HDD contractors and operators know the right training makes all the difference. From those new to horizontal directional drilling (HDD) to seasoned veterans, training programs are critical to building the knowledge, skills and confidence of your crew. In an industry that is continually evolving — from advances in technology to ever-changing regulations — Vermeer HDD tooling specialists can provide hands-on training and industry information to keep your crew boring ahead.
Calob Castilleja, HDD tooling specialist at Vermeer Texas-Louisiana, said customers typically call on him to train new crew members on all facets of HDD.
“HDD contractors bring in new crews and ask, ‘Can you come out and help these guys learn how to locate, learn how to set up a new transmitter?’” Castilleja said. “From beginning to end, there’s always something that comes up that requires additional training.”
Even experienced HDD operators need assistance when learning how to operate new equipment or performance software. Robert Dalgleish with Vermeer Canada said sometimes crew members just need a refresher on certain areas of the job.
“You know, I get the phone call, ‘Hey, I’ve got a crew out there that’s struggling, how can you help them?’ So, I’ll go out for a day and do some additional training with that customer. That’s what I spend a lot of time doing, helping those people,” Dalgleish said.
Training support doesn’t always need to come in the form of onsite demonstrations. Clinton Canterbury, HDD tooling specialist at Vermeer Great Plains, said he can provide customers online resources to help them get the job done.
“If I get phone calls and if I have literature or know of a video, then I’ll send them a link to where it is. I’m more of a visual learner. I can read it and understand it, but then I want to see it work or watch a video on it. So that’s what I try to do to show customers,” Canterbury said. “A lot of them want to know more about the locating systems, how we get through re-bore interference or metal interference. Or ‘Why should I run this reamer?’ A lot of it is just explaining it and then later getting out in the field and showing them.”
John Fiddler, HDD tooling specialist at Vermeer Texas-Louisiana, said he can provide training support that customers don’t even know they need.
“I try to provide value any way I can. Whether it’s something about the jobsite, product knowledge in general, or maybe I see some unsafe practices — I can provide a little information on safety or a better way of doing it,” Fiddler said.
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