Generator University Revisited

A while back we mentioned a free school for generator technicians, put on by Generac Power Systems. As you may recall, the company is looking to fill positions in its own dealer networks, and with a paucity of interested folk, the company rolled out the red carpet to people with a mechanical aptitude, a handle on basic math, and an enjoyment of working with their hands.

The company not only provides free tuition, also rooming and some feeding. The hitches? You'll have to provide your own transportation to and from Wisconsin, be 18 years old with a high school diploma (or GED), and pay $200 up-front for books and materials. This latter will be refunded to all who successfully graduate from the course. The early classes of GEN-U were in and out in four weeks; the company now tells us they've refined the course work: You'll graduate in three weeks with knowledge of sizing, installation, troubleshooting, and repair.

Interested? Send an e-mail to genu@generac.com and ask for more information.

RV Transport Services Need Drivers

An industry business journal, RV Business, reports that RV manufacturers are looking at huge backlogs of new rigs waiting to go to dealers. The problem? Not enough folks willing to transport RVs across the country. What's required? For many firms, a 3/4 ton or one ton pickup, and experience in pulling trailers.

How does a transporter job work? You pick up a trailer at the plant and tow it to the designated delivery location. Drivers are generally paid by the mile, and are responsible for all of their own costs, including fuel. So how does that work out in practice? One transporter firm, Horizon, says its drivers working out of Coburg, Oregon average a "gross profit" (after deducting fuel costs) of about $81 on a one-day, less than 500 mile job, up to $1132 for a 4-day 2,000 mile job. Keep in mind you'll required to get yourself and your truck back to wherever you want to go next.

Transporters also do "drive aways" taking motorhomes to dealers. For this same firm, gross profit figures for these folks range from a little over $100 for a day-long less than 500 mile trip out to a little over $800 for a 4-day 2,000 mile job.

How do you find a job as an RV transporter? Do an internet search (we like Google) using the keywords, "RV transporters wanted."

Truck photo: jde-07 from flickr.com