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Jump Start -- by Mark Sproxton
Driving through Calgary in the summer one could easily get the notion that all people here drive huge yellow machines. Road, residential and commercial construction has blossomed lately leading to the increased sightings of heavy equipment.
With dozens of varieties of these heavy vehicles go many different job opportunities be they in the private or public sector. Here's a look at some local education/training opportunities, related associations/businesses, some Internet job boards and some information on heavy equipment operating opportunities with the city of Calgary.
Heavy city equipment
The city of Calgary has a huge operating fleet of heavy vehicles and many, many operators as well. In all, the city has between 3,600 and 4,000 people charged with driving its 300 to 400 different types of equipment. Landing one of those positions requires a few qualifications, but for those with good driving skills and a good work ethic, many opportunities for advancement also exist.
To begin the process people are typically hired for a specific department, such as parks, roads or utilities. In parks, for example, those with a Class 5 drivers' licence (the basic motor vehicle licence) with fewer than six demerits can apply for a seasonal position, some of which are currently posted online. If hired, the person will undergo a two-hour evaluation by city examiners and then will be granted a special city licence allowing the person the ability to drive vehicles requiring Class 5 certification, such as lawn care equipment. These basic labourer jobs begin paying $14.44 per hour and is only the first step in becoming a heavy equipment operator.
If that person proves to be a good driver and the department requires more people with a Class 3 licence, the department head may chose to have the newcomer trained for a Class 3 licence. The city has its own driving trainers who can provide the testing required to grant a Class 3 licence. This testing can take anywhere from 40 hours to a month, depending on the machine and the person, said Bob Ross with the city's supply fleet management training division.
Some of the equipment requiring a Class 3 include rollers, pavers and graders. Ross said pavers and back hoes are some of the most difficult vehicles to operate because the machines require operators to use hand and foot controls simultaneously while manoeuvring around dangerous obstacles.
Those already with Class 3 or a Class 1 licence and air brake endorsement
will likely receive preference when it comes to hiring. But Ross said that doesn't mean people don't progress quickly from entry-level labouring positions. In the past he said it could take as long as 12 years or more before someone had a chance to operate the largest of the heavy equipment. Now, due to retirements, attrition and general turnover, people are moving onto some of the big equipment within three or four years, Ross said.
Once hired as a seasonal labourer -- which requires much heavy manual labour -- people may progress to become equipment operators and then truck drivers, each time receiving pay increases along the way. For instance, in 2002 someone just hired as an equipment operator will begin at $15.10 and hour and over time can earn over $20 per hour.
Education/training
Information on the apprenticeship process, and different types of apprenticeships for crane and equipment hoisting operators is available through the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Web site www.tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca.
Those looking to get into heavy equipment operating should also consider taking courses such as first aid, CPR training, H2S Alive training (dealing with sour gas) and (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System). Look under safety in the Yellow Pages for information on where these courses are offered.
Several different types of drivers' licences are available and obtaining a licence beyond the basic Class 5 may increase your employment options. Here's information on the basic requirements for each type of licence.
Keyano College in Fort McMurray offers a program in heavy equipment operations that can help develop entry-level skills.
Business/associations
Job boards
City of Calgary
Alberta Government
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