Top Best Heavy Equipment Operator Schools of 2022

– Heavy Equipment Operator Schools –

We analyzed and reviewed heavy equipment operator schools based on cost, format, and certifications so you can find the best heavy equipment operator school for you.

Heavy machine operator schools that provide hands-on training in addition to classroom education are the best.

Because each construction work may demand expertise with various equipment at each job site, these programs should include training on a variety of heavy equipment.

Here’s our list of the best heavy equipment operator schools to meet your educational needs.

Heavy Equipment Operator Schools

Students learn how to handle a variety of heavy machinery at a heavy equipment operator school, including huge wheel loaders, bulldozers, excavators’ dump trucks, and forklifts.

The majority of these courses are expensive and offer certification.

Those who are fortunate enough to be accepted into an apprenticeship program through their local union may be able to earn money while studying on the job.

1. North Country Heavy Equipment School

Cost of Tuition: $4,990

Format: In-person

Certification: Yes

Why We Chose It

North Country Heavy Equipment School is the best overall heavy equipment operator school because you spend 95% of your time hands-on and lodging is included intuition. 

Pros & Cons

Below are some of the pros and cons of north country equipment school.

Pros

Classes are offered every month

Discounted motel rates if you don’t use student lodging

Excavation competent person training (ECPT) certification.

Cons

Must have a roommate for student lodging

Enrollment limited to 12 people

Overview

Your tuition at North Country Heavy Equipment School includes lodging at the school’s off-site location. There are five bedrooms and three shared bathrooms in this apartment.

There’s free WiFi, a fully equipped common kitchen, and even a barbecue and table in the backyard. If you don’t want to stay there, there are various motels and campgrounds nearby that offer cheap rates.

An excavator, articulated motor grader, articulated front-end loader, compact track loader, 6-way angle blade dozer, extend hoe backhoe, and tandem axle dump truck is among the heavy equipment you’ll need.

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2. National Training, Inc.

Cost of Tuition: $11,995

Format: In-person

Certification: Yes

Why We Chose It

The best in-person heavy equipment operator school is National Training, Inc. because it provides more hands-on projects and exercises than most schools we reviewed.

This all takes place where the weather is nice year-round so students usually don’t have any training downtime. 

Pros & Cons

Below are some of the pros and cons of national training inc.

Pros

Nationwide job placement assistance

Veterans and military members may be able to use VA or GI Bill

Cons

No on-campus lodging, but the school gets preferred rates at area motels

Only one location

Overview

Students acquire National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) registration for bulldozers, loaders, backhoes, and excavators at National Training, Inc.’s 350-acre facility in Green Cove Springs, Florida.

During your stay on campus, you’ll fill out a pre-hire application that will be sent out to potential employers all over the country. 

Your registration fee is included in the tuition of $11,995. A $75 administration fee is also not included in your tuition. 

3. Vista

Cost Of Tuition: $49 one-time to $645 per month

Format: Online

Certification: Yes

Why We Chose It

Vista offers the best online school because of its flexible pricing and quick lessons. 

Pros & Cons

Below are some of the pros and cons of training at the vista.

Pros

Try two lessons for free

Pay-as-you-go training

Cons

No hands-on learning

Exam scores printed on your certificate

Overview

Because Vista’s tuition is based on a subscription model, the faster you complete the program, the less it will cost you. Each course lasts between one and two hours.

The subscription covers up to ten people, making it ideal for construction firms looking to train their workers.

You can also buy each course for $49.00 if you don’t want to commit to a subscription. This is an excellent option for those on a tight budget.

Alternatively, you can pay $129 each month for access to the following courses by purchasing a course library:

Heavy Equipment Library: 8 courses

Support Equipment Library: 7 courses

Lifting & Rigging Library: 8 courses

Pipe layer Installation Library: 3 courses

Online Video Library: 70 videos

Heavy equipment covered includes articulated haul trucks, backhoe loaders, dozers, motor graders, track excavators, and wheel loaders.

