Top 7 Ways to Gain Experience in Earthmoving and Civil Construction

Nov 26
14:17

2015

Shaon Hossain Opu

Shaon Hossain Opu

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Earthmoving, civil construction jobs require aptitude, interest, skill and training. The most important factor is to gain proper experience and expertise.

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Earthmoving and Civil Construction jobs are not just a matter of learning by trial and error or through class-room,Top 7 Ways to Gain Experience in Earthmoving and Civil Construction Articles bookish learning. Many youngsters assume that if one knows how to operate an automobile or any other vehicle, one could easily operate earthmoving equipment as well. However, the reality is quite different. These are specialized vehicles and pieces of heavy equipment that need extensive skill and experience before a person can begin to operate it without endangering their own safety, the safety of others and goods and property around. Hence, most employers in earthmoving and civil construction companies prefer to select candidates who have experience in this specific field.

Why You Need Experience

The civil construction industry is one where people are called upon to build almost anything, ranging from roads/multi-lane highways, bridges, large or small buildings, dig wells, clear land, construct drainage and sewage systems, build water storage reservoirs and dams, earth/water/air transport related constructions, apartments or condominiums, etc. Repairs to roads and buildings caused by earthquakes, floods, fire etc are also part of this job description. Earthmoving specialists must be well-versed with land clearing in mountainous areas, swamps, forests, deserts, etc.

Top 7 ways to Gain Experience

1. Apprenticeship: Once you have completed the technical educational qualifications required for the construction industry, or training and licensing procedures for operating earthmoving equipment, you can become apprenticed to a large vendor or company. This would help people to get an in-depth knowledge of the different aspects of the job and the types of jobs available. Apart from this, an older more experienced mentor can guide you safely and comfortably into operation of machinery, etc.

2. Make Yourself Employable: Apart from the basic skills in earthmoving and civil construction that you would have gained in school/college/training organization, pick up as many useful licenses and trades certificates as you can. For instance, you could train in operating smaller heavy equipments like road-rollers or loaders and add these to your CV when you apply for a job.

3. Register with labor hire companies: This is useful because you could land jobs in small projects that would help you gain experience. SMEs (small medium enterprises) are a good option rather than a large corporation initially.

4. Join Training Facilities That Offer Site Training: Ensure that you get your initial certification from a training school/college that offers real on-site training or a sandwich year in industry rather than mere class-room learning

5. Look for Earn and Learn Programs: These educational programs may also have additional short-term courses that help to fill the skill gap in the industry. They provide valuable experiential learning, so be enthusiastic and prepared to take on a variety of jobs related to the industry.

6. Volunteering or Shadowing a Professional: Take up small projects in volunteering abroad for instance in house-building or road-construction. You can also work shadow an industry professional and gain valuable experience.

7. Non-construction Industry Work: Surprisingly, many industry professionals prefer candidates with a more rounded CV that displays a breadth of experience in different fields as well. Working in different jobs gives the opportunity to pick up skills like team-working, leadership, communication skills etc which are all important areas of experience.

FAQ

 Q: Why is experience important in the industry?

 A: Since civil construction/earthmoving projects impact the safety of operators, users, goods, property and endanger the lives of hundreds of end-users, besides damaging the business and reputation of the company, experienced candidates are preferred.

 Q: How much experience do I need?

 A: In general, six months' relevant experience is what most employers look for, though it could    vary from company to company. How you present your skill-sets is important.