Urbanization is the process of moving rural populations more closely together. There are still amazing opportunities for growth in urban areas around the world. Heavy construction vehicles are a vital part of this growth. Big machines allow construction firms to create the urban neighborhoods of tomorrow.
What are some of the most common heavy vehicle construction machines and how are they used? What are the advantages of learning these machines in a formal study program? How does an accelerated learning program help future construction workers quickly find employment in this sector?
Common Construction Vehicles
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator defines heavy vehicles as any vehicle with a gross mass of 4.5 tons or more. In the construction industry, these are some of the more common heavy vehicles.
- Articulated trucks are comprised of two parts: a cab for drivers to sit safely and a trailer. The trailer may be stable or connected to hydraulic lifts that allow the contents to be easily dumped out. These machines are used to haul large piles of rocks, dirt, and construction materials across job sites.
- Asphalt pavers spit concrete and asphalt mix in the areas that are destined to be roads, parking lots, and other smooth driving areas. These are usually followed by heavy roller machines that compact the asphalt as it is laid in place.
- Backhoe loaders are combination vehicles. They include capabilities found in backhoes, loaders, and tractors. The backhoe capabilities let construction workers dig through layers of rock and other hard materials with ease. This all-in-one equipment can also pick up and transport materials.
- Compactors, like the name implies, makes things smaller. From crushing waste material into a smaller unit that is easier to carry to preparing the soil for a foundation, compactors let construction workers create firmness where it’s needed most.
These are just a few of the heavy machines used by construction workers on a daily basis. Dozers, harvesters, bunchers, and excavators are some other machines that are often found on construction sites.
Formal Education: The Key to Success in the Heavy Vehicle Industry
Driving, operating, and maintaining heavy vehicles require a lot of knowledge. Even with previous experience in mechanics and electronics, these massive machines still require a large amount of training if they are to be used safely. Attending a formal training program is the best way to ensure you’re ready to take on the challenges of heavy machine operations on a busy construction site. How does formal education improve your job performance?
- Safety first. Crush damage is the biggest threat to heavy vehicles. Drivers learn how to safely navigate coworkers, piles of materials, and structures without compromising the production schedule.
- Makes maintenance easier. Upkeep on a heavy vehicle can be difficult and expensive. Part of the operator’s job is to be able to identify issues and report them for correction. Your formal education will show you the signs that may point to problems in your rig, so you can get them addressed before they become a hazard.
- Puts employers at ease. Massive construction vehicles come with a massive price tag as well. By completing a training course, potential employers know you’ve been trained in safety and operating issues that make you less likely to destroy their big investments.
Formal education is the key to working with a variety of heavy vehicles. With the proper credentials, you could become an essential part of the construction team that supports the creation of newer urban spaces.
The Advantages of Accelerated Learning Programs
Accelerated learning programs are designed to quickly give you the skills and information you need for the job you want. There are a number of important advantages to these programs.
- Get ahead of the pack. While your competition is struggling through 4-year programs, you can be ready to start earning paychecks in just a few short months.
- Get what you need and nothing else. Instead of wasting time discussing philosophical points that don’t really apply to your daily job, your accelerated learning program focuses on the most important information you need to get the job done.
Are You Ready to Get Started Today?
The Associate in Occupational Science degree in Heavy Vehicle Technology with Service Management from ATI is the ideal way to start your heavy construction vehicle career. You should learn all the technical skills needed to repair and maintain big machines. Also, the customer service skills you learn in this program could make you a valuable team member in repair shops and construction garages all over the world.
Contact the friendly admissions counselors at ATI to get started on your road to career success today.