how long is a heavy equipment operator course

Full Answer

How can I become a heavy equipment operator?

• Research. For most people, the first step in figuring out whether or not you really want to do something is to research it.
• Find a School. ...
• Study Hard. ...
• Take Advantage of Your School’s Resources. ...
• Pass Your Certification Exam. ...
• Look for Jobs. ...

How to become a heavy equipment operator?

A Heavy Equipment Operator operates heavy machinery, such as a tractor, bulldozer, backhoe, or excavator, for the purposes of construction, demolition, or excavation. May be responsible for routine maintenance or repairs. Being a Heavy Equipment Operator may need state licensing. May require a high school diploma or its equivalent.

What is the job description for a heavy equipment operator?

Some common responsibilities include:

• Operate heavy equipment in compliance with the company's operating safety policies and procedures.
• Provide recommendations for maintaining and improving environmental performance.
• Load and unload equipment from vehicles and trailers.
• Ensure company equipment, material, and the work site are maintained, kept clean, and stored in a safe manner. ...

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How to get a job operating heavy equipment?

• Safety conscious and alert to their surroundings
• Patient and careful with the equipment and properly equipped for the job
• Attentive to the instructions and plans for their part of the job - can see ‘the big picture’ - and efficient in accomplishing their piece of the puzzle

How long does it take to learn how do you operate an excavator?

How long does it take to learn to operate an excavator? You can learn to operate an excavator in three weeks at an excavator school like HEC. You'll get to practice on excavators and other equipment like backhoes, skid steers and wheel loaders.

Is being a heavy equipment operator hard on your body?

Off-road heavy equipment vehicle operators are at the greatest risk for neck and low back injuries because drivers are exposed to what researchers call multiple-axial WBV exposure.

How do I learn to use heavy equipment?

There are apprenticeship programs for heavy equipment operators, often sponsored by unions like the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE). Apprenticeships typically take 3-4 years to complete, The advantage of an apprenticeship is that you "earn while you learn" with field training and classroom time.

What skills do you need to be a heavy equipment operator?

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required Ability to operate heavy equipment. Knowledge of light and heavy equipment operation and maintenance. Ability to use hand and power tools applicable to trade. Knowledge of basic vehicle inspection and maintenance including tire pressure, checking oil and water levels.

Which heavy equipment pays the most?

High Paying Heavy Equipment Operator JobsCrane Operator. Salary range: $37,500-$62,000 per year. ... Winch Truck Driver. Salary range: $50,000-$57,000 per year. ... Yard Manager. Salary range: $33,500-$56,500 per year. ... Backhoe Operator. ... Rigger. ... Construction Equipment Operator. ... Motor Grader Operator. ... Front Load Driver.More items...

Is excavator operator a good career?

Yes, some excavator operators do make good money, especially if they've spent many years driving excavators, have special skills, or have been working at the company for a long time.

How much does heavy equipment operator school cost?

The cost of heavy equipment operator training is certainly a cost that comes with a decent-sized price tag for you and your organization. A typical training program will cost your organization anywhere between of $4000-$20,000, depending on the type of program you are signing up for.

Is heavy equipment operator a skilled trade?

Heavy Equipment Operator — Excavator is a trade named under the Building Opportunities in the Skilled Trades Act, 2021. This trade has an apprenticeship program that is administered by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.

How do you operator an excavator?

6:5625:43How to Operate an Excavator | Heavy Equipment Operator (ep. 063)YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFor our clients out here we usually teach with hands but I'm gonna show you probably the mostMoreFor our clients out here we usually teach with hands but I'm gonna show you probably the most popular way that people do in the industry is with their feet.

What is another name for heavy equipment operator?

Heavy Equipment Operator (Operating Engineer)

What are the benefits of a heavy equipment operator?

In some cases, heavy equipment operators may also look forward to a wide range of employee benefits such as:Health care, including medical, dental, and prescription coverage;Health and disability insurance;Paid annual vacation time;Retirement plan.

What are the duties of a heavy equipment operator?

ResponsibilitiesOperate, drive, and control heavy equipment.Load and unload equipment from vehicles.Have complete knowledge of machine settings.Check and maintain equipment functionality often.Keep performance records of machine functionality regularly.More items...•

How do heavy equipment operators get started?

Heavy equipment operators may get their start working on a construction crew to gain experience or enroll in an apprenticeship to learn while working. Traditional colleges or technical schools can provide education and prepare you for exams and licensing.

What will be the job of heavy equipment operators in 2021?

February 22, 2021. Heavy equipment operators build roads, erect buildings and contribute to transportation infrastructure. Operators may work for the government or private employers. Most of the work is performed outdoors, and the job is often seasonal. Trained operators stringently follow safety procedures and are highly skilled in ...

What is on the job training?

