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Hi, Barnz. I'm with Dave Grubb on this one. I was going to pass it by too, but came back. I was probably more fortunate than most in that my father had a small 'dozer on the farm as did a neighbour. I got to work both quite a bit. The farm was sold the year after I left school. My second employer had a farm and a Cat D4 which I learned some more on. Then I got all big-headed and started thinking that if I could operate a small 'dozer, I ought to be able to operate a bigger one. So I left the farm and was lucky enough to score a job with a comapny who had a REAL good foreman who was prepared to teach somebody who at least had the basics. One of the first things I learned was that, although I COULD also operate a bigger 'dozer, I still had an AWFUL lot to learn about actually doing the various jobs. I'm STILL learning 38+ years later. THAT is what the operating schools CAN'T teach you because they don't have YOUR lifetime in which
to teach it. The University of Hard Knocks is the ONLY .edu that teaches that sort of stuff. Start by operating a 'Mexican dragline' (HAND shovel) or 'Chinese Euclid' (wheelbarrow) and, after you've shown them that you're willing to work and have a go, ask if it would be possible to have somebody show you the ropes on one of the machines and get in a little practice in your lunch breaks. Some companies will -- some won't. Rollers and water-carts are a good 'in' if there are any around because, although it IS possible to stuff up with either, especially a water-cart, there will usually be some-one around to either tell you what to do or that you can ask as both commonly work with graders, scrapers, etc.. Ask for information. It IS better to open your mouth and have the world suspect that you are ignorant than to keep your mouth shut and prove that you are ignorant -- and a dill for not asking. Most people in the game will share their experience. The ones who won't -- need I say any more. You'd be amazed how much board and lodging that $7,500 will buy while you're getting some REAL on-the-job experience --- and also earning some dollars at the same time. Feel free to drop me an e-mail if you want. Best of luck, Mate. You have a wonderful day. Best wishes. Deas Plant.
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