Today, contractors are challenged with a growing shortage of skilled and confident operators on underground construction jobs. And the industry shows no signs of slowing down as the fiber build-out across North America progresses and utility rehabilitation efforts grow, so novice operators are entering the market at an unprecedented rate to fill the workforce gap.

Furthermore, use of vacuum excavators continues to expand beyond HDD cleanup projects to other applications like microtrenching and damage prevention on fiber installation and gas-line rehabilitation projects. Combined, these industry challenges require contractors to provide both novice and experienced operators with new information, technology and tools to maintain safety and productivity on diverse job sites.

To keep up with technology advancements and evolving market demands, Ditch Witch expanded its Certified Training program to offer a new comprehensive vacuum excavation curriculum. The latest training program provides operators best practices for machine operation, safety procedures and tooling selection, and helps operators understand various machine uses and the importance of each, such as potholing for damage prevention, hydroexcavation and air excavation. 

Similar to the HDD program, the expanded vacuum excavation training curriculum is offered online so participants can complete the entire program digitally at their convenience — anytime, anywhere — from a computer or smart tablet. In addition to online courses, crews also have the option to work with a local Ditch Witch dealer to participate in instructor-led, classroom-style courses, dealer-site, hands-on training with the equipment or receive training directly on an actual job site.

Case in point: Ditch Witch has partnered with Accu-Bore for years, providing equipment, service, support and training to many of their crews as they prepare for new job sites and learn new technologies. “Since our company’s inception, the Ditch Witch organization has helped us stay ahead of industry trends and advanced equipment technologies,” says Mike Robirds, Accu-Bore president. “Through comprehensive training from the manufacturer of the equipment we use, we’re much more confident in new operators’ abilities to safely and effectively utilize a range of vacuum excavators and directional drills on real job sites.” 

For more information on the Ditch Witch Certified Training Program, visit www.ditchwitch.com/training.