On-the-job training includes the use of heavy equipment to gain operating experience. Students are taught how to grade, landscape and excavate. Techniques learned may include scraping, compacting and the use of controls.

What is attention to detail in heavy machinery?

Attention to detail: Operating heavy machinery requires attention to detail to monitor many conditions at once.

What license do I need to drive a truck?

For that, operators need a commercial driver's license or CDL.

How long does it take to become an apprentice?

Classes are usually small, which means students can spend sufficient time learning with instructors. Apprenticeships can take three to four years to complete.

How long does it take to get into a technical school?

Students learn equipment regulation and safety equipment maintenance and repair, soil science, site grading and blueprint reading. Technical schools take one to two years to complete.

What is heavy equipment operator school?

A heavy equipment operator school teaches students how to operate many pieces of heavy machinery, including large wheel loaders, bulldozers, excavators dump trucks, and more forklifts. Most of these schools cost thousands of dollars and provide certification. Those lucky enough to get an apprenticeship program ...

How old do you have to be to be a heavy equipment operator?

Many heavy equipment operator schools require you to be at least 18 years old and have either a high school diploma or a GED. Most schools require you have your driver’s license, and others require that and a commercial driver’s license (CDL).

How long is a schooling program?

Classroom theory hours total 72, and hands-on work totals 136 hours. The program duration is four weeks, all on-site.

Which is the best heavy equipment school?

North Country Heavy Equipment School is the best overall heavy equipment operator school because you spend 95% of your time hands-on and lodging is included in tuition.

Where is National Training located?

National Training, Inc. has a 350-acre campus in Green Cove Springs, Florida, where students receive National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) registration for bulldozers, loaders, backhoes, and excavators. Learners also get a training certificate to show to potential employers.

How long does it take to complete heavy equipment training?

The offerings, course structure, and lengths of each program will vary from school to school, some only taking a few weeks to complete and others taking up to a year to complete.

How long does a heavy machine operator license last?

Certifications typically last about 5 years each and must be renewed by passing a re certification exam and having about 1,000 hours of heavy machinery experience. Heavy machine operators are also required to pass substance tests that adhere to NCCCO substance abuse, ethical, and medical guidelines.

How much does a heavy machine operator make?

Average Salary: High. The average median salary for a heavy machine operator is about $63,000, with a range of $55,000 to about $74,800.

What is the job of coordinating safety?

coordinating safety. notify supervisors about mechanical malfunctions. coordinate activities with all other members of the crew. operating heavy equipment such as back-hoes and bulldozers to lift, move, or place equipment.

What is the job of a heavy equipment operator?

The key responsibilities of heavy equipment operators at work is to control and operate the various machines that move earth, freight, or other materials, and operate construction equipment according to safety standards. Heavy equipment operators typically prepare sites for construction or maintenance, using machinery.

What is the job of an operator?

As an operator, you will be in charge of accomplishing set tasks with your machine, keeping it clean, reporting big issues, fixing minor problems, and keeping the crew, and yourself, safe.

What skills are needed to lift ponds?

have accurate hand, eye, foot, coordination that’s required to operate equipment with precision. physical strength to lift over 50 ponds. pick up earth, rock, sand, gravel, snow, then move and dump it. control height and angle of grader blades to spread earth and other materials.

How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator

Most schools offer hands-on training, instruction in safety, and also first aid. What you need to know is there are different ways to obtain a CDL or commercial driver’s license. A CDL is a must for operating certain types of equipment. Below are a few of the types of equipment where a CDL is needed:

What Types of Equipment Do Not Require a CDL Licensed Operator?

While it varies by state, there are particular types of equipment an operator can move and operate without a CDL license. A few of these are:

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary

The BLS expects jobs in the heavy equipment operator category to increase up to 10% by 2024. Crane operators should increase up to 16% in the next few years.

Heavy Equipment Operator School

There are quite a few schools in the country. Here are a few to consider.

How Do Heavy Equipment Operators Compare To Other Jobs

According to BLS, the jobs researched for this study show that the average heavy equipment operator and mechanic earn around $64,000 annually. Compared to operating engineers and other construction equipment operators, they make about three thousand dollars more on average.

How Much Does it Cost to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator?

It can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $15,000 depending on the program you’re enrolling in or the apprenticeship you’re hoping to get.

What Does a Heavy Equipment Operator Do?

A heavy equipment operator works in the construction industry and controls heavy machinery that a.) transports materials and b.) builds various types of infrastructure—including roads, bridges, and buildings. Some types of machinery that heavy equipment operators use include cranes, bulldozers, and forklifts.

Heavy Equipment Operator Job Outlook

A career in heavy equipment operation is often overlooked and highly underrated. Here’s why.

Pursue Education & Training

To enjoy a successful career as a heavy equipment operator, you’ll need to undergo some education and training first. The good news is that you have options. Check them out below: