Learn More; Existing User Sign In. Tony Bokhoven, Vermeer industrial life cycle training manager. Vermeer Kicks HDD Training Into High Gear. It. Due to the strength of several core markets requiring dramatic increases in workforce, the underground utility infrastructure market is desperately seeking new skilled employees, particularly horizontal directional drilling (HDD) operators. HDD work requires a certain level of expertise which can make the difference between profit and loss on a project. With the continued boom in telecommunications plus healthy gas and electric distribution markets, contractors are frantically seeking new personnel. But they are also wrestling with how to train new or inexperienced employees in a compact time frame yet comprehensive manner that can immediately place personnel into productive roles on the HDD jobsite. ![]() Even providing on- the- job training can be extremely difficult with time constraints and inconsistencies in the training curriculum. Clearly, an effective training program for HDD personnel could be extremely valuable to contractors. With those kinds of industry stresses facing not only its customers but the entire HDD market, Vermeer Corporation has developed what they believe is at least the beginning of a training solution. While still growing and evolving, Vermeer personnel are hopeful they. Underground Construction recently spent a day at the second class of the new HDD Circuit Training school, held at Vermeer. His department conceptualized and quickly developed what evolved into HDD Circuit Training. The program is an intensive, two- week HDD operator training program. ![]() But because the training issue has become so acute, Vermeer changed course and developed the HDD Circuit program. For us to come up with something that was not going to circumvent our dealers but work alongside them engaging the customers was a big step for this company. This is not just a factory program. We are walking hand in hand with our dealers. The company has identified that as a big priority. But the reason why this is going to be successful is that everybody understands that it isn. How is this going to affect the industry long- term and what value are we going to give to our customers? We recognized that we have to start creating value beyond yellow iron. Vermeer Customer Training Lead Dan Vroom, who was instrumental in developing the curriculum and addressing the many logistics necessary to launch the program, was left scrambling to find an adequate site for that inaugural class. He secured just enough land behind one of the manufacturing buildings and had to clear and level the area. In talking with us, he said ? How about 1. 1. 5 acres here? When I say this program is supported from the top down, I mean people like Bob, Mary Andringa . The plan is to annually provide four new drills, fresh off the assembly line and complete with assorted support equipment and tooling, for use in the classes. After a year, the drills would most likely either go into the company. The beauty of this program is that we. Here at our site, there is no consequence if they do it wrong. The students have no idea where they utilities go or how deep they are. They have to physically map out where the utilities, then get a vacuum out for confirmation. Vermeer Tech Reach Program Pg&eJohannes Vermeer's 'The Milkmaid,' on view in the U.S.
Vermeer Tech Reach Program CollegeFor example, Digital Control Inc. Classes are already booked through July. We believe that, at least for the time being, if we do more than one class a month, we may be rushing things. We want to make sure that we are prepared for each class and don. We feel like in the short term that is helping us get in front of a few more people that are asking for training. We may consider an advanced class in the future. But the HDD equipment manufacturer is more than willing to match potential employees with contractor openings. We figure the hard costs, minus wages, would probably be around $5,5. When contractors have queried about the program, once I tell them all its encompasses, they don. If we can make their employees more efficient when they return to the job, contractors are money ahead. Then, we have them take a post- training test . The students have to score 8. We give them two chances to pass. We also evaluate them on preselected criteria on a scale of 1- 5. We give then a recommendation or a synopsis of their skill based upon our opinion of how they were as a driller and locator and other variables we check. We supply that report card to their contractor. They can follow up immediately to make sure things are going well. Or we make sure they know how to reach out to us with questions or needs. We provide a lifeline. We recognize that we have to be versatile for the audiences that we train. Part of what we teach them is how to get more value out of your products, and by knowing what can happen and avoiding it. They were confident, they were ready to go. That gives me a sense of security in knowing that they get it. Looking for more information? Vermeer is here to help. Simply complete and submit this form below. Looking to register your used equipment or request a manual?
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