Heavy Equipment Operator & Professional Driver Training
Heavy equipment operators use machines to move heavy materials on construction sites. Professional drivers hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) for vehicles such as buses or freight trucks. Special training is needed to safely operate these machines.
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Necessity
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To be hired as an equipment operator, most companies require training. To be a professional driver, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires operators of commercial vehicles to pass their state government license test.
Types
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are three methods of equipment operator training: formal apprenticeship program, on-the-job training and paid training. Professional drivers can prepare for their license test through private training. Many technical schools offer state-supported driving classes.
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Description
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The BLS states that on-the-job training is learning from someone who already knows how to operate the equipment, while an apprenticeship program offers at least 3 years, or 6000 hours, of on-site training along with 144 hours of classroom instruction.
Process
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Often, experienced operators personally train new operators or drivers. However, institutions such as the California Department of Transportation use simulators to help drivers experience various situations in a controlled environment.
Considerations
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Equipment operators who choose a formal apprenticeship program will benefit from being trained on several different types of machines. Those who choose a private school should verify it is a reputable training facility that offers the necessary certification.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit construction - heavy equipment image by kds from Fotolia.com
