Not all infrastructure construction projects are the same. Here is a look at how there are many kinds of infrastructure projects and as the federal money becomes available for these projects, what you can expect to see in demand and what kind of jobs will become available.

• Bridges
• Roads
• Airports
• Mass Transit
• Water Supply Projects
• Power Plants and Power Generation
• Waste Management Facilities
• Hazardous Waste Facilities and Removal
• Telecommunications

Construction companies will need knowledgeable, trained workers who can operate heavy equipment, cranes, and hand tools. There will be a need for carpenters, steelworkers, roofers, electricians, painters, and plumbers.

We offer an extensive variety of training programs for those interested in a career in the construction industry. We offer CDL training, heavy equipment operator training, training for being a signalperson or rigger, crane operator training, and more. To learn more about the different educational programs we offer for construction workers, call us today. Financial assistance is available.

There have been major changes in the hotel construction process. These changes are because of changing demands of both hotel owners and operators as well as hotel guests. Regardless of whether the construction project is a new construction, a gut renovation, or an expansion, these changes are here to stay. Here are a few of the current popular trends in hotel construction.

• The 2030 challenge – Which is the American Institute of Architects 2030 Challenge has the aim of limiting or minimizing damage caused when there is a construction project.
• Sustainability – Build sustainability, so it will last longer and minimize waste and use.
• Seco-Friendly – Share your sustainability story by constructing around eco-friendly experiences and environmental initiatives while using eco-friendly products when possible.
• Modular Developments – Modular developments are not as limited anymore, and now, they help push the boundaries further and are used in top-end developments.
• Planning For Longer Construction Times – Delays are happening. There are supply chain shortages and it is taking longer to get what you need to do the job, so figure in that extra time when giving an estimate for project completion.
• Use Local Sourcing – Try to get as many materials and things as you can locally, so you limit the travel time and limit the carbon footprint as well.
• Know Where Materials Come From – Know where the materials are coming from, so you can figure out how long it will take to get them. Also, know if they are in stock or on backorder.

These trends have become part of the norm in the construction industry. What was once predictable is no longer as predictable, and you never know what challenges may be thrown your way, so plan ahead.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey, the construction industry had more than 375,000 job openings during July. A job opening is any unfilled position for which an employer is actively recruiting. According to the data, job openings in the construction industry increased by 22,000 during July and they are up 38,000 over the numbers for July 2021. That is a significant change in a year.

Also, during July, total construction starts rose 48 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1.36 trillion, according to the Dodge Construction Network. The significant gain is because of the start of three large manufacturing plants and two LNG export facilities. But without those large projects, the total percentage of starts would have still increased by seven percent. Construction starts for nonresidential projects were up 79 percent in July, while nonbuilding starts jumped 120 percent.

This means that the demand for construction workers is not slowing down. If you are looking for a good career where there is job security, choosing a career in the construction industry may be the best move you could make in days of uncertainty. Many career fields see fluctuations or significant changes, but that is not the case with construction.

Associated Training Services offers a variety of programs that allows individuals to train for different roles in the construction industry. We also partner with companies to help them get trained employees to fill their job openings. Call us today to learn more about ATS and how we can help you.

The chief economist for Realtor.com has said that she expects home sales to hit a 16-year high this year. She said that she expects a record year for homebuyers, and trends show that competition is continuing to stay strong with demand outnumbering the available units.

According to Forbes, housing inventory is picking up at a record pace. For the third month in a row, listings increased with July listings up 30.7 percent. While buyers had more options when it came to buying, the competition remained in the sellers’ favor, according to experts.

While the U.S. housing market is growing toward a more level supply versus demand total, there is still a strong demand for more housing units. That means that the construction industry will remain in demand in the residential construction realm.

With a need for residential construction projects, there remains a strong need for skilled laborers and equipment operators in the construction industry. If you are looking for a new career with strong job opportunities, training as a heavy equipment operator or learning the different skill sets for a construction worker can be a real asset to your future.

