It’s that time of year again when Manitobans switch out their summer tires for their winter ones and pull out their parkas in anticipation of the colder weather. If you enjoy all things winter, Canada is the ideal country to call home. For more than six months per year, it is estimated that 65% of the country’s land has consistent snow cover. It is no surprise then, that many Canadian industries thrive when the weather turns cold. For instance, Canada boasts a billion-dollar ski industry as well as more niche events like the World Pond Hockey Championships in Plaster Rock, New Brunswick.
But snow activities aren’t the only industries that ramp up when temperatures drop. Heavy Equipment Operator jobs also see a rise in demand during the colder months, particularly because of the crucial need for snow removal. To keep communities functioning on a day-to-day basis, it’s essential that roadways, back lanes, sidewalks, and parking lots are cleared after each and every snowfall.
As stated by the City of Winnipeg website, there are: 7,200 km of roadways, 3,000 km of sidewalks and pathways, and 930 km of back lanes that all need to be cleared after it snows. Furthermore, the average city-wide snow-clearing operation requires approximately 300 pieces of heavy equipment (and even more operators) to ensure efficient and thorough snow removal.
That being said, it’s not just City of Winnipeg-specific work that is affected by the winter season. Many independent contractors are also hired to clear private properties, with a large majority of these jobs focused on parking lot snow removal. As demand for snow clearing grows, so does the need for qualified heavy equipment operators to keep the city running smoothly.
According to Caterpillar©, the ideal pieces of heavy equipment for snow removal jobs are: Skid Steers, Wheel Loaders, Backhoe Loaders, and Motor Graders—machines that work in conjunction to ensure that streets and properties stay clear and safe.
If you’re looking to get involved in this critical work, you’re in luck. OETIM courses feature training on all of these popular snow removal machines. With the right skills and certification, you can start your new career today! For more information on how to get started, visit our courses page.
Author: Bailey Jablonski Armstrong
