Gearhead Careers’ Post

The past few weeks marked a bit of a milestone for us at Black Bear Crane. We had 4 employees pass the written and practical exams for the NCCCO swing cab certification(fixed will be coming up soon). In the 4 years we’ve been in business we’ve been at a deficit operators to cranes. Now we’re not. They can now go out with our veteran operators and get the experience needed in the taxi crane world over the next couple of years to eventually be sent out on their own. One of them is one of our truck drivers. He came to me the week before the testing and asked if I minded if he tried it. He’s run a crane 3-4 times in the yard. But he’s been around them for over a year hauling weights, rigging, etc. I said sure. So he came in with the others on the weekend and started practicing. He nailed it. Best times and least amount of balls knocked off out of any of the others. Surprised? Maybe a little. But I’m proud he asked to do it to further himself. When we bought the business 4 years ago, workforce wasn’t my concern. It was work for the force. Turns out it was the opposite(thanks Covid). Our focus turned to training in house because postings only yielded applicants from Texas/Louisiana who didn’t know Maine was not part of Canada. It’s not formal. It’s not fancy. But it’s working. However, we’re going to rework it so we can better implement it with our in house apprenticeship program. Photo from a recent job with our AC100/4L erecting shoring.

Good to see posts like this offering apprenticeships for HGV Mechanics as its becoming harder and harder for younger people to get into this industry who are interested due to the lack of apprenticeships being offered these days. #apprenticeship #hgvmechanic #level3 #apprentices

Any student to progress after school or college, an aircraft maintenance apprenticeship is a great opportunity.

Here's a possible scenario for a significant moment on your first day as a mechanic apprentice: *The Moment:* My first day as a mechanic apprentice was a whirlwind of emotions. I arrived at the garage, dressed in my crisp new uniform, eager to learn. My supervisor, engineer Azeez, greeted me with a firm handshake. "Welcome aboard! You're going to learn a lot here. Let's get started." Mr Azeez introduced me to the team, and we began with a tour of the garage. As we walked, he explained the different stations and machinery. *The Challenge:* We stopped at a raised Hyundai Elantra, its engine exposed. Mr Azeez handed me a socket wrench. "Okay, kid. Show me you can remove this oil pan." My heart sank. I had studied theory, but hands-on experience was limited. I fumbled with the wrench, struggling to loosen the bolts. *The Breakthrough:* Mr Azeez stepped in, guiding my hands. "Feel the torque? You need to apply steady pressure." With his guidance, the bolt loosened. I beamed with pride. *The Lesson:* Mr Azeez smiled. "It's not just about fixing cars; it's about problem-solving. Think critically, stay calm, and never be afraid to ask." That moment taught me: 1. The value of hands-on learning. 2. Importance of mentorship. 3. Overcoming self-doubt. *Reflection:* That first day set the tone for my apprenticeship. I realized: 1. I was capable of learning complex skills. 2. Collaboration was key. 3. Perseverance would carry me through tough times. That moment sparked a passion within me, and I knew I was on the right path. Would you like me to: 1. Modify this scenario. 2. Generate a new one. 3. Add specific details (e.g., location, vehicle make).

Driving safely takes more than just passing a test. Take a look at DriveSafe's new apprenticeship program created to foster responsible driving habits. A pathway for safer roads begins here. #DriveSafe #HuffPost 🚗💙 https://lnkd.in/eQew-jvP

Today it's time for the second part of our series of interviews with employees from our various departments. Michael Schönwetter completed his apprenticeship in light aircraft construction with us and has been working in our maintenance department since successfully completing his apprenticeship. Let's hear what he has to say about his position here at the company: 1️⃣ Can you tell us a little about your experiences and successes in your current position? 🎤 As an aircraft mechanic, I ensure the airworthiness of our aircraft and rectify any defects. Since I started here in February 2023, I have learned a lot. I have received training and had the opportunity to work abroad for GROB Aircraft. 2️⃣ What prompted you to apply for your current position? 🎤 I started an apprenticeship as a light aircraft mechanic in September 2020 and completed it in January 2023. Since I now had a good basic knowledge of fiber composites, I wanted to continue my development in the field of mechanics. GROB offered me a position as an aircraft mechanic in the Maintenance department after my apprenticeship, which I gratefully accepted. 3️⃣ How would you describe the teamwork in the company? 🎤 The teamwork in the company is great. Not only the cooperation within the department, but also across departments runs smoothly. Everyone is helped when there is a problem, knowledge is exchanged and at the end of the day the work is done efficiently. 4️⃣ What opportunities do you see for personal and professional growth within within our company? 🎤 My personal growth started on day 1. I was allowed to carry out tasks directly under supervision. This allowed me to learn from the very first day of work. I was also able to gain a lot of professional knowledge because GROB Aircraft provided me with training: There were various training courses on air safety/air law, the environment, engines (e.g. Rotax aircraft engines) and also the radiotelephony certificate, which I need for ground runs with the aircraft. 5️⃣ What aspects of our corporate culture or values particularly appeal to you? 🎤 The short communication channels, the open, professional and friendly interaction with each other and, above all, the opportunity to see an aircraft being built from the very first screw. That's pretty unique. 6️⃣ In your opinion, what can applicants expect from their new job at GROB Aircraft? 🎤 A great working environment, nice colleagues and a huge opportunity to learn about the aviation industry. Be it sales, production, engineering, distribution or customer support: there is certainly something for everyone! 😍 Thank you dear Michael for your openness and your time for the short interview - it's great that you have remained loyal to the GROB Aircraft family even after your apprenticeship! All the best for you and your future in the aviation industry! ✈ 🛩 🚁 🚀

It appears that few carriers are interested in training and hiring truck drivers younger than 21 years old. But that is okay, because it also appears that not many young people are interested in becoming a truck driver anyway. That said, how comfortable would you be having an 18-year-old truck driver transporting one of your loads across state lines? Read on for some insights from our Indago supply chain research community, as well as some data reported recently by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration about its under-21 truck driver apprenticeship program. #trucking #logistics #supplychain #drivershortage https://lnkd.in/ew7zYDfq

🔧 Learning in Action! 📚 Our 1st and 2nd Year Machinist Apprentices are diving into problem-solving with the Eight Disciplines (8D) Model, delivered by Michael Charnock, Business and Professional Tutor. The 8D model is a powerful approach to identifying, correcting, and preventing problems in the workplace—crucial skills for our future engineers and technicians. 💡🔩 We’re proud to equip our apprentices with the tools they need to succeed! 💪 #ApprenticeshipTraining #MachinistApprentices #8DModel #ProblemSolving #SkillsForSuccess

📰 This week the FMCSA released stats on applications and rejections for the Under-21 Truck Driver Apprenticeship Program. I was surprised by how few applications were received (113) and how few were accepted - only 34 applications, or 30%, were accepted. 🧒 👧 Though in the current market, drivers are not as hard to come by, generating opportunities for young drivers should still be a priority. However, the lack of applications seems to indicate otherwise. I am intrigued to learn more about what is behind these figures. Is it driven by the current market 📉 , the safety restrictions imposed by insurers 📜 , the lack of interest from younger generations 😴 or a combination? Would love to get my trucking network's though on this. #driverrecruiting #driverretention #trucking #transportation #drivershortage #DoubleNickel https://lnkd.in/eiM2PPgw

An interesting topic to discuss! What factors need to be met for the safety of driving a loaded truck, does age factor into it?