"There are some things that just cannot be taught in a classroom. Pile driving with real hammers is the best way to go."

The training starts out in the classroom beginning with the basic knowledge of pile hammers from drop hammers to the most sophisticated vibratory and impact hammers. This information is also available in booklet form so the apprentice has the ability to troubleshoot and repair the available hammers on the market today. Later the student leaves the classroom for the hands-on part of the training program. A rectangular cofferdam is set-up complete with driving the pin piles and welding the template rings in place. The sheet piling is interlocked and driven complete with corners in order to familiarize the trainees in the importance of keeping the piling plumb and the spacing required to close the cofferdam. This is not unlike the methods that are used by major pile driving contractors. The more advanced apprentices will be schooled in the usage of the pile driving analyzer for testing the capacity of bearing piles and certified in the usage of calibration.

"Driving piles was such a learning experience. We picked up all kinds of techniques that were not covered in a classroom. Little things that make a big difference."

The trainees are taught to make a template with an upper and lower ring. They learn good welding practice in the training facility and then try it out in the field.

Students work on many types of pile driving equipment made from many different manufacturers. All students are involved in the actual procedures for preparing a pile driver for a job. The student actually learns how to prepare a hammer for an actual job, which includes final testing prior to shipment. Students see the newest technology as it is being developed while also seeing the everyday activity associated with operating the largest hammer factory on U.S. soil.

APE has donated many different types of pile driving equipment to the training program for the purpose of giving the tainee experience in all phases of the industry and with various manufacturers of pile driving equipment.

"The instructors bring in field experience from all parts of the world. I thought I knew a lot, but I found out there is so much more to learn."

Trimming the H-Beams

Welding the brackets