Do you have good physical endurance and love working outdoors? If so, you should consider becoming a heavy equipment operator. In this job, you’ll build roads, erect buildings, and maintain infrastructure.
It’s a highly skilled position that’s often seasonal. Due to the skills necessary and harsh working conditions, it pays very well. On average, heavy equipment operators make $20 per hour.
If the job sounds like an excellent fit for you, then it’s time to take steps to get started. Luckily, that’s what we’re here to break down for you. Here’s our guide on how to start a career as a heavy equipment operator.
What are a Heavy Equipment Operator’s Responsibilities?
The title of “heavy equipment operator” is a bit vague, so let’s clear things up. You’ll work in the construction industry to either:
- Transport materials
- Erect buildings
- Install construction materials
You may also lay roads, work with paving materials, and prep construction sites. The heavy equipment you’ll operate includes:
- Bulldozers
- Cranes
- Backhoes
- Tractors
- Forklifts
- Excavators
As you can see, there are a lot of different pieces of machinery involved, making it necessary to be knowledgeable about a lot of things.
How To Get Started
First, you’ll need a GED or high school diploma. Some courses that will help you out in school include Shop, Math, and Auto Technology.
Next, you’ll need to complete training on how to operate heavy equipment. There are a few ways that you can go about this. You can pursue an apprenticeship from a heavy equipment operator to accrue on-the-job training. Or you can sign up for a technical school that offers heavy equipment training. Either way, you’ll get hands-on experience with heavy machinery and how to operate it safely.
There are also plenty of classes that you can take to further your education and training. In particular, it’s wise to take a course on OSHA (Occupational Health and Safety Administration) guidelines. That way, you’ll have a certificate proving you know how to operate machinery safely. That will help you out when looking for work.
Obtain a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License)
Depending on which type of heavy equipment you plan on operating, you may need a CDL. For example, if you plan on driving large trucks or trailers, you’ll need your CDL. You can apply to earn your CDL through a technical school or your local DMV.
Closing Thoughts: How To Start a Career as a Heavy Equipment Operator
That’s what it takes to start work as a heavy equipment operator. You’ll need a high school diploma or GED, as well as some essential training. It would help if you pursued an apprenticeship or attended a technical school for training. Beyond that, additional certifications (such as your CDL and OSHA training) are also a good idea to obtain.
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