More than 40 people from around the world, including participants from Australia, Brazil, Chile, Peru and the United States, recently attended Terex Utilities’ 37th annual Hands-On Training seminar at the company’s facilities in Watertown, S.D.
Representing 30 companies, the participants of this year’s three-day event gained valuable training on the proper operation and application of Terex digger derricks, aerial devices and auger drills.
“Our annual Hands-On Training program has truly evolved over the years,” says Ken Vlasman, Customer Service Manager, Terex Utilities. “The program provides essential training on the operation and application of all the essential equipment utility contractors operate, from Terex digger derricks and aerial devices to cable placers and auger drills.
“We designed this event specifically for our customers and distributor personnel to participate and understand the proper operations of the equipment. In recent years, we’ve expanded the program to include support equipment offered by other Terex companies, including backhoe loaders and excavators. Participants gain valuable training on the equipment and applications needed to meet various jobsite requirements, as well as an in-depth understanding of different work methods and safety procedures.”
The event gave attendees, who include fleet managers and engineers, safety managers and administrators, vehicle supervisors, shop managers, linemen and mechanics, the opportunity to rotate through six different training stations. At each station, participants learned more about the equipment, and as weather permitted, they had the opportunity to perform actual jobs with the equipment at Terex Utilities’ outdoor training facility under direct supervision of Terex trainers.
“Whether an attendee’s job is behind a desk or working around energized power lines,” adds Vlasman, “all of our Hands-On Training participants learned the most effective ways complete various jobsite tasks, as well as gained an understanding of best practices, work methods and safety procedures.”