Associated Training Services is a veteran-friendly school that is accredited and accepts GI bill funds to help you advance your career. Call us today at (800) 383-7364 to learn how we can help you take your career to the next level.

Senate passed President Biden’s historic $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure plan and the bill has been sent to the House for discussion and a vote. These funds focus on various infrastructure efforts and include $550 billion in new spending with the remaining funds coming from unspent coronavirus relief funds that have already been approved. 

The infrastructure bill offers funds for numerous projects, including $303.5 billion spread across five years for federal highway projects; $40 billion in dedicated resources for bridge rehabilitation, replacement, and repairs; $118 billion to take the Highway Trust Fund out of the general fund of the Treasury; $55 billion for water projects; and funds for passenger and freight rail, rebuilding the electric grid, expansion of broadband internet access, modernization and expansion of transit systems, and building a national network of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.

Will This Help The Construction Industry?

Since the infrastructure bill funds various infrastructure projects, it could increase construction spending by at least two percent while also driving the volumes and prices for aggregates and cement to higher levels. There has been continued demand for single-housing families, especially since housing inventory is already low. With steady infrastructure spending and continuing lower interest rates, there is continued strength in the construction industry for residential projects.

With a greater demand for residential construction than additional funds for infrastructure, then there will be greater demand for construction workers to take on the projects. There will be an increasing need for skilled and trained heavy equipment operators and workers to handle all the different construction roles. With the additional funding for construction, then the demand for construction workers will increase.

Operators:

Industrial rigging, as well as dismantling operations, necessitate the use of at least one, if not many, pieces of heavy equipment, such as cranes, forklifts, aerial lifts, and other similar equipment. It’s not easy to operate heavy machinery. If your workers aren’t properly educated, it can cause a slew of issues for your task and company. This is why accredited safety training for heavy machinery operators is so critical before beginning the job.

Many heavy machinery operator schools provide training and skills that allow applicants to become certified by one or more nationally-recognized professional associations. Heavy machinery operators are not required to be licensed or accredited in all states. In addition, not all forms of equipment need licensing or certification to work in those areas that do. So, what is the significance of professional certification?

Some states do not mandate the licensing and/or certification of heavy equipment operators.

While not all states mandate heavy machinery operators to be licensed or certified, many do. Although precise criteria differ by jurisdiction, many states recognize technical association certification as either a prerequisite for licensing or as appropriate enough on its own to run some heavy machinery within their boundaries.

Training for Heavy Equipment

Heavy equipment operator courses provide instruction in a range of equipment styles, enabling participants to broaden their versatility and experience on the job, which is appealing to employers. The following are some examples of machinery that students can practice to operate:

• Backhoes
• Rough Terrain Forklifts
• Road Graders
• Excavators
• Inspection and maintenance of equipment
• Dump Truck
• Bulldozers

Pay and Benefits:

A high school degree or GED is usually all that is needed to be accepted into a heavy machinery operator training program. Graduate students of the program discover that their salary as a heavy machinery operator much exceeds their former regular paycheck life.

National averages and real earnings can differ depending on the job and position. Many operators with the complexity and range of experience and skills learned from a heavy machinery operator training program, on the other hand, would discover themselves attracting higher demand and earn higher salaries than their rivals.

Additionally, certain companies will reimburse their employees for heavy machinery schools’ job education and training programs. Aside from the decent pay and benefits, the job is demanding and provides the satisfaction of seeing the tangible effects of one’s labor.

Safety:

If an accident occurs on the construction site as a result of insufficient preparation, it may greatly increase the project’s total expense. Mishaps may cause machinery to break down, necessitating the procurement of repair parts or, in the worst-case scenario, a completely new piece of equipment. Operators who have received rigorous instruction know how to prevent these mishaps and properly find Used Heavy Equip for Sale. They also learn how to best maintain the machinery so that it can be kept up and running on a daily basis with minimal maintenance.

