Graduate Success Story

Tim McCleish, a recent Heavy Equipment Operations Level 3 graduate, came to our Director of Training Services, Scotty Gecks, a few days before graduation about joining the IUOE Local 234 in Des Moines, IA. He asked Scotty if he had any advice. Scotty advised him to be honest about his training and background and to emphasize that he realized he was just entry-level. Tim agreed and said he just wanted a chance. Scotty also told him that they would probably have him do some equipment tasks up front to demonstrate his skills, and that getting a job operating equipment is just as much an audition as it is an interview. The following Tuesday after Tim’s graduation he called Scotty. “You’re not going to believe this. Not only did I pass the test, which they said was journey level, but I am also starting work next Monday at $24.00 per hour,” Tim said. Tim also said the fellow who tested him told him he had seen a lot of applicants from “schools like this” but that he was the best trained he had seen. Tim’s experience is living evidence of what graduates can accomplish in the industry when they are properly trained and certified at an accredited training school, like the Oklahoma College of Construction, and other NAHETS schools. Congratulations to Tim!