Behind The Wheel With Wachtel Tree Science
Written by: Ryan McCambridge, ISA Certified Arborist WI-1347A
Posted: 2024 | Employee Stories | Summer | Wachtel News
Driving may not be something you picture when thinking about an arborist’s routine, but operating vehicles to transport crew members and equipment is a vital component of our work. Doing so safely is imperative to the efficiency of the day, our well-being, and the safety of those we share the road with. Our employees receive training so they can:
- inspect vehicles daily for safety concerns,
- be confident in the operation of the many vehicle types in our fleet,
- respond appropriately to traffic and vehicle emergency situations,
- employ the principles of defensive driving while operating on public roadways
Upon hiring, our in-house training begins with getting trainees familiar with our fleet and basic vehicle operation. They then build skills in identifying vehicle defects, backing with trailers, and emergency response. Once confident in these aspects of driving, we perform a road test to ensure trainees will operate our vehicles safely. Upon successful completion of the road test, they are allowed to get behind the wheel and drive to a tree near you!
Some of our larger vehicles require a special license called a Commercial Driver’s License, or CDL. In congruence with Federal regulation changes in 2022, our in-house training expanded to include a CDL component called Wachtel Entry-Level Driver Training, or as I fondly call it, WELDT. This program provides a deeper dive into vehicle component function, defect identification, vehicle maneuvering skills, and government regulations. With both classroom and behind-the-wheel training sessions the ultimate goal of WELDT is to prepare trainees to pass a state skills exam in order to obtain their CDL.
Having these training sessions in-house is of great benefit for the company by way of saving on external costs, utilizing and sharing the knowledge of experienced employees, and tailoring otherwise broad programs to fit our schedule, vehicles, and drivers. The goal of these trainings, and my goal personally, is to produce safe, confident, and professional drivers to represent our company on the road!
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