Tack Operator Training trains people to become entry-level operators of heavy equipment.

Tack offers five programs of heavy-equipment operator development, which run from four to 10 weeks.

Students train on excavators, backhoes, bulldozers and a front-end loader. Various project sites such as road building, lot grading, digging for water and sewer lines, and parking lots are at the training location in Donegal Township.

While learning the operation of the machinery, the students also are taught to work in a workmanship-like manner and follow instructions.

This development takes place on a one-to-one basis with student and instructor. During the course, students spends 99 percent of the time on the equipment doing projects as though they are an employee on a job site.

Tack Operator Training was developed by Newton Tack of Butler, the director of operations. He was born into the Tack family, which goes back to 1883 when his great-grandfather, Philip, immigrated from Germany and began in the construction business in the south side of Butler.

With "construction blood" in his veins, Tack worked with his father, Homer Tack Sr., and eventually took over the family business. He retired several years ago only to develop another aspect of the construction industry.

Tack's dream was to train men and women to become heavy-equipment operators. In May 2003 his dream came true and his first student began his training.

For information, contact Tack at 724-285-7232 or via e-mail at totack1@zoominternet.net. The Web site is www.tackoperatortraining.com.