Last Updated on September 28, 2023
As some companies struggle to attract and retain talent, other aspiring heavy equipment operators are finding new opportunities. There are various job prospects looming just on the horizon and a number of great schools to help get them there. If you too are ready to jump into the fray, here’s a list of the best heavy equipment operator schools for 2023.
Top Heavy Equipment Operator Schools for 2023
Not all heavy equipment schools are the same. Some are geared towards young people, some for those changing careers, and others focus more on trucking or construction equipment. No matter which school you attend, in order to operate a commercial-sized truck or a crane, the government requires you to have a license. However, most equipment being used at training schools (excavators, backhoes, or loaders) don’t require you to be a licensed operator.
The following are summaries of the best heavy equipment training schools.
Associated Training Services
Located in Wisconsin, Associated Training Services (ATS) was founded in 1996 as an affiliate of Diesel Truck Driver Training School. ATS makes a special effort to reach out to veterans, who can pay for their education with their GI Bill. Veterans can also get support from the national non-profit program Helmets to Hardhats, which “connects transitioning active-duty military service members, veterans, National Guard and Reservists with skilled training and quality career opportunities in the construction industry”.
Students who are out of commuting range can stay on campus for three months while completing their program, but the school ensures all veterans have free lodging while undergoing training. The institution even ensures they have access to employment assistance across the US. More than 4,000 veterans have enrolled at ATS during the last 25 years!
“I cannot express how much training has helped me advance and show my new skills in the field.”
Ruben S.
“I entered ATS with minimal skills in heavy equipment. With their rock star training I was able to have the pick of the litter of employment. Now I’m running a Cat D8 dozer on the weekend and I work for Cemstone Concrete, running a cement truck during the week.”
Justin F.
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International Union of Operating Engineers
The International Union of Operating Engineers(IUOE) has more than 1,000 full and part-time instructors on staff. Students interested in their programs can study at one of 100+ locations or at their International Training & Education Center (ITEC), located near Houston, Texas. This facility offers a 265 acre campus, and a 8,120 square foot conference space with seating for up to 900 people, plus 17 classrooms and labs, and more. Program unions also offer apprenticeships, which are designed for people who know little about the trade. Within a 3-4 years, students become journey-level operating engineers.
Field training takes place both on and off-site, and some locations coordinate volunteer service projects, like building a neighborhood baseball diamond.
Heavy Equipment Colleges of America
At the Heavy Equipment Colleges of America (HECA), students are trained in heavy equipment operation through the institution’s Adaptable Equipment Proficiency Testing (ADEPT) program. This is a nationally recognized certification, indicating proficiency with all equipment but cranes. The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) has their own national certification programs for crane operators.
HECA curriculum includes basic operations, safety, site layout, soils, and more. Students have a choice between in-person and online instruction. There are several locations, but not all programs are offered at each location. Washington DC is only for veterans.
“My time with the school was very good. It was amazing. Everyone was very friendly. If I had any questions they were always right there to help me.”
Sarah V.
Forestry Works
Forestry Works is a logging equipment operator school that teaches students how to operate heavy machines like skidders, feller bunchers, loaders, and graders. This great school has seven locations in total.
Starting on Day 1, students go to an active logging site and get into a machine. Field training includes equipment safety, best management practices, and basic equipment maintenance. Class sizes are limited to eight people making for plenty of one-on-one opportunities.
West Coast Training
Located in the state of Washington, West Coast Training educates students on heavy equipment including excavators, backhoes, and cranes. The Heavy Equipment Operation course meets all the training requirements outlined by the NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research) and successful completion of the Crane Operator courses results in certification by the NCCCO.
Classes are four to eight weeks in length, and can be combined into training programs to ensure graduates gain the best mix of skills for their desired career.
“I attended two months of heavy equipment training and one month of CDL. Had a great time learning. Very educated instructors. Met a lot of new friends.”
James D.
National Training, Inc.
National Training Incorporated is not only approved by the State of Florida, but also by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles as a coeducational career school. Located in Green Cove Springs, Florida, this institution helps people get their commercial driver’s license (CDL). They own a 350-acre CDL training grounds that includes a private highway specifically designed for learning to drive heavy haulers.
The school has a simulator system that provides a low-risk, low-pressure means of training drivers, while the simulator’s three-axis motion platform still offers an immersive experience.
“I really wanted to learn how to drive a manual and a lot of CDL schools don’t offer manual.”
Tremayne C.
“I rode by one day. Saw it. Came to the open house and really liked the idea and the concept.”
Christopher B.
Financial and Employment Assistance
As with any form of secondary education, heavy equipment operator schools are open and willing to provide students with both financial and employment assistance. On the financial front, not everyone is able to pay their way through college with ease. There are various loan programs, benefits for veterans, and other opportunities to help mitigate school costs. Regarding employment for those nearing or already graduated, schools often help with job searching, constructing a resume, even interview preparation. Always check what your desired institution offers before applying.
If you’re already working and considering going back to school, then check to see if your employer offers any training or financial assistance for continuing education.
Career Paths
Of all the various routes you could take, according to ZipRecruiter, the highest paid heavy equipment operator in 2023 is without a doubt a crane operator. This job boasts an income reaching over $60K. However, this position has a wide range of potential salary. On the other hand, a winch truck driver has guaranteed high pay, ranging from $50-$57K. These positions guarantee a lot of income, but the following are the most common heavy equipment jobs.
Heavy Equipment Operator
A heavy equipment operator is someone who is responsible for operating a machine. This includes mobile machines like an excavator or crane, and non-mobile machines like a crusher or recycler. They often serve as employees compared to owner-operators. Industries that employ heavy equipment operators include general construction, heavy civil construction, landscaping, manufacturing and more.
Heavy equipment operators make between $50,000-$80,000 depending on where in the US they work and which machine they operate. There is a legal certification process for tower crane operation, but having a license or certificate isn’t necessary to legally operate most equipment.
Heavy Equipment Technician
A heavy equipment technician is someone who performs repairs and runs diagnostics on equipment to enhance machine health. They work for either the end-user (contractor, manufacturer, etc.), a machine repair service company, or for the heavy equipment dealer.
These technicians work in a garage or work “in the field” to perform on-site repairs. Most work for a company as opposed to being entrepreneurs and they work in all the same industries as heavy equipment operators. Heavy equipment technicians will earn between $55,000-$75,000.
Truck Driver
Truck drivers have several different kinds of truck driving options available. For example, LTL (less-than-load) truck drivers contend with a lot of city traffic and exit their vehicle frequently to deliver multiple times a day. On the other hand, a long haul truck driver travels for hours on highways and may deliver one load every couple of days. All truck drivers can expect a salary between $35,000-$75,000. Oftentimes, the larger the truck, the higher the pay.
Truck Technician
Truck technicians require many of the same skills and knowledge as heavy equipment technicians. However, there’s often a great emphasis on automotive technology because truck technologies overlap with both construction automobiles. Most truck technicians earn between $45,000-$65,000.
Although these can be rewarding careers, they can also serve as stepping stones to other jobs.
Find Yourself a Heavy Equipment Operator School
There is plenty of opportunity and money to make operating heavy equipment. Now that you have more information on schools, the only thing left to do is research some more and apply, or if you’re a graduate looking to secure some heavy equipment, then we have just the thing for you!