What can I expect out in the field?

At this moment I'm taking a training as an operator, and I just want some advice on how does a female stand in a male-dominated trade? What are some things that I should be aware of? To better prepared me once I join the working labor force.

What do foremans expect of a new apprentice?

Yuliana Z in Sacramento, California said: At this moment I'm taking a training as an operator, and I just want some advice on how does a female stand in a male-dominated trade? What are some things that I should be aware of? To better prepared me once I join the working labor force.

Don't take crap from anybody! Do your best!Don't try to impress!! Because you'll fail Do what you can do. My aunt started out in a water truck. And now she is a finish bladeWOMAN!!

What's up new to the site ! Been out in the mud pulled out a new D6N with my 82 model D6D

Dirtman1 in Seymour, Texas said: Don't take crap from anybody! Do your best!Don't try to impress!! Because you'll fail Do what you can do. My aunt started out in a water truck. And now she is a finish bladeWOMAN!!

Thank you for the advice and information? I love the blade and I know that the blade is one of the highest paying equipment, again thanks for the words.

women who can run the equipment have a great chance since union based companys must hire them if they apply and are quilified excavators rule the site.

Yuliana Z in Sacramento, California said: At this moment I'm taking a training as an operator, and I just want some advice on how does a female stand in a male-dominated trade? What are some things that I should be aware of? To better prepared me once I join the working labor force.

I have a question. Why does a woman desire such a job? Men are not particularly drawn to childcare jobs or as flower arrangers or as housemaids. Why does a woman want a job that she admits is a male-dominated trade? Is it just the old Freudian penis envy?

Politically correct or not it just doesn't make sense to me. I am not saying a woman is incapable of doing the work, it just seems she would want a job that utilizes her feminine traits and instincts instead of her masculine traits.

Can anyone deny that shoving tons of dirt around with a huge machine is not exactly something that would appeal to a normal woman or has the distinction between the genders been erased?

Take someone like Condy Rice. She is a woman who holds one of the most influential jobs on the planet yet she maintains her feminine dignity and gets tremendous respect from world leaders all the way down to an old fellow like me. Why does a woman choses to act like a man is what I am basically asking?

Call me Charlie in Louisville, Kentucky said: I have a question. Why does a woman desire such a job? Men are not particularly drawn to childcare jobs or as flower arrangers or as housemaids. Why does a woman want a job that she admits is a male-dominated trade? Is it just the old Freudian penis envy?

Politically correct or not it just doesn't make sense to me. I am not saying a woman is incapable of doing the work, it just seems she would want a job that utilizes her feminine traits and instincts instead of her masculine traits.

Can anyone deny that shoving tons of dirt around with a huge machine is not exactly something that would appeal to a normal woman or has the distinction between the genders been erased?

Take someone like Condy Rice. She is a woman who holds one of the most influential jobs on the planet yet she maintains her feminine dignity and gets tremendous respect from world leaders all the way down to an old fellow like me. Why does a woman choses to act like a man is what I am basically asking?

I find this attitude very dismaying. what has a career choice got to do with being feminine? You're confusing "normal" with "Traditional". Why can't a woman put on a pair of jeans, steel toed boots, a hardhat, and operate a D6 if she so desires? That woman can still go home, take a shower and be just as feminine as the homemaker living right next door. The biggest difference? Probably upwards of $40K a year.

Kevin Weathers in Huntsville, Missouri said: I find this attitude very dismaying. what has a career choice got to do with being feminine? You're confusing "normal" with "Traditional". Why can't a woman put on a pair of jeans, steel toed boots, a hardhat, and operate a D6 if she so desires? That woman can still go home, take a shower and be just as feminine as the homemaker living right next door. The biggest difference? Probably upwards of $40K a year.

Bravo Kevin! You are obviously not intimidated by a female that is qualified and will pull her own weight on the jobsite.

women can make very good excavator operators,finess the hydraulics!

Hmmm after school it's best to apply for union jobs then, that are likely to give a female a chance, with no OTJ experience?

As for acting like a man, I think some women have realized that trades other than nursing, teaching, or secretarial work pay well and have good job security. Feminine? Think Jennifer Beals in Flashdance.

Call me Charlie in Louisville, Kentucky said: I have a question. Why does a woman desire such a job? Men are not particularly drawn to childcare jobs or as flower arrangers or as housemaids. Why does a woman want a job that she admits is a male-dominated trade? Is it just the old Freudian penis envy?

Politically correct or not it just doesn't make sense to me. I am not saying a woman is incapable of doing the work, it just seems she would want a job that utilizes her feminine traits and instincts instead of her masculine traits.

Can anyone deny that shoving tons of dirt around with a huge machine is not exactly something that would appeal to a normal woman or has the distinction between the genders been erased?

Take someone like Condy Rice. She is a woman who holds one of the most influential jobs on the planet yet she maintains her feminine dignity and gets tremendous respect from world leaders all the way down to an old fellow like me. Why does a woman choses to act like a man is what I am basically asking?

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man, I hate sexist males.

