How to Train to be a Heavy Equipment Operator
A majority of heavy equipment operators find employment in the construction industry, running the large, complex machinery to work on buildings, roads and bridges. Heavy equipment machinery includes bulldozers, dump trucks, cranes, backhoes and forklifts, among others. Heavy equipment operators must be properly trained in using the equipment safely and effectively. They must also set up, inspect and maintain their equipment.
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Instructions
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Graduate from high school. Many construction companies require their employees to be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma. Enroll in shop, automotive mechanics, mechanical drawing, computer, science and electronic courses. Get a job with a construction company that uses heavy equipment or with a heavy equipment mechanic to gain hands-on experience working on heavy machinery.
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Complete a heavy equipment operator training program. You can find heavy equipment operating training programs at many community, vocational and technical colleges. Training takes anywhere from three weeks to a year to complete. These educational programs typically provide you with hands-on training in performing construction-related processes with backhoes, excavators, loaders and bulldozers. In addition, you will learn how to perform other job-related processes, such as reading and interpreting construction drawings, blueprints and laser levels.
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Get your commercial driver's license (CDL). While a commercial driver's license is not required to operate a majority of heavy equipment, you will need a CDL to haul your equipment on a flatbed trailer, drive the heavy machinery on public roads, and to drive dump trucks. You will have to pass a written and a driving test before receiving your CDL.
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Complete an apprenticeship program. Apprenticeship programs typically last about three years and include paid on-the-job training as well as classroom instruction. Formal heavy equipment operating apprenticeship programs are administered by the Associated General Contractors of America and the International Union of Operating Engineers.
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Find a heavy equipment operator job. Once hired, you will undergo safety training before the company actually lets you handle the heavy equipment.
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Tips & Warnings
Heavy equipment operating can be very dangerous. Proper training is needed to avoid serious injuries. Some heavy equipment operators work irregular hours and must work at night or on weekends. Heavy equipment operators typically do not have year-round employment in regions with severe winters.
Resources
- Photo Credit Creative Commons photo by Harm Rhebergen