4. Performance Training Solutions

Cost of Tuition: $6,995

Format: In-person

Certification: Yes

Why We Chose It

Performance Training Solutions (PTS) offers the best heavy equipment operator school for professional certification allowing you to get certification through both NCCER and NCCCO

Pros & Cons

Below is a list of the pros and cons of performance training solutions.

Pros

Save $500 on tuition by getting a tour

70% of your 120-hour training is hands-on

Cons

Meals not provided

Lodging is not provided, but PTS gets preferred rates at local motels

Overview

Heavy Equipment Operator I, Heavy Equipment Operator II and Mobile Crane Operations are the three courses offered by PTS.

Each one lasts three weeks or 120 hours. Every weekday near Columbus, OH, you’ll attend a lesson. The NCCER certification is included in the Heavy Equipment Operator courses, which cost $6,995.

The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators offers certification for $6,495 in Mobile Crane Operations (NCCCO).

5. International Union of Operating Engineers

Cost of Tuition: Free

Format: In-person

Certification: Yes

Why We Chose It

Because it is free, the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) offers the best heavy equipment operator school apprenticeship.

In reality, they’ll compensate you and provide you with the same perks as all other IUOE members.

Pros & Cons

List of the international union of operating engineers’ pros and cons.

Pros

Health insurance, pension, and access to union training programs

Master a variety of heavy equipment

Cons

Very competitive with few openings

Earning a spot may require networking

Overview

You must first finish a 40-hour pre-apprenticeship training course at your local union’s training facility before beginning your IUOE apprenticeship.

You’ll be trained for three years (6,000 hours) during your apprenticeship. The rest is learned on the job and comprises 192 hours of correspondent training and 240 hours of classroom education.

It is completely free to join IUOE as an apprentice. Actually, they’ll pay you to learn on the job. 

6. Hawkeye Community College

Cost of Tuition: $4,499

Format: In-person

Certification: Yes

Why We Chose It

With its focus on both light and heavy equipment, Hawkeye Community College lets you earn a certificate that encompasses many different types of equipment you’ll encounter on a construction site. 

Pros & Cons

Below is the list of hawkeye college’s pros and cons.

Pros

Scholarships available

Simulated training to prepare for using actual equipment

Cons

Focuses on learning light equipment only

No formal job placement program

Overview

Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo, Iowa, offers a Construction Equipment Operator Training program that will allow you to get your non-credit certificate in eight weeks.

This course combines light and heavy equipment in 240 hours of in-class and hands-on instruction and includes both simulation and heavy equipment work.

Bulldozers, excavators, skid steer loaders, huge wheel loaders, motor graders, small excavators, all-terrain forklifts, and dump trucks are among the equipment you’ll use.

Conclusion

Whatever type of construction site you prefer, you’ll need to be able to operate a variety of heavy machinery.

If you can’t learn on the job, the easiest method to achieve this is to enroll in a heavy equipment operator school.

Because of its price and amount of time spent studying hands-on with a variety of heavy equipment, we recommend North Country Heavy Equipment School. It also offers free student housing with facilities.

READ ALSO!!!

Compare the Best Heavy Equipment Operator Schools

The table below shows the best heavy equipment operator schools…

Company

Program Format

Cost Of Tuition

Duration

Certification(S) Available

Admission Requirements

North Country Heavy Equipment School
Best Overall
In-person $4,990 4 weeks NCCER None
National Training, Inc
Best In-Person Program 
In-person  $11,995  4 weeks  NCCER  Must be 18+ 
Vista
Best Online School 
Online $49 one-time to $645 per month  1 to 2 hours per program  Vista-specific  None
Performance Training Solutions
Best for Professional Certification 
In-person  $6,995  3 weeks  NCCER and NCCCO  Must be 18+ 
International Union of Operating Engineers
Best for Apprenticeships 
In-person  Free  3 years  NCCER  40 hours of training at its facility 
Hawkeye Community College
Best Vocational Training Program 
In-person  $4,499  8 weeks  NCCER  None

Heavy Equipment Operator Training Schools near me

List of some heavy equipment operator training schools.

1. Heavy Equipment Operator Schools in Nyc

You’ve come to the correct place if you’re looking for a heavy equipment operator school in New York.

Individuals in New York can get heavy equipment training from Performance Training Solutions, a heavy equipment operator school.

PTS, based in Columbus, Ohio, will help you get credentialed swiftly and on your path to a lucrative profession operating heavy equipment.

Helping Individuals Interested in Heavy Equipment Operator School in Ny

We help people alter their lives at Performance Training Solutions. Accelerated training programs combined with a profession as a heavy equipment or crane operator can provide life-changing opportunities.

Personal fulfillment (I’m doing what I want to do), finally earning family-sustaining salaries, the ability to travel, and opportunities for personal and professional advancement are all mentioned by many of our program graduates.

We can assist you whether you are a veteran, unemployed, dislocated worker trying to start a new profession, disabled, or a high school student who does not want to pursue the typical college route.

Available Financing

If you require financing, we will be pleased to discuss options with you.

PTS also accepts the Post 9/11 GI Bill as well as the VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Program Chapter 31 benefits for our veteran students.

Many students are served by Performance Training Solutions thanks to training funding from programs like the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act and the Trade Adjustment/Readjustment Act.

2. Heavy Equipment Operator Schools in Ohio

Performance Training Solutions is an Ohio-based heavy equipment operator school that offers a variety of heavy equipment and crane training programs.

PTS offers training and certification to Ohio individuals who want to work in construction, manufacturing, or other industrial areas. We’re in Columbus, Ohio, therefore most Ohio residents can get to us by driving.

What our Ohio Heavy Equipment Operator School has to Offer

Accelerated training programs combined with a profession as a heavy equipment or crane operator can provide life-changing opportunities.

Personal fulfillment (I’m doing what I want to do), finally earning family-sustaining salaries, the ability to travel, and opportunities for personal and professional advancement are all mentioned by many of our program graduates.

We can assist you whether you are a veteran, unemployed, dislocated worker trying to start a new profession, disabled, or a high school student who does not want to pursue the typical college route.

Placement Rate

If you require financing, we will be pleased to discuss options with you. PTS also accepts the Post 9/11 GI Bill as well as the VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Program Chapter 31 benefits for our veteran students.

Individuals may also be eligible for various state and federal grants that can be used to pay for training.

Trade Adjustment Act (TAA), Tribal Education (BIA), WIOA Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, Vocational Rehabilitation and Veteran’s Benefits (VA), Department of Workforce Development, and Displaced Workers, Displaced Farmers are just a few examples of these programs.

3. Heavy Equipment Operator School New Jersey

Performance Training Solutions has you covered for a quick job shift that can put you on a new path in only three weeks.

We are a heavy equipment operator school situated in Columbus, Ohio that draws students from all around the United States. PTS may be one of the nearest heavy equipment operator schools to you if you live in New Jersey.

Don’t let a brief certification get in the way of your dreams of working with heavy equipment and cranes. Learn the skills you’ll need to work in construction, manufacturing, mining, energy, or any other high-demand business.

What Makes Our Heavy Equipment Operator School Different?

Our equipment operator school provides a chance to start a new career path whether you are a veteran, a recent high school graduate, newly unemployed, disabled, or just looking to start a new profession.

Performance Training Solutions can help you make a successful career transition that will change your outlook on life if you have the right qualifications.

Learn how to operate up to ten different types of heavy construction equipment and receive the credentials that employers are looking for.

PTS puts you on the correct track in your training and in real life, with a job placement rate of around 90%.

Placement Rate

PTS assists our veteran students in reinvesting in themselves as a recognized Military Friendly School for 2021-22.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill, as well as the VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Program Chapter 31 benefits, are readily accepted by our program.

We’ve always supported service members, and we’ll continue to do so by providing qualifying veterans with the educational resources they need to start over.

4. Heavy Equipment Operator Schools in Pa

You’ve come to the correct place if you’re looking for heavy equipment operator courses in Pennsylvania.

Although Performance Training Solutions isn’t in Pennsylvania, we are the closest training facility in your area.

PTS is a heavy equipment operator school in Columbus, Ohio that focuses on teaching and educating people to operate heavy equipment and cranes in the manufacturing and industrial sectors.

