Today, contractors are challenged with a growing shortage of skilled and confident operators on underground construction jobs. And the industry shows no signs of slowing down as the fiber build-out across North America progresses and utility rehabilitation efforts grow, so novice operators are entering the market at an unprecedented rate to fill the workforce gap.
Furthermore, vacuum excavators continue to expand use beyond horizontal directional drilling cleanup projects to other applications like microtrenching and damage prevention on fiber installation and gas line rehabilitation projects. Combined, these industry challenges require contractors to provide both novice and experienced operators with new information, technology and tools to maintain safety and productivity on today’s diverse job sites.
To keep up with technology advancements and evolving market demands, Ditch Witch expanded its certified training program to offer a new comprehensive vacuum excavation curriculum. The latest training program provides operators best practices for machine operation, safety procedures, tooling selection and advanced equipment controls. It helps operators understand various machine uses and the importance of each, such as potholing for damage prevention, hydroexcavation and air excavation.
Training options
Similar to the HDD program, the expanded vacuum excavation-training curriculum is offered online so participants can complete the entire program digitally at their convenience – anytime, anywhere from a computer or smart tablet. In addition to online courses, crews also have the option to work with a local Ditch Witch dealer to participate in instructor-led, classroom-style courses, hands-on training with the equipment at a dealer site or receive training directly on an actual job site.
“The online curriculum includes three vacuum excavation training modules ranging from two to three hours for completion, but they can all be taken at each individual’s convenience and repeat as many times as needed,” says Greg Wolfe, Ditch Witch director of training. “The goal of the online program is to provide participants with a full understanding and operational overview of vacuum excavators, how to use the machines for damage prevention and its importance, and background on the various machine tools and nozzles, how they are used and the benefits of each.”
As a case-in-point, Ditch Witch has partnered with Accu-Bore for years, providing equipment, service, support and training to many of their crews as they prepare for new job sites and learn new technologies.
“Since our company’s inception, the Ditch Witch organization helps us stay ahead of industry trends and advanced equipment technologies,” says Mike Robirds, Accu-Bore president. “Through comprehensive training from the manufacturer of the equipment we use, we’re much more confident in new operators’ abilities to confidently, safely and effectively utilize a range of vacuum excavators and directional drills on real job sites.”
Ditch Witch, a Charles Machine Works Company, designs, manufactures and markets a complete line of directional drills; drill pipe; HDD tooling; vacuum excavators; trenchers, chain, teeth and sprockets; mini skid-steers; and vibratory plows. Handcrafted in the USA, its products are supported by the Ditch Witch dealer network with over 175 locations worldwide.
800-654-6481 | info@ditchwitch.com | www.ditchwitch.com
