ECA Training Department Leverages Experience to Train the Next Generation
Jul 14, 2025
In the evolving and often complex world of foundation drilling, training isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. Equipment Corporation of America (ECA) has positioned itself as a leader in distributing top-tier BAUER, RTG and KLEMM drill rigs, but also in training the people who operate them. With a focus on safety, practical knowledge, and long-term customer support, ECA’s training program is built around the needs of today’s operators and tomorrow’s challenges.
What sets ECA’s training apart is the real-world experience of its instructors. For example, Jason Church, a seasoned operator turned trainer based in Canada, knows what it’s like to learn on the job, often through trial and error.
When Church was coming up through the ranks of Deep Foundations Contracting as an operator, foreman, supervisor and then equipment manager, things were rapidly changing in the industry. There was a transition happening from conventional, crane-mounted drills and liners to hydraulic drills and sectional casings. Church had the opportunity to learn the rigs and methods from some of the best manufacturer trainers in the world at Bauer. That in-the-field experience paired with high quality manufacturer training is a hallmark of the ECA training team.
“We all come from real work experience and each have different strengths and experiences,” Church said. “We are a complete team that is constantly learning and sharing that knowledge and experience with our customers.”
Church’s approach emphasizes safety, stability, and maintenance. His expertise in Kelly drilling and single-pass methods like CFA/FDP gives participants a grounded, technical foundation that applies to real jobsite conditions. Whether you're a new helper working toward your first operator role or a seasoned veteran looking to refine your technique, ECA’s training is designed to deliver tangible results that translate to the jobsite.
For Mustapha El Waziki, ECA’s Product Support Manager and a former firefighter and rope rescue instructor, training is also about bridging the gap between equipment and operator.
“I’ve worked across the Bauer product line, from electrical systems to hydraulic troubleshooting,” he explained. “What we teach isn’t just how to push buttons, it’s how to understand the machine. When you understand what’s happening beneath the surface, you’re a more effective drill and less likely to damage the rig.”
El Waziki also highlights a major benefit of ECA’s curriculum: staying current.
“Bauer’s rigs are constantly evolving,” he said. “From new product developments to digital add-ons, we make sure customers know how to take full advantage of the latest technology. That means fewer breakdowns, less downtime, and safer, more efficient drilling.”
Jason Martinelli, who joined the training team after a long career as a self-taught operator, sees an even bigger mission of passing on the vast knowledge held within ECA’s training department and creating a culture of excellence across the industry.
“Part of it for me is being a perfectionist and having a passion for it,” Martinelli said. “We’re the only company I know that offers support before the bid and even after the data from the project comes back. It’s way more than just running a rig, it’s understanding the entire process.”
From safety-first fundamentals to in-depth diagnostics and jobsite support, ECA’s training program isn’t just a course, it’s a competitive advantage. Whether you’re building a career or bidding your next project, partnering with ECA means you're backed by one of the most experienced and forward-thinking teams in the foundation drilling industry.
Interested in operator training with ECA? Click below to see our available training courses.