how long should an individual be in training? I know this varies by the individual, depending on what type of background they might have as far as running equipment, driving trucks, concrete experience etc. but since concrete pumping is very unique...what do you think a minimum would be? 1 month, 6 months, a year...or more...I guess we are all always in training to some extent, but I am talking about the new hire that has never seen a concrete pump...I also would assume a trailer pump would be a great place to start, but what if company doesn't have trailers. and is wanting to train a guy for a 32m...how long before he gets a shot at going it alone?

It should depend on the new operators competence level on the concrete pump. If he has previous experience with heavy equipment, excavators and the like, then his learning curve should be shorter. It also depends on other relevent experience, have they been around concrete construction before? Residential? Civil? Do they have a familiarity with concrete? How mechanically inclined are they? Can they improvise a repair? Are they motivated? Self-starter? An easy learn? Are they safety-minded? Consciencious? Can they adapt to different jobsite situations without compromising safety? Can they think under pressure? The ACPA certification at least provides a beginning for determining knowledge level, after that it's all about the practical applications.

If one doesn't know that,oh well.There's no rule book,it's all about gut feeling and his performance.New hires need to be nurtured,you could throw away all that training by attitude.A good trainer could teach most of the basic's in say 3 weeks + -.Then give the easy stuff to them,maybe even have someone in the background watching.

Heck,I still catch little tricks to this day.A trainer can make or break a new hire,just depends.

 Well I have to say it depends on the individual. I hate to say it but there are some people who are too stupid and too lazy to be anywhere near a pump. I think some of the best people to train are former finishers because they understand the monster better than anyone else and, know what a good operator is because, they have had most likely the worst and, best. Linepumpers are also the best. I find mixer drivers to be not the greatest so far, with ofcourse exceptions. They look at what we do and, think the whole thing as easier than driving their trucks. I guess some of them havent seen where there are plugs and, bad mixes/hot mixes.

 I think in this business the viable pumpers would average out to maybe 2 or 3 out of 10 if you are lucky. All the rest are those who think it looks like a nice easy job or, that it looks like a really cool job. I always tell people who want to get into it to go to lines first to learn the art and, see how hard the job actually is first. If they can hang on a line pump for a year then they will be great on a boom.

 I operated a Myco for 3 years before I started booming and, did some line pumping with a Schwing a couple of times, hell having the option to reverse on the line pump was great for me, I was in heaven. Also I like to tell the people that ask me about pumping, that most of the time I get paid too much because the job if going right is like watching the grass grow but, when things go wrong Im not being paid half enough.

 As long as it takes for the individual to get confident and semi comfortable with his new machine (but not too comfy!) Send him out on a close to homer and see how he does when he 'thinks' he's alone but his trainer is a block or two away.

 This period will change with every person being trained. It also depends on 'who' is doing the training. The guys that say... "Here, Put some water in there then dump in the mud and flip this switch til it comes out the end, You'll figure the boom out as you go, I'll be in the cab".. they're hard to learn alot from so it's good to mix up the trainers a bit.

 For a green horn with no CDL that's never seen wet concrete or packed a panel etc. I say 30 day ride along with an exerienced line pumper, Minimum! And that's if he's one of the sharper crayons in the box. Then there's the occaisional 'Natural' that's usually some kid raised on a dairy farm that asks a whole lotta questions and drives & shifts better than you do! Sometimes they're ready in a couple weeks and teachin you tricks by the end of summer.   

justapumper and tt has said very well.Remember the new hires come from all walks of life and beliefs.The first 30 days that poor guy/girl is scared sh*tless,trying to get a grip.This is were a trainer has to establish a trust/bond,if you will.

The trainer,and a good traning program is formost.In all my years training the poor soul needs to be with one trainer for about a week,establishes a comfort zone.The one can mix and match other trainers,you risk ruining him/her.We filled out daily training forms and turned them in to the operations manager.He kept an eye on them and always asked how they were doing.

From apartment managers to software engineers I have seen them all.

There is no one size fits all answer to your question.

Sold a pump to a guy 2 weeks ago and left it that we would show him how to drive it when he got it painted and written up and got  some work...not a peep from him till this mornin, done 20 jobs on his own and happy as a pig in $hit.  no previous experiance. only rang up for a hopper door gasket.   Dont no whether to admire him or kick him in the ass!

Train the individual on the pump he is going to run . If you feel safe as a trainer let them take a acpa test to see what they have been taught. they may not have the time to qualify for a acpa card but the test lets you know if you as a  trainer have taught them the correct way not only to run the pump they will be running but on safety. I look for two things in a new operator. 1 are they on time and dressed for work. 2 do they ask alot of questions about the job. 

To reasonably operate a pump can be done within a week.You know how to place the outriggers, how to fold in and fold out, how you can keep the hose proper above the foundation and how to pump the mud through the lines. I was on my own after four days!! man, was I glad that I made it back on the yard safe. Would you call me an operator back then, I think not!! I could operate the machine but that made me no operator. When I started I needed all my attention to keep the boom properly right, the place around me could burn to the ground and i wouldn't even notice.now I use all my sences, eyes, ears, smell and above all feeling. I'm a few years in the business now and still learning. just when I think I got the skills I bump in to something new. So its hard to tell when you are a good operator