First Time on the Forum

Hello Everyone, Its nice to see a resource like this available for those of us who love this stuff! My name is Matt, I live in southwestern PA. I was wondering if you all could give me some input on a few questions Ive been tossing around with. I'm 23yrs old, about to graduate from college with a Bachelors degree in Technology Education. Ive worked on a family friends farm for the past 10 years. During that time Ive operated numerous pieces of equipment from skid steer loaders, to farm tractors, to combines, and backhoes. I also have experience with day-to-day maintenance on machines, minor to moderate repairs, and safe operating skills. I have always...ALWAYS....wanted to get a job operating heavy equipment, but I didn't know how to get into the position. I don't have a lot of experience running heavy equipment in the construction / earthmoving setting, but I do believe my experience on the farm qualifies. I am a fast learner when it comes to operating machinery, and I believe I could do well with any piece of equipment if I could receive coaching and guidance from more experienced operators. I would describe myself as a competent, head-strong, careful, reliable young man who really has a life long passion for this business, just never had the opportunity to fully participate in it. How should I go about applying for jobs? How do I prove myself without having the years of experience? I would like to go to a machinery training school, but I have already invested a large sum of money in this teaching degree, only to find out teaching & the public school system have changed dramatically since my high school days. Thus, I really cant afford to spend more money on training. I just need to get my hands on the controls, and learn on-the-job! Any and all input would be GREATLY appreciated!! Again, nice to see everyone. I hope to hear from you all soon! Thanks, Matt