Heavy Equipment apprentice Shane Knight is exactly where he is supposed to be. After ending his training at OETIO Morrisburg at the end of last year, he is now embarking on life as a Union Operating Engineer.
He said, “I found out about the school through my dad and my brother. I wanted to get into the trades because I couldn’t see myself in college or doing a desk job. I like to be hands-on.”
He certainly got his wish in Morrisburg. The Heavy Equipment program allows apprentices to spend 12 weeks getting to grips with three different machines – dozer, excavator and tractor-loader-backhoe.
With the opportunity to spend so much time at the controls, Shane says his operating skills advanced rapidly.
“The experience was intimidating at first, but as I got comfortable and met lots of good guys, it became a lot better.”
And his advice for anyone thinking of becoming a Local 793 Operating Engineer?
“I would say to someone who is thinking about joining the Union to be ready to work hard and learn lots. You can’t come into it thinking you know everything, or that it will be easy.