Most heavy equipment jobs require some degree of travel. For most, regardless of the accommodations, hotels and restaurant food; living out of a duffel bag gets old. When you are putting in long hours on a job, a clean bed with easy access to food and bathroom facilities makes the work much more enjoyable. Living conditions can create relaxing or miserable work conditions, especially in the more remote areas. Fortunately, RVs can provide a great way to make a work camp feel like home. Here are some of those ways.

The Comforts of Home

Unlike a hotel room or other nightly accommodations, an RV allows a lot more comfortable. Not only do you have your own bathroom facilities, but you can also bring easily bring and make your favorite foods and entertainment. There are many different types of RVs depending on what you want to live in, which makes them flexible for any setting. From self-contained, individual trailers, to large bunkhouses with residential amenities, the options are endless. Many crews find RV living incorporates well with the demands of the job.

The interior floor plans are also greatly variable. For those who enjoy cooking, there are full-scale kitchens with a microwave, stove, oven, and full-sized fridge so any meal is possible, regardless of where you end up for the night. Or if you want higher-end entertainment facilities, a full walk-in shower, or separate bedroom spaces, there are RV floor plans that can accommodate those needs. This can go a long way toward making the RV ideal accommodation for work camp positions.

One big feature of many RVs to provide a more home-like feeling is a washer and dryer. Being away from home for extended periods will inevitably result in the accumulation of laundry. While laundromats are common and hotels often have washing facilities, having the capability to do it in the RV can make a huge difference.

Efficiency and Consistency

For both workers and employers, having an efficient and consistent work camp makes a huge difference on the job. Since, RVs can be easily modified, adapted, and decorated to suit your needs, they make an easy to set up a work community wherever they are needed. If a worker owns the RV, they can do whatever modifications necessary to make it homier. Many employers are choosing RVs as an investment in comfort and convenience. The great part is it all comes with you when you need to move to another location.

Another alternative is to rent an RV at the location the work is taking place. This is efficient because you save travel costs and maintenance and repairs that are involved with RV ownership. So, you can set up a temporary work camp and return the RVs when everything is done.

Having a consistent home base makes for a pleasant and enjoyable community feel to a work camp, which is hard to match.

Safety and Security With RVs

Being able to choose where to set up a mobile work camp can have a big effect on how comfortable it feels. Places to park can vary greatly by location and can range from basic remote locations with no amenities to high-end resorts with pools, spas, and other fancy features. Often it works better to set up somewhere remote, or right at the job site. This can allow you to tailor the overall experience to your needs. This also serves dual purposes for safety and security. Sometimes, depending on the job, leaving your personal belongings for the day can be risky, in the same way, thefts from unsupervised work sites are also common, combining the two into one location minimizes the risk and simplifies the process.

This way everyone starts the day, refreshed from a comfortable night’s sleep with their favorite breakfast on hand. And they can end the day, by firing up the BBQ and enjoying what is left of the evening. For the purpose of setting up a work camp, RVs are a great way to make the experience homier and more comfortable for everyone.

Many people think heavy equipment operators do one thing – and that is operate heavy equipment. But a heavy equipment operator must do much more. In order to do his or her job properly, he or she must be able to do grade reading and site layout.

Grade reading is very important because the ground will not be the same as it was when you started working on it when you get finished with the job. The site layout is important because you might think your machine or heavy equipment will fit into an area so you can do the job, but it doesn’t fit there. You must be ready to come up with an alternative plan so you can still get the job done as it needs to be done.

The Proper Training For Operators

If you plan on operating heavy equipment, you must undergo extensive training. That training should include much more than just learning to operate the machine. If your goal is a career as a heavy equipment operator, you need to learn all the extra information that is required to do your job efficiently and effectively.

