How to Become a Pile-Driver Operator

Pile driver operators can work on large buildings.

A pile-driver operator operates the equipment that forces steel or wood piles into the ground. Large buildings, bridges and oil rigs use piles to give the structure stability. Areas below sea level, or those with unstable ground conditions, also require the use of piles to provide a stable foundation for homes. While most pile-driver operator jobs do not require a formal education, you must have good physical ability and critical thinking skills to perform the work. You can start your career by working as an apprentice.

Instructions

1. Obtain a high school degree or pass the examination to receive a General Educational Development, or GED, equivalency degree. Take speech or communication courses in high school to learn the basics of communications and working with others. Having good communication skills will help you obtain a job, as most pile-driver operators work with construction teams and must communicate regularly.

2. Ensure you meet the basic requirements to work as a pile driver operator. StateUniversity.com reports that you must be at least 18 years old and in peak physical condition.

3. Complete an apprenticeship with an experienced pile-driver operator, such as the apprenticeship offered by the Associated General Contractors of America and the International Union of Operating Engineers. This internship includes three years of on-the-job training and 144 hours of classroom work, according to StateUniversity.com.

4. Learn the skills necessary to operate the equipment used by pile drivers. You can obtain these skills through an apprenticeship or by applying for a job through a local construction firm. Some construction companies hire inexperienced workers, but may require you to work with smaller machinery before you can graduate to a pile-driver-operator position.

Tips & Warnings

• Having the ability to work as part of a team will help you succeed as a pile-driver operator.

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Construction Equipment Operators
• Education-Portal.com: Pile-Driver Operator: Job Outlook and Career Information for Becoming a Piledriver Operator
• StateUniversity.com: Pile-Driver Operator Job Description

Resources

• Associated General Contractors of America: About AGC
• International Union of Operating Engineers: About IUOE