD 675