Training / Courses

**DiggerDave** · March 8th, 2010, 02:05 PM

I was wondering what courses and from what schools you attended to learn the location business. I'm looking into enrolling in a program but I don't know which would be the best place to attend. Were most of you taught on the job?

**TheCableVine** · March 8th, 2010, 02:18 PM

I was hired by STS inc. and then trained in a 2 week class they held on site. Then, let out in the field to learn the craft with hands on before I was let loose to wreak havoc.

**MOJO** · March 8th, 2010, 02:24 PM

Hi, DD.

You'll find that most everyone here has "learned by doing". There really is no formal accredited program for Damage Prevention, nor do I think there needs to be one. On the job training is the best way to learn the industry. However, if you do some research, you'll find that Subsurface Utility Engineering falls into the Civil Engineering category. There are a few SUE guys around, so maybe they can point you in the right direction. If you just have to have a degree, look for something in Civil Engineering, Land Surveying, or Construction Management. If you aspire to run a locate firm, look for a BS in Accounting and an MBA --- then surround yourself with people that truly know the business!

Good Luck!

**Linerider** · March 8th, 2010, 07:36 PM

Hands on. Earn as you learn.

They say you can become a "Master" after 10,000 hours of practice. Guitar, paiter, cabinet maker and yes, Locator.

**Locatingart** · March 9th, 2010, 11:53 AM

Dont become a Locator !!!

**DavidDodd** · March 10th, 2010, 10:50 AM

Check out Staking University.

**DiggerDave** · April 7th, 2010, 01:26 PM

Originally Posted by Locatingart

Dont become a Locator !!!

Hmmm....not happy with your career choice?

**ProfessionalLocator** · April 7th, 2010, 01:53 PM

Originally Posted by Locatingart

Dont become a Locator !!!

You may have a point, perhaps anybody who enjoys being tied up and spanked would make a dedicated locator.

Maybe job ads have been on the wrong websites, perhaps the BDS&M sites would recruit good locators?

**orangeboots** · April 7th, 2010, 08:31 PM

sounds like tiger missed his calling

**Bob at UTA** · April 14th, 2010, 09:28 PM

Originally Posted by DiggerDave

I was wondering what courses and from what schools you attended to learn the location business. I'm looking into enrolling in a program but I don't know which would be the best place to attend. Were most of you taught on the job?

We offer locator training program and career services. www.utasearch.com

**headcipher** · April 15th, 2010, 01:21 PM

Originally Posted by Bob at UTA

We offer locator training program and career services. www.utasearch.com

$1800? What sort of guarantee and certificate comes with that sort of cash?

**farendground** · April 19th, 2010, 10:49 PM

Check out this program:

http://www.caspercollege.edu/utility_locator/index.html

**FiosKing** · April 19th, 2010, 11:06 PM

what a waste of cash for something you get for free from 99% of utility companies

:anim_03

**Mke** · April 20th, 2010, 09:21 AM

Fios.... here is the kicker. Most field locators will look at the certificates of "official" training classes and scoff..... However, Management in locating comopanies, as well as utility companies love to see those Certificates it makes them feel better for hiring someone. I remember when we sent out a job announcement for a Utility Locator, over half of the people applying were Civil Engineering students. The HR people, and the Represenative from Management Loved the turn out, however those students had no flippin idea what locating was, other then in the job description.

mke

**FiosKing** · April 20th, 2010, 10:34 PM

around here any company would hire someone like me with my experience over anyone that holds one of those certificates. but seems like a good idea for someone who is brand new to go get that training if they truely do teach you everything and every utility.