If you run an excavation company, you know how challenging it can be to find the right people. Hiring someone, only to realize they're not up to the task once they’re on the job, can slow down operations, hurt your reputation with customers, and even result in costly mistakes. But what if there was a way to recruit that let you assess skills, coachability, and work ethic before making any commitments? That’s where a training class could come in.
In this article, we’ll explore how you can use a small training facility to not only teach potential equipment operators how to run your machines, but also identify top talent for your team in a low-risk, high-reward environment.
If you’ve got access to some extra land—either owned or leased—you’re already a step ahead. Setting up a small training facility allows you to offer hands-on experience in a controlled setting. It doesn’t need to be fancy, but it should give recruits a feel for the type of equipment they’ll be operating in real-world scenarios.
The cost? While there’s an upfront investment in making sure the equipment is available for training (and maintenance costs), the benefits of finding the right hires could outweigh these expenses. You’ll get a chance to evaluate their skills, coachability, and problem-solving abilities long before they step foot on an actual job site.
When it comes to recruiting, this is where things get creative. Instead of the traditional “Now Hiring” ad, market the opportunity as a chance to learn how to operate heavy machinery. You could appeal to individuals looking to start a new career or those wanting to upgrade their skills. This kind of positioning draws in a different crowd—people who are eager to learn and grow, which is exactly the type of talent you want on your team.
This strategy also sets you apart from competitors, many of whom might rely on job boards or staffing agencies to find talent. You’re offering a hands-on, learn-on-the-job experience that no one else in your market may be providing.
Here’s where the magic happens: during the training process, you’re not just teaching skills—you’re scouting talent. As potential recruits go through the class, you can observe:
By assessing these qualities in a training environment, you reduce the risk of hiring someone who isn’t a good fit for your team. You’ll know who’s a quick learner, who needs extra guidance, and who has the drive to succeed. Plus, you avoid putting an underqualified operator in a real job setting, where mistakes could slow down progress or damage customer relationships.
At the end of the training class, you’ll have a clear picture of which recruits stand out. The best part? You can offer them a spot on your team right away. Because they’ve already been through your training program, the onboarding process will be quicker and more effective.
Instead of spending time correcting mistakes in the field or retraining, you’re bringing on operators who are already familiar with your equipment and work processes. It’s a win-win: you’re saving time and money, and your new hires are set up for success from day one.
One additional perk of using a training class as a recruitment tool is that it can enhance your company’s reputation. You’ll be known not just as a company that offers jobs, but as one that offers opportunities to learn and grow. This can attract highly motivated individuals who are looking for more than just a paycheck—they want a career path.
Over time, your training program could become a go-to resource for talented individuals in your industry, setting you apart from competitors and ensuring you always have a pipeline of top-tier talent to draw from.
Final Thoughts
Incorporating a training class into your recruitment process is a creative, low-risk way to find and evaluate high-quality talent. By offering potential equipment operators the chance to learn and grow in a controlled environment, you can assess their aptitude, coachability, and work ethic—before they hit the job site. Not only does this help you avoid hiring mistakes, but it also positions your company as an industry leader in training and development.
Investing in a training program may require some upfront costs, but the payoff in terms of finding top talent and protecting your business’s reputation is well worth it.