Is This Job Right For You?

Sometimes, you get into a career field and find out it takes abilities you struggle with. One great way to see what’s involved with a type of job is O*NET OnLine. This is a tool for career exploration and job analysis, and it’s a good place to see what a job will actually be like before you start training.

For instance, a search for heavy equipment operator results in a big list of possible matches, with the top item being Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators. The summary report has different sections in short bullet lists:

• Tasks like “coordinate machine actions with other activities, positioning or moving loads in response to hand or audio signals from crew members.”
• Tools & Technology like probable machinery and software used.
• Knowledge like building, construction, and mechanical information.
• Skills like controlling, monitoring, and troubleshooting equipment.
• Abilities like multilimb coordination, manual dexterity, problem sensitivity, and reaction time.
• Work Activities like operating equipment, getting information, communication, and problem solving.
• Work Context like being outdoors, wearing safety gear, whole body vibrations, and noise.
• and more

It’s a good way to see a little bit more about the details of different kinds of jobs, and most job descriptions don’t really get into skills and abilities in quite the same way. There are many kinds of jobs listed on the site, with similar information. Once you have explored a bit, you’ll notice that many of the heavy equipment operating jobs mention training. This is because most employers want a certain level of knowledge backed up with certification for insurance reasons.

One of the best places to get the training you’ll need is ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Training School. You’ll get the foundational preparation you need for any job involving heavy equipment, and you’ll get help finding a job, too.