I operated Engineer Equipment in the Marine Corps for almost 5 years. Since I've been out of the Corps I've had 3 different jobs operating heavy equipment and I don't think ANYONE minded that I'm female. Personally I don't want to be stuck inside wiping little snotty noses or arranging freakin posies or walking around in high heels and a stupid skirt. Stepping into a 70,000 LB D7 and shoving tons of dirt around is extremely appealing to me - and many other women - and it takes absolutely NOTHING from my femininity.

Way to go! By the way, it always puzzled me how women were suited to be school bus drivers, but others thought they couldn't drive a big rig. I only drive a mini van, but I would rather drive an 18 wheeler than drive 44 screaming kids.

Yuliana Z in Sacramento, California said: At this moment I'm taking a training as an operator, and I just want some advice on how does a female stand in a male-dominated trade? What are some things that I should be aware of? To better prepared me once I join the working labor force.

you should do ok ,.I went to that school spent 10,000- and can't get any work.I went to the one in Al.

You go girlfriend. I started helping my dad when I was about 14 around our land and never got the rid of the dirt on my hands and have been in the contracting business ever since. I still love getting on one of our backhoes when I am not in the office. I get these fellas that think they can out dig me and it never fails they end up eating crow in front of all their buddies when they challenge me. Just cause they think I work behind a desk now they think their crap don't stink!!

steveorinick@gmail.com in Waymart, Pennsylvania said: you should do ok ,.I went to that school spent 10,000- and can't get any work.I went to the one in Al.

I hope that by the time I finish my training I will be all ready to get to work. I know that work is slow right know, but hopefully I wont be in the out of work list that long. Thank you for the encouragement!

steveorinick@gmail.com in Waymart, Pennsylvania said: you should do ok ,.I went to that school spent 10,000- and can't get any work.I went to the one in Al.

I went to heavy equipment school and by GOD's grace I landed a job after looing for about 2-3 monsth. Here's something that the LORD helped me with: I obtain my CDL thruogh a school bus company and I can drive the haul eqpt. This alots me a foot in the door and a back up plan....p/s JESUS is coming back better get ready for that also!!!!!!!

I am seriously looking at the heavy equipment school is Stockton,Ca. for training and on to crane operator. Any feedback on this school and what is the outlook on employment after
graduating. Any info or advice is greatly appreciated. Happy New Year.

Jabotee,I don't know any thing about Stocton,Ca. But I do know the LORD. I also know that it was the LORD that made away for me to go to HEO school in VIRGINIA(ATS). Unfortunatly, I could not afford the 9wks, so I took the 3wks instead. Mind you GOD had already blessed me with my CDL. If I could give advice, it would be, find out who JESUS really is and let Him guide you. If the LORD is opening that door for you, walk through that door trusting HIM for your future. This can only be done through a personal relationship with the Savior. P/S. HE will never foresake you. For more personal imformation I can be reached at sandarr@cavtel.net..Dee! Happy New Year!!!!

Have Thy Tools Ready, And God Will Find Thee Work.

Call me Charlie in Louisville, Kentucky said: I have a question. Why does a woman desire such a job? Men are not particularly drawn to childcare jobs or as flower arrangers or as housemaids. Why does a woman want a job that she admits is a male-dominated trade? Is it just the old Freudian penis envy?

Politically correct or not it just doesn't make sense to me. I am not saying a woman is incapable of doing the work, it just seems she would want a job that utilizes her feminine traits and instincts instead of her masculine traits.

Can anyone deny that shoving tons of dirt around with a huge machine is not exactly something that would appeal to a normal woman or has the distinction between the genders been erased?

Take someone like Condy Rice. She is a woman who holds one of the most influential jobs on the planet yet she maintains her feminine dignity and gets tremendous respect from world leaders all the way down to an old fellow like me. Why does a woman choses to act like a man is what I am basically asking?

If the men keep making the babies and run off and get these great paying jobs, then leave the mother of these babies for a younger sexier version, then the mother of the babies better be able to get the money makin' jobs too. Sooner the the baby makin' runaways if you ask me!!!!!!!

Crystal, you've asked a very fair question. I do believe that the answer lies within the Word of GOD. But people don't want ot hear of absulutes. Nor do they want the truth, because it's not policically correct(neither is my spelling but you get the point!). It all goes bak to the Garden of Eden. I'll stop here cause I know I've lost your attention. I'll quickly say this, if you want to know how to operate and maintain a front end loader, you don't ask a school crossing gaurd. Yuo'd do better if you went to school(for training) or back to the creator of loader....the manufacturer (you get the point!?) For more information contact me at sandar@cavtel.net for the truth.

Dee in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania said: Crystal, you've asked a very fair question. I do believe that the answer lies within the Word of GOD. But people don't want ot hear of absulutes. Nor do they want the truth, because it's not policically correct(neither is my spelling but you get the point!). It all goes bak to the Garden of Eden. I'll stop here cause I know I've lost your attention. I'll quickly say this, if you want to know how to operate and maintain a front end loader, you don't ask a school crossing gaurd. Yuo'd do better if you went to school(for training) or back to the creator of loader....the manufacturer (you get the point!?) For more information contact me at sandar@cavtel.net for the truth.

