Check it out at

http://www.concretepumping.com/mentors/index.html

Got the email, think it is a wonderfull idea but at the same time it is a shame that companies don't take the time to be sure that people are trained properley. I saw a book that guys were suppose to take a written test, basically pages from the ACPA and schwing saftey manual i saw one requirment that they do at least 5 system jobs before they are turned loose 5????? WTH then they have someone with less than a year experince training him, hmmmmm I can teach a monkey how to run a remote and make sure the pump is level what happend to the good ole days were guys were grunts for 6 months busting pipe before they touched a control, Then we wonder why they walk around scratching their heads when it plugges up,,, hmmmmm Maybe the industry doesnt have time to go through the training process anymore they think if they read a book they can do it, I wonder how many operators could put a boom pump in PTO manually these days or bypass a cylonoid or run a new wire to a cooling fan or even put a new fan belt on on the job anymore. In my humble opinion the industry as a whole has lost touch with the basics, they focus to much on telling guys about rules and what the ACPA says then they go and pump walls whith guys having NO fall protection. Why would you have a guy certified then after it has been brought to the companys attetion the response is "Thats the way we have done it for years" My reply to that is they are certified for a break on insurance plain and simple.

As far as helping newer guys I would be glad to. I just think it is a shame how the industry has gone down hill the last few years from the training aspect. People who manufacture boom pipe love it though.  

Hi Todd, This mentor idea seems to be a  good way to help some one in need of ideas but can it save lives?

The industry has a great many senior opperators with extensive experience in all aspects of concrete pumping starting right from job site planning to maintenance and care for the machines and safty for all that would share the work zone. some one who can identify a crack before it becomes a problem , or can here that the cylinders are not shifting just right , All the little precationary tricks that save the entire site a huge headache or worse.

I have pumped concrete for some fifteen years now and worked with hydraulics for over thirty but when your body can't handle extreme heat or cold , it's time to give it up to the younger men ( or women ) .

What more can I say !!!!!Play Safe !!