3.2.2 Operators 2024

Learners can:

• Identify several key responsibilities of operators
• Explain why operating heavy machinery requires training and possible licensure
• Match heavy machinery to the type of operating career
• Explain how to obtain a career in the building trades and its reward

Welcome to Intro to Trades Mrs. Vandernick lvandernick@ccaeducate.me (717) 710-3300 ext. 11814

Warm Up: Each day we will begin with a question or activity to get us started!

Monday, Wednesday, Friday 12:40-1:25 pm

The Plan for Today: Unit 3 Lesson: 3.2.2 Operators Goals:

Vocabulary:

• Agricultural Equipment Operator
• Crane Operator
• Excavator Operator
• Nuclear Power Reactor Operator
• Paving Equipment Operator
• Rotary Drill Operator

Think About It...

Malachi is excited about becoming a machine operator, but he notices most jobs require experience or certification. He's confused about why operating heavy machinery would need trade school and certification.

Why do you think heavy machinery operators need specialized training and education?

Crane Operator

At the top where an operator sits to control the crane and move the materials. Inside that cabin are controls that look very basic to most people.

SAFETY IS ALWAYS #1

Crane Operator

Gears control the basic motions

• Up and down, forward and backward, and rotating.
• Motions are straightforward
• Materials they are handling are not.
• Cranes typically lifts
• Between 10 and 60 tons at a time (10 tons equals 22,000 lbs.)
• Weight is being handled by lifting and swinging it
• Material can be moved in and around buildings
• There is a lot of danger so precision is needed,
• Special training is needed to become an operator.
• All training is required to ensure the operator's and others' safety.

Crane Operator

• Handles construction cranes from the tower down
• Moves heavy construction materials on a construction site.
• Crane operators usually need a license to operate in most states and can also learn on the job.
• They have an average job outlook and earn an average salary of $59,700 annually

Excavator Operator

• Handles an excavator machine to dig and move earth or to demolish and clear rubble on construction sites.
• Excavator operators have a lower job outlook, but if you can find a job, you can learn the trade on the job itself and make an average salary of $57,900.

Pavement Equipment Operator

• Handles heavy machinery for asphalt and concrete for public infrastructure like roads and parking lots.
• They can be seen on a vehicle with one large, flat front wheel that smooths the surface.
• Pavement equipment operators work outdoors and make an average salary of $41,500.

Agricultural Equipment Operator

• Handles a spread of heavy machinery used for farming activities like planting and harvesting crops
• Others are used to maintain the crop throughout the growing season.
• The job outlook for agricultural equipment operators is very bright, and they make a salary of around $32,700.
• Most will learn on the job, but more and more universities are picking up agricultural

Heavy Machinery Jobs

Question...

Match the functions of the machines with their respective names.

Question...

Match the functions of the machines with their respective names.

Question...

Match the functions of the machines with their respective names.

Question...

Match the functions of the machines with their respective names.

Excavation Operator

• Excavators are used in building construction, highway construction, and moving large consignments in warehouses.
• Excavator operators work underground to dig and extract coal, ore, and other natural resources.
• Operators wear gloves, hard hats, or respirators as needed.
• Most material moving machine operators work full time—sometimes with overnight shifts—and overtime is common.

Question...

Question...

• Drills used for oil and gas extraction from underground.
• They drill wells to access the oil and gas deep underground and monitor the pumps to keep a constant flow of those materials collected.
• Some of these locations involve drilling in the ocean, so they stay offshore on an oil rig
• They make an average salary of $53,800, and their job outlook is very bright.

Rotary Drill Operator

• Handle, control, and monitor nuclear reactors. Nuclear energy is the most efficient way for a country to produce electricity for our everyday lives.
• This form of energy, however, is highly poisonous if the reactor breaks down and therefore needs a team of specialists to monitor the controls at all times.
• Some learn on the job, but many learn through vocational school, an associate’s degree, and some still get a bachelor’s degree.
• The job outlook is below average, but if you can get the job, the average salary is $104,000

Nuclear Power Reactor Operator

Question...

Which is the better choice Nuclear Power Reactor Operator or Nuclear Engineer and Why?

Match the picture of the machinery to the job title.

Question...

Match the picture of the machinery to the job title.

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Summary

In this lesson, you learned:

• Identify several key responsibilities of operators
• Explain why operating heavy machinery requires training and possible licensure
• Match heavy machinery to the type of operating career
• Explain how to obtain a career in the building trades and its rewards
• In an upcoming lesson, you will evaluate job interests within the heavy machinery trade.