Uh, What?

hey I am attending the ATS school for heavy equipment operateing i was
just wondering if anybody had any info. or feed back on this school
before i invest alot of time and money in to it.
thanx

Strange how my comments about the nahets school disapeared. save your money and find someone that will take you in and train you from the ground up.

matt in Supply, North Carolina said: hey I am attending the ATS school for heavy equipment operateing i was
just wondering if anybody had any info. or feed back on this school
before i invest alot of time and money in to it.
thanx

Hey Matt, your probably in ATS already. My pc was down due verizon(terrible service). ATS was a good school.Instructors were reall folks, down to earth. Good hands on training but lets deal with the real world!! ATS WILL PROVIDE JOB LEADS THAT WORK. You must be VERY GOOD at what learn. Be very patient and able to relocate when your training is completed. PS, look into getting your CDL to really get you hired. Remember, many of us will start as a laborer shevoling crap till u getur feet wet. I praise GOD, had a CDL and was multi-task functional(i could drive a dump truck!)To GOD be the glory!!!!

Any one there suggest a heavy equip vocational school for an out doorsy girl?

Many schools out there. Visit each, discuss options. Make a choice. Or take the 10 year method of hard knocks

John in Pewaukee, Wisconsin said: Many schools out there. Visit each, discuss options. Make a choice. Or take the 10 year method of hard knocks

Kim, I worked for a two man operation that grew to a 75 man operation. We had pans, draglines, d-8s 966s, 980s, 7 dumps trucks, all came from the hard knocks school. We had fun but never made "real"money. Was harder work back thenLate 70s, no airconditioning etc. All of out big stuff were Cats, Kumatso had just come to the USA. The EPA was non exsistant(well vertually non excistant)
A good company, good folks its a great living. Many are not the rough and tumble as they were years ago.!! Just like trucking industry(whew, that was different)
wish you the best! Dan in Duluth GA

John in Pewaukee, Wisconsin said: Many schools out there. Visit each, discuss options. Make a choice. Or take the 10 year method of hard knocks

Hi John, I think you might want to be careful of other peoples opions(enclude mine). Not everything works 4 everybody. To the point if I may. If you don't like dirt, stay away. depending on your climate yhis career could break you. We don't work Dec-april in philly. The unions are tight and nearly imposible to join. A cdl is very helpful. Follow your local paper for a few weeks and see what is in demand. Ask GOD for help.

attended the ATS school in Victorville California..
I checked out a bunch of different schools and found ATS was much cheaper. I figured since they had been around since like the 60's that they would have a better idea about what they were doing.. And I was right! Plus, ATS didnt feed me all the bull**** lines like some others did.. I went through the 6 week program and I learned a TON.. I literally had a job the day I walked out the door. I started at the company I'm at not the following Monday making $21.50 an hr. I got my first shot in a loader 2 weeks after I was hired and now I run it ALL! On top of that, the company I work for just sent 3 guys to the ATS school to get trained on graders..

Bottom line.. I'm GLAD I went to ATS.. It was the best thing I ever did!
Be careful though because some of the smaller schools with say just about ANYTHING to get you to come there.. ATS was very honest with me and never made me feel pressured..

Jabotee in Sacramento, California said: I am seriously looking at the heavy equipment school is Stockton,Ca. for training and on to crane operator. Any feedback on this school and what is the outlook on employment after
graduating. Any info or advice is greatly appreciated. Happy New Year.

hi i am an admission rep @ the school in stockton caliofrnia/ if you really would like to get a beeter understanding of what we offer here please contact me at 209-242-5411. My name is Ansel Cliatt. You can also contact me email at anselc@ccc-north.com. I would love to possibly set up a tour for you to come out an view our campus.

kim in Duluth, Georgia said: Any one there suggest a heavy equip vocational school for an out doorsy girl?

Georgia College of Construction

do you guys think this school would be a good school to go train at www.cit-la.com/index.html.any and all comments welcome.thank you for your thoughts thank you..

have you lookeed into The Southern California College of Construction. Go to ccc-south.com.

As in any proffesion, it is exciting however will eventually be repetative, but it is a very rewarding endeavor!
It is rewarding in the fact that you can see the progress, be it a building or drains, pipes etc.If with a good outfit, great commeradery and "esprit d corps"

The bottom line on all the schools is. We train you to pass the test so you can get your license or certificate to learn.
Thats it. You now have the license, so go out there and find somebody that will give you the opportunity to learn.

If you are interested in talking to women in various construction trades contact some of the California Chapters of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC). They'll be able to talk to you about careers in the construction industry. You'll find a listing of some of the California chapters on their website www.nawicregion10.org. Best of luck!

Yuliana Z in Sacramento, California said: At this moment I'm taking a training as an operator, and I just want some advice on how does a female stand in a male-dominated trade? What are some things that I should be aware of? To better prepared me once I join the working labor force.

What training are you taking?I would like to do some kind of construction job, How would I go about it.I'm a chick too