Question by treeman: Would going to Heavy Equipment training School be a good career choice?
Hi, I am looking for a career change. I am a 40 year old male. I have been a tree trimmer all my life. Body parts especially my knees are starting to give out. My back is also in bad shape. Its pain free for the moment but there is good potential for pain.
I’m looking for someoness opinion on my heavy equipment
school idea. I haven’t done alot of construction work in my life and I wouldn’t want to start as a bottom grunt at the age of 40. Would learning to use the heavy equipment be a good choice for me. I have done work in smaller equipment like backhoes, bobcats, lift trucks etc and I not only enjoy but I usually learn pretty quick how do to a decent job with them. Do these jobs pay well, do these jobs offer health benefits and retirement plans. Are they year round or seasonal. Is travel an option in the winter to keep up the hours. Any information I get towards this so I can make a decision would be helpful.
Thanks Everyone
Treemandave
Best answer:
Answer by ladygodiva1953
I would also check into construction companies and such in your area to see what the entry level pay and benefits are for heavy equipment operators…also to make sure there are jobs available in your area.
As far as whether it is seasonal or year around, it would depend on where you live…in the south construction work goes throughout the winter while in the north it is seasonal. Also, you might consider state highway crews…that way if you live in the snow country, you might be able to fill in in the winter time plowing snow. Most are also union where you would have good benefits.
The one thing that concerns me from the information in your question is your health. Joints do not get any better nor do backs, and heavy equipment takes a toll on both knees and backs.
I would suggest that you find some people that operate heavy equipment before sinking your money into school…and talk to them about the physical requirements and such.
You might consider going into trucking instead of heavy equipment…-60k a year after your first year and the equipment is air ride for the most part.
Whatever you decide, good luck!
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