Motor grader operator training can give operators the foundational skills they need to operate graders safely and effectively.
Shortages of experienced operators
Good grader operators are worth their weight in gold.
Over recent decades, fewer young people have been attracted to operator positions. This has led to a worldwide shortage of skilled operators.
As experienced operators retire, it’s increasingly difficult to replace them.
Why training is important
There’s no substitute for hundreds of hours of practical experience. However, any operator has to start somewhere. Training can provide the necessary knowledge and skills.
For anyone operating heavy machinery, it’s also vital for safety reasons.
Uncertified operators can endanger themselves and others. They can also put company property and operations at risk.
Motor grader training courses in South Africa
A number of organisations offer motor grader training for operators. Refresher courses may be required to maintain accreditation.
Cranes Training
Cranes Training offers a grader operator course at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level 2.
Modules include operation of the grader as well as preparing the work area and transporting the grader. The training is available across South Africa.
HR ETD
Humans Resources Education, Training and Development (HR ETD) offers a NQF level 2 training course.
The course is South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) accredited. It covers motor grader controls, safety, techniques and transportation.
ForkliftWize
ForkliftWize offers a Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA) accredited NQF level 2 grader operator course.
The course is offered in Kempton Park and Cape Town. It may also be possible to arrange on-site training nationwide.
The course covers the functions and operation of a motor grader. It’s designed primarily for construction plant operators.
KKH Operator Training Centre
The KKH Operator Training Centre offers courses for operating a wide range of heavy machinery in the construction and mining industries. These include motor grader operator training.
The courses are accredited by the Transport Education Training Authority (TETA).
KKH’s training centres are located in Germiston and Alexandra. Free accommodation is offered for students from out of town.
Caterpillar training
Caterpillar’s Equipment Training Solutions offers a range of courses for heavy machinery operators and technicians. In South Africa, the courses are available online.
The training focuses on heavy equipment safety, pre-operation maintenance and basic operating procedures.
Caterpillar training may also help familiarise more experienced operators with new Caterpillar features and capabilities.
On-the-job motor grader training
The value of on-the-job training for grader operators should never be overlooked.
Most courses concentrate on teaching safety procedures and grader controls. They don’t offer intensive practical training.
Newly certified grader operators will need many hours of practical experience. This is key to achieving real expertise.
How mentorship can help train grader operators
A good mentorship programme can speed up the learning process for new operators.
Mandy Alston, project manager of a US construction company, offers a good reminder: “…an older and experienced guy is not going to be here forever.”
It’s invaluable if older and more experienced graders can pass their knowledge on to new grader operators. It’s in employers’ interests to encourage and facilitate this.
Caterpillar motor graders from KH Plant
KH Plant does not offer motor grader operator training in South Africa. However, we know that it takes a skilled operator to unlock the full potential of a grader.
We specialise in restoring Caterpillar 140G, 140H and 140K motor graders and components to as-new condition – so you can get the benefits of a new grader at a fraction of the cost of a new machine.
Contact us for more information or to discuss your needs.
