Hello everyone. I am 33 yrs old and have quite a variety of skills. Auto, and Industrial mechanics, Carpentry, Flooring, Electrical, and roofing to name a few. I have been interested in becoming a heavy equipment operator for quite some time now and have sent a lot of e-mails and made many phone calls trying to find out how to break into this profession. I grew up working on a large farm doing field work and such. I know that doesn't count for experience; but I would think it would help. I'm from a small town in West Central Wisconsin. I used to subcontract a lot of construction work but went back to industrial work for the benefits and did construciton on the side until the bottom dropped out. I've been laid off for about 5 months now too. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I really want to become an Operator. I am willing to relocate anywhere and do any type of schooling needed. I'm single with no kids so I am very versatile there. I would prefer to find a Union apprenticeship but wouldn't turn down a good opportunity either. Im having a really hard time making the right contacts with people. I could use some advice on the right people and companies to talk to. A friend of mine who is a Union Laborer told me I should try a school. One I found was ATS but it's 13k for 11 weeks. What are your opinions on this. I am even trying to find strip mining jobs out west that would possibly pick me up as an apprentice. I'm sure this thread has been done many times but I could really use some insight and some friends in this field that could give me a heads up and advice. Like I said, I'll go anywhere in the country and would actually enjoy the traveling. Thanks for your thaughts.
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