How do I find a reputable school? Are there any?

Yes there are good schools out there. Like everything else you have bad apples out there. When thinking of a school, go talk some student taking the class. You could have 12 students per instructor, but if you have good instuctors they can teach everyone who is open to learning!

 

I've been researching ATS (Associated Training Services). They offer heavy equipment training and diesel training. They also have accreditation and certification through the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER).
They have schools in WS, FL, OH, NH, VA, SC, CO, CA and TX.
Has anyone ever heard of them or reasearched them??

 

OK please tell us what WS is? thanks

 

sorry meant WI
FORGIVE ME !!

 

OK cool. thats what I thought. ATS is the equipment arm of DDS in Sun Prairie Wi. Its probably the same quickie school as DDS is for CDL.
You want to operate, get a laborer job with a contracter.
Yea, you'll have to push a wheel barrow and stuff. Sorta earn your stipes.
Tell them from day one your goal is to be a operator.
Maybe, if you are a good grunt, they will yeach you how to skin a cat(operate a dozer) or a hoe.
There are operators unions in many metro areas. You get into one of these and your fate is sealed. You can pretty much move around at will and work, as long as they're still building stuff.