The Heavy Equipment Operator program at OETIM Inc. features a diverse group of students. Classes include students of all walks of life and further to this point, different cultural backgrounds, races, and ages. Prior to attending the course, some students have many years of experience in the construction industry and sometimes students have minimal experience. But when a student has motivation and drive, it makes up for that inexperience. The latter of the category best applies to recent graduate, Travis Robertson.
As an only child growing up just north of Winnipeg in Lockport, Manitoba, Travis learned to be independent at a young age. Throughout his childhood, he developed a love for hockey and grew up playing the sport. As such, it is not surprising that his first job was driving a Zamboni for the local hockey rink. Following this, he worked for a construction company building pig barns in Carlyle, Saskatchewan. It was at this job where he was first introduced to heavy equipment operators and the thought of pursuing the trade as a career.
Through research, Travis came across the Heavy Equipment Operator program at OETIM. He describes it as “a pretty quick process,” and in no time at all, Travis was enrolled in the January 2022 course.
Like many of the other students, Travis was excited to get into the seats of the equipment and begin operating the machines. When asked what his favourite machines were, Travis said the loader and the rock truck were the most enjoyable for him. He remarked that he really liked “being in the cab of the big machines”. Other than operating, what really contributed to his positive experience in the training course was the instructor’s teachings. “If you don’t understand something, the instructors would help us. They would show us tips and tricks on what you needed to do. They make sure you’ve got it and then they leave you alone to test what you’ve learned”. He remarks that they always leave you to continue your work with a thumbs up or high five. He explained that the OETIM Inc. environment is very supportive and this is because the instructors, staff, and fellow students work together to ensure each student learns and grows. It is this collaborative effort that fosters individual success by graduation day.
Travis graduated in early 2022 and since March has been working in Manitoba’s construction industry operating a mini excavator and bobcat. We wish Travis luck as he continues his career as a heavy equipment operator!
Author: Bailey Jablonski Armstrong
