Heavy Equipment Operator Apprenticeship Online Preparation – 2024

 

The heavy equipment operator apprenticeship allows students, graduates, and job seekers a chance to learn while still making money. The job requires the apprentices to maintain, repair, and maneuvre heavy machinery while ensuring they follow proper safety measures. In addition, the apprentices will have the chance to calculate weights and analyse blueprints while transporting materials, building and installing constructions, paving roads, and more. For those who enjoy working outdoors, this is a great option.

 

What is the Heavy Equipment Operator Apprenticeship Testing?

Since heavy equipment operators and apprentices work with equipment such as bulldozers, graders, hoists, cranes, backhoes, excavators, and forklifts, the requirements to get one of the limited places in the program are more rigorous than they might be for other internship or apprenticeship options.

The main difference between the aptitude tests required and those taken for other positions is in the difficulty level and subject matter. Math skills and mechanical reasoning are stressed heavily in the testing because of the type of work.

 

What to Expect on the Tests?

The apprenticeship applicants are required to take three subject tests before they have a chance to be involved in the program. These tests are mechanical reasoning, reading comprehension, and numerical reasoning.

The mechanical test assesses basic aptitude for working with mechanical engineering and the concepts associated with it. It may also assess knowledge of safety needs for the various procedures included. The numerical test is much more advanced than most numerical tests, and it requires not just understanding of numeracy and arithmetic, but also an ability to do basic and intermediate algebra, geometry, conversions, and word problems.

Canada uses the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT) assessment. It has five clusters, each of which pertains to a different set of trains. The Heavy Equipment Operator belongs to the third cluster. The tests in the States may vary by the state offering it, but the Bennet Mechanical Comprehension test is a popular mechanical reasoning test with employers. Regardless of the test, the content should be relatively similar between states, particular if the apprenticeship is obtained through the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE).

Many times, those looking for apprenticeships in these locations will go through the IUOE since they represent operating and stationary engineers and run a well-known apprenticeship program using union-negotiated agreements with employers to place the selected applicants.

 

Conclusion

Preparation for the apprenticeship tests should be treated like any other pre-employment aptitude exam would be. Practice and prepare properly and brush up on any algebra or geometry skills that might be a little weak or out of use. It is very likely those skills will be necessary. The key to success is proper preparation and solid practising habits when studying for the tests. If you can do that, you should pass with flying colours.