What We Have To Offer for Pennsylvania Residents

We help people improve their lives at Performance Training Solutions. Accelerated training programs combined with a profession as a heavy equipment or crane operator can provide life-changing opportunities.

Personal fulfillment (I’m doing what I want to do), finally earning family-sustaining salaries, the ability to travel, and opportunities for personal and professional advancement are all mentioned by many of our program graduates.

We can assist you whether you are a veteran, unemployed, dislocated worker trying to start a new career, disabled, or a high school student who does not want to pursue the typical college route.

Placement Rate

If you require financing, we will be pleased to discuss options with you. PTS also accepts the Post 9/11 GI Bill as well as the VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Program Chapter 31 benefits for our veteran students.

Many students are served by Performance Training Solutions thanks to training funding from programs like the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act and the Trade Adjustment/Readjustment Act.

These training scholarships may offer additional funding for lodging, transportation, and food, depending on your circumstances.

5. Heavy Equipment Operator Schools in California

Our San Bernardino, California location is designed to help students in southern California who are interested in learning more about heavy equipment operations.

We’re delighted to provide a variety of programs aimed at helping people gain the fundamental skills they’ll need to get a job in this profession.

The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators designated our facility as an approved testing site (NCCCO). 

The Heavy Equipment Colleges of America has other locations in addition to our;

San Bernardino, CA location

Georgia

Oklahoma

Washington (*Location is Veteran Only – DoD SkillBridge and VA Education Benefits)

Programs Offered

Our main purpose is to assist our students in preparing for a new job in heavy equipment and crane operations.

To assist you in achieving this objective, we want to give you the knowledge, abilities, and certifications you’ll need to obtain work.

This is accomplished through our programs, which are meant to help you lay a firm foundation on which you can build more advanced abilities as your education progresses.

Among these programs are:

Certificate of Heavy Equipment Operations – Level I

Certificate of Heavy Equipment Operations – Level II

Certificate of Heavy Equipment Operations – Mobile Crane

Certificate of Heavy Equipment Operations – Level I, II, and Mobile Crane

When you have finished your training education at our facility, you can apply for a variety of jobs.

This includes jobs in:

Commonly-used Cranes and Heavy Equipment

Safety Operations

Equipment Maintenance

Site Management and Preparation

Trenching

Residential and Commercial Construction

Road Construction

Underground and Utilities

Excavation

Oil/gas

Waste/recycling

Mining

6. Heavy Equipment Operator School in Oregon

Are you looking for a Heavy Equipment School close to your home? If that’s the case, you’ll find it right here.

A heavy equipment training program for persons interested in the field of heavy equipment operation may be found at Heavy Equipment Training.

Your career as a Heavy Equipment Operator

Heavy Equipment Training is required to obtain a license or certification to operate construction equipment.

Though certification is not required in all states, it will definitely help you boost your career opportunities. Depending on your qualification, you may be able to operate bulldozers, loaders, excavators, graders, and other heavy equipment.

For the Heavy Equipment Instruction Program, we use the most up-to-date technology and materials, with a strong emphasis on hands-on training and practical skills.

7. Heavy Equipment Operator School in Wisconsin

Looking for a Heavy Equipment School that is in the vicinity of your home? Well then you can find it right here.

At Heavy Equipment Training, you will find a heavy equipment training program designed for those interested in the field of heavy equipment operation.

Your career as a Heavy Equipment Operator

Heavy Equipment Training is essential to gain the certification or license to operate the construction equipment.

Though the certification is not compulsory in all the states, it will surely help you improve your chances of employment. Depending upon the certification you are allowed to operate various types of heavy equipment such as bulldozers, loaders, excavators, graders, etc.

We utilize the latest technologies and materials for the Heavy Equipment Training Program along with a great emphasis on hands-on training and practical skills.

8. Heavy Equipment Operator School in Arizona

Looking for a Heavy Equipment School that is in the vicinity of your home? Well then you can find it right here. 

At Heavy Equipment Training, you will find a heavy equipment training program designed for those interested in the field of heavy equipment operation.

