How to Get Accepted to Heavy Equipment Operator School

Pick a school with actual vehicles for training.

Attending heavy equipment operator school can provide a lucrative and steady income for you. According to the Bureau of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010-11, there is a 12 to 18 percent increase in job opportunities expected up to the year 2018 due to potential government repair on the country's infrastructure and a lack of qualified candidates. You can get accepted into a heavy equipment operator school by fulfilling the enrollment qualification and being at least 18 years of age.

Instructions

1. Contact our local union for recommendations on heavy equipment operator school. Ask friends in the field which school they attended and the benefits of their school. Speak to co-workers to determine their school, if you are already employed in the field in a different capacity.

2. Select three schools to evaluate. Contact the schools for admission requirements, total costs, estimated completion time and course offerings. Ask if there are actual machines available for training or if it is a simulated training session. Several schools include a local community college, vocational training school, online courses or an out-of-state program.

3. Prepare the application. Insert personal and educational information for all schools. Private schools may require financial information. Arrange for a school loan for tuition, if necessary.

4. Request a letter of recommendation from an employer or previous instructor. Inform the person you are enrolling in school and the letter will be included in the packet. Ask them to write complimentary statements about your character.

5. Compose a cover letter. State the reason you want to be enrolled in this specific school. Write down your qualifications for the program. These may include experience in field or physical prowess.

6. Review your application to ensure all areas are complete. Gather your application, cover letter, high school diploma, GED, drivers' license and commercial drivers' license. Copy all documents.

7. Send the original application, cover letter and letter of recommendation with the copies of the other documents to the school. Include the fees, loan application or loan acceptance documents.

Tips & Warnings

• Community colleges normally provide an evaluation test to determine math and English placement, private colleges do not. This is not a test you can study for as it measures your current ability.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Construction Equipment Operators
• eEquipment Operator Training: Getting Accepted By A Heavy Equipment School
• Education Portal: Heavy Equipment Certification in California with School Info

Resources

• United States Department of Transportation: All Regulations