Construction Grade Reading

Architects indicate elevations for grades on a site plan by establishing an existing reference point that should remain undisturbed during the construction process. This reference point is called the benchmark. The benchmark might be a steel stake in the ground or a sidewalk. All other elevations are calculated in relation to the benchmark.

For construction workers to find this information helpful, the decimal is usually converted to inches from 1/100s of a foot. Subtract the elevation that is being sought from the elevation of the benchmark. Negative values indicate that the elevation is higher than the benchmark. For example, if you have a benchmark at 100 feet and the grade elevation is set at 101.50, the difference would be -1.50 which makes the elevation one-and-a-half feet above the benchmark.

Heavy Equipment Training

If you are looking for a career as a heavy equipment operator, Associated Training Services (ATS) offers complete training that includes:

• Machine operation
• Grade reading
• Site layouts
• Safety procedures
• Heavy equipment maintenance
• Soil identification
• Laser levels
• And more

Call us today to learn about our programs.

Snow removal can be a lucrative business during the winter months. Many landscaping and construction companies offer snow removal services to keep the cash coming in and employees working during the off-season when construction slowdowns occur. Snow can present hazards that are very different than those encountered on the traditional construction site.

Safety should be a significant concern when you add snow removal to the services offered by your business. Professional snow removal takes much more than just a snow plow. Here are some of the different kinds of heavy equipment used for the snow removal process:

• Heavy-duty snow blades
• Power plows
• Box plows
• Skid steer snow blower
• Oscillating snow push
• Snow plow attachments
• Clamp-on snow blades
• Snowblower attachments
• Graders

Before the snowfall, make sure you have your equipment and trucks ready. You want to make sure your snow plows and trucks are set up for safety. That means you will need to make sure you strobe lights or flashing lights because visibility is lower even in daylight hours when it is snowing. You want to stand out to get noticed when you are driving around in the snow and plowing parking lots.

Make sure all employees have undergone the proper training. Safe drivers are much more likely to take better care of the equipment. You are most likely using the trucks year-round for all kinds of projects, so you don’t want them to be damaged while working in the winter weather and removing snow. Make sure your staff can drive safely in the snow and ice and be sure you put snow tires on your trucks before sending them out.

Remember that even the safest driver can have an accident and there are going to be less-experienced drivers out there in the snow as well. Be sure you have the right insurance coverage for your snow removal operations. Make sure you have bodily injury and property damage liability, collision and comprehensive, uninsured motorists’ bodily injury and property damage, and equipment coverage. Also, check local and state laws regarding operating such a business.

MILWAUKEE, WI. – The former home of the National Basketball Association (NBA) Milwaukee Bucks had its roof demolition on Sunday, January 13. Demolition crews used explosives to take down the facility’s roof. Crews have been slowly taking down the facility piece by piece after it closed during the Summer of 2018. The building was 30 years old. Using explosives called “shape charges,” the structure’s roof came down at about 9:02 a.m.

Crowds braved the cold weather to watch the demolition take place. The Milwaukee Bucks gained control over Bradley Center as part of the agreement that led to the construction of the new $524 million Fiserv Forum, located next door. The seven-acre site is expected to be used for future development by the Bucs around the new arena.

The complete demolition of the Bradley Center is expected to be done by summer. Bucks and Fiserv Forum Chief Communications Officer Barry Baum said in a news release that the removal of the roof structure went as planned, putting the organization a step closer to the complete demolition of the old structure.

While there hasn’t been an official announcement regarding what plans for the site next to the newer building, the Milwaukee Bucks own it. The Bucks officials have said as soon as the demolition is complete inside the arena, they will start working on the inside of the facility.

Herb Pundsack, of Veit and Company, explained that the process was designed to separate the roof from the rest of the structure so the interior demolition can get finished. He said the operation involved setting a couple of shape charges up in the building so it would lower the trusses down to a lower, safer level.

That put the interior lower, so the workers aren’t hanging 100 feet above the ground trying to demolish roof structure. Interior demolition is continuing right away, according to reports.