More heavy equipment technicians needed
The Associated Equipment Distributors Foundation released a workforce study in January which estimates that the U.S. heavy equipment distribution industry loses at least $2.4 billion each year as a result of dealers’ inability to find and retain technically skilled workers. Crane Industry Services, in partnership with West Georgia Technical has the ability to train, qualify and certify personnel, using NCCER curriculum. Hands on training and classroom is available at the West Georgia campus, locations in the NE and at customer sites.
Among the skills qualified equipment technicians possess are knowledge of diesel equipment technology, electric/electronics, and hydraulics/hydrostatics.
According to Steven Johnson, VP Foundation Operations for AED, before moving onto 2-year college programs, high school graduates should lay the groundwork with courses in advanced mathematics, sciences, including physics, writing, and speech.
“Construction equipment technology is highly complex and sophisticated and diesel programs are not all alike,” says Johnson. “On-highway diesel truck programs are not sufficient.” AED accredits construction equipment technology programs at nearly 30 colleges in North America and many more are in progress. AED accreditation for such programs include six key subject clusters: diesel engines, hydraulics/hydrostatics, electric/electronics, power trains, A/C & heating, and safety/administration. Learn more at AED Foundation.