Your career as a Heavy Equipment Operator

Heavy Equipment Training is important in order to obtain the necessary licenses or licenses to operate construction equipment.

Despite the fact that certification is not required in all jurisdictions, it will undoubtedly boost your career opportunities. You can operate bulldozers, loaders, excavators, graders, and other heavy machinery depending on your certification.

For the Heavy Equipment Instruction Program, we use the most up-to-date technology and materials, with a focus on hands-on training and practical skills.

READ ALSO!!!

9. Heavy Equipment Operator School In Mississippi

Looking for a Heavy Equipment School that is in the vicinity of your home? Well then you can find it right here.

At Heavy Equipment Training, you will find a heavy equipment training program designed for those interested in the field of heavy equipment operation.

Your career as a Heavy Equipment Operator

Heavy Equipment Training is essential to gain the certification or license to operate the construction equipment.

Though the certification is not compulsory in all the states, it will surely help you improve your chances of employment.

Depending upon the certification you are allowed to operate various types of heavy equipment such as bulldozers, loaders, excavators, graders, etc.

FAQS On Heavy Equipment Operator Schools

Below are some faqs about heavy equipment operator schools.

1. Which heavy equipment operator makes the most money?

Crane Operator: Salary range: $33.5K per year
Winch Truck Driver: Salary range: $48K per year
Construction Equipment Operator: Salary range: $37.5K per year
Rigger: Salary range: $35K per year
Front Load Driver: Salary range: $40K per year
Yard Manager: Salary range: $29K per year
Motor Grader Operator: Salary range: $47K per year
Back Hoe Operator: Salary range: $40.5K per year


2. How do I learn to use heavy equipment?

Heavy machinery training can be obtained through technical school, apprenticeship programs, or on-the-job training in a related company.
 
The heavy machinery certification or licensure you need to hold a job should be covered by the training program you choose.


3. Is heavy equipment a good career?

Operating heavy construction equipment in congested areas can be difficult, but as you get experience, the pay can be very excellent.
 
A career as a heavy equipment operator could be your ideal career if you were that kid who loved to play in the dirt and mud.
 
This employment is not only in high demand right now, but it can also pay well. Many operators claim that it is the best job they have ever had.


4. What’s the highest paying job in construction?

Boilermaker ($65,360)
Construction and building inspector ($62,860)
Electrician ($56,900)
Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters ($56,330)
Ironworkers ($53,210)
Sheet metal workers ($51,370)
Carpenters ($49,520)
Construction equipment operators ($49,100)


5. What state has the highest demand for heavy equipment operators?

The heavy equipment operator is one of the five most in-demand crafts, according to BYF, with over 600,000 heavy equipment operators needed in the United States through December 2022.
 
The need for this personnel is broken down by state on the BYF website, with Texas, Florida, and California leading the list.


6. Do operators make good money?

Heavy equipment operators do, in fact, make a lot of money.
 
A heavy equipment operator earns on average $65,500 per year, about $10,000 more than the national average.
 
A heavy equipment operator’s salary ranges from $54,000 to $75,000, with outliers on both ends.


7. How hard is it to operate an excavator?

It’s not difficult to operate an excavator if you’ve been properly trained and pay attention to what you’re doing. To perform a good job, though, it takes practice, just like anything else.


8. What do you need to drive a bulldozer?

A bulldozer operator may need a commercial driver’s license to transport equipment to and from a construction site, according to the BLS.
 
Individual states may require and offer licenses to designate some professionals as qualified for work in this field.


9. How much do welders make?

Although the average welder earns a good but not exceptional salary, experts in the field can earn more than $200,000 per year.


10. Is OTR truck driving worth it?

There is a lot of demand.
You could make 10 phone calls and have ten employment offers by lunchtime on any given day if you gain some OTR experience and have your license, safety record, and service record in good standing.
You’ll never have to be concerned about finding work. More opportunity to spend time at home.

I believe this article was helpful. Keep visiting our page for more educating information. Kindly share the article with your friends and family.

StudentsandScholarship Team.

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