Careers in horizontal directional drilling can be lucrative and fulfilling and are needed and perhaps most importantly, available. A lack of qualified operators is a major pain point for HDD companies around the world.

To relieve some of these issues and assist in workforce development, Ditch Witch has entered into a unique partnership with Heavy Equipment Colleges of America, a nationally accredited institution, recognized by the Department of Education.

Through this partnership, HEC is now a Ditch Witch Authorized provider of training courses and brings instructor-led training that covers basic machine operation and jobsite safety applications.

"HEC is a nationally accredited provider of proper and safe equipment operator training. When they reached out to us about this partnership, it made a lot of sense," said Brian Grim, Ditch Witch manager of training and development. "We look forward to working with them and hope to see the HDD courses offered across all their campuses."

Course materials cover everything from proper PPE and jobsite preparation to the importance of traffic control and equipment inspection procedures. Participants will receive hands-on training in mud mixing and drilling, along with HDD tracking and locating.

"Ditch Witch is the leader in this space and offers world-class equipment and training," said Cory Albano, chief operating officer at HEC. "We are excited about this partnership and look forward to helping Ditch Witch develop the skilled workforce necessary to meet the challenges of the industry's significant growth."

The program also is a good opportunity for HDD contractors who have good employees and want to promote from within, but just lack the time for training. The HDD training from HEC can be completed in as little as two weeks.

"We want to be clear that this is not a replacement for any of the training that we recommend before someone hops in the cab of a drill," said Grim. "This is a supplemental training that both new and experienced operators can take advantage of to either get a head start or stay ahead in their careers."

For enrollment information, visit www.ditchwitch.com/training/ and click on the "Hands-on Training" tab.

For more information about Heavy Equipment Colleges of America, visit www.heavyequipmentcollege.com.

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