Afternoon All
Longtime lurker, first timer poster. I obtained my class 2 licence a couple of years ago and have been using it on an ad hoc basis, with the exhibition company i work for. However I’ve decided to take the leap into full time driving as i’m the happiest when i’m on the road. I’ve built up a relationship with a local plant hire company and today have received a formal offer of employment from them commencing at the start of September. I couldn’t be happier at the minute, so was looking for some advise and tips and generally tap into the knowledge of you helpful guys on here. Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks Simon
Don’t let the ■■■■■■■■ grind you down would be my advice.
On a serious note congratulations on securing a full time job. You never stop learning. You get out of a driving job what you put into it.
You have your good days and ■■■■ ones. Plenty of useful information on here, you just have to siphen through the bull ■■■■ as well.
Start on a good note with your employer, don’t be a yes man but don’t be militant either, so no to favours they ask of you as many times as you say yes. If not they will take the ■■■■.
Plenty of good eggs on here who will have plenty of advice.
Good luck
Regarding the plant, if you do not know how to use it, then ASK before you leave the yard. Have fun.
Thanks for the advice so far guys. I’m being placed with one of the experienced drivers for 3 weeks. So i can be shown how to operate all of the plant equipment and learn the ropes. The company are also going to put me through trailer and other assorted licences for cherry pickers etc.
S21MDN:
I’m being placed with one of the experienced drivers for 3 weeks. So i can be shown how to operate all of the plant equipment and learn the ropes.
That’s the best bit really, at least they are giving you a decent introduction to it so hopefully you’ll get the basics of it.
It’s a hard dirty job at times, usually when stuff is coming back as it’s never where it should be, caked in crap and bits are falling off or missing or won’t start / run properly and no bugger is interstered in helping you when you collect. It’s a job that you never stop learning, there’s always something new to see or try and it’ll either make or break you.
A couple of bits of advice really, if you start to wonder if an extra strap or chain would be a good idea just put it on rather than second guess it. It’s better on being used than in the toolbox not.
If you come across something new or different, have a fiddle and work it out before trying to load it so that when you do you know where the controls are what does what. Things can go pear shaped quickly and it’s a job that never stops trying to kill you. If someone else loads the machine on and they are not there to unload, you really need to know how to get it off safely so it’s best to ask if they can show you how it works and get them to let you do it so you are confident bout unloading. Learning how is not very clever when you are on a narrow platform 4’ high.
I’ve spent 12 years doing the job, and I’ve seen most things that the construction industry can throw at me but I still get jobs where I don’t know how stuff works. Usually when I get to move a tractor, new ones are complex thing and making them move is a task in itself, old ones have lots of levers with worn labels so it’s a bit tricky.
Thanks for the advice 8 wheels, exactly the sort of stuff i was looking for. Certainly not afraid of a bit of hard work, worked in the exhibition industry so use to physical days, and some of the hours have been ridiculous. Love a job where the days are different and your constantly learning and using your head. Speaking with the managing director yesterday and his comments echo your sentiments about chains and straps, more is better than not enough. Company seem really good, it’s small and tight knit i’m going to be employee number 17. They’ve got 3 employees that haven’t work anywhere else in over 30 years of employment and i think that says a lot about the calibre of the company. 