Heavy Equipment Operator Certificate Programs and Career Paths

If you're interested in becoming a heavy equipment operator, there are several certificate programs available to get you started. These programs typically take a few months to a year to complete and can be found at vocational schools, community colleges, and online institutions.

Heavy equipment operator certificate programs cover a range of topics, including safety procedures, equipment operation, and maintenance. The programs are designed to provide students with hands-on training and experience.

Some certificate programs may specialize in specific types of heavy equipment, such as cranes, bulldozers, or excavators. This can be beneficial for those who want to work in a particular industry or have a specific job in mind.

Upon completion of a certificate program, graduates can pursue a career as a heavy equipment operator in various industries, including construction, mining, and agriculture.

Dig This Academy offers a 40 hour course for single equipment types, covering excavators, backhoes, bulldozers, and skid steers. This program recognizes hands on tasks and theory as outlined in the NCCER certification courses.

The ASC Technical Institute has three different Heavy Equipment Operator Programs: Heavy Equipment Operations Level One, Heavy Equipment Operations Level Two, and Heavy Equipment Secondary Specialization. These programs range from 150 to 200 clock hours and offer certifications in OSHA 10-Hour and ASC Tech.

Heavy Equipment Operations Level One lays the foundations for this career, teaching basic operational techniques, preventative maintenance, and safety procedures. You'll have the opportunity to earn two certificates upon completion.

Heavy Equipment Operations Level Two encompasses everything you learn in the Level One class, including safety and operation, but adds in additional construction math, in-depth equipment specialization training, and civil blueprints. This program is a great option for those who want to take their skills to the next level.

The Heavy Equipment Secondary Specialization program is designed for those who have completed Heavy Equipment Operations Level One or Level Two. It offers the chance to learn operational techniques, preventative maintenance, and trade skills for a secondary specialization of your choice. You'll earn an ASC Tech Certificate upon successful completion.

The Laurel Ridge Community College offers heavy equipment operation training at three locations: Luray, Warrenton, and Middletown. You can visit these locations to experience their heavy equipment operation simulators and meet with staff.

The Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) program at Laurel Ridge Community College is designed to meet the growing employment demands for equipment operators. This program serves as the first level of training and covers core craft skills, heavy equipment safety, and basic operational techniques.

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There are several career paths available for heavy equipment operators, with eleven possible specializations including HEO Motor Grader, HEO Compaction Equipment, and HEO Loader.

The construction industry is projected to add over 250,000 new jobs over the coming decade, making it a great time to explore career training with a Heavy Equipment Operator Program.

Heavy equipment operator training programs are available in various locations, including Laurel Ridge Luray-Page County Center and Laurel Ridge Fauquier Campus.

The ASC Technical Institute offers three different Heavy Equipment Operator Programs: Heavy Equipment Operations Level One, Heavy Equipment Operations Level Two, and Heavy Equipment Secondary Specialization.

Here are the details of the three programs:

If you're interested in pursuing a career as a heavy equipment operator, you'll want to know where to go for training. Laurel Ridge has several locations throughout Virginia where you can experience their heavy equipment operation simulators and meet with staff.

The Laurel Ridge Luray-Page County Center is located at 200 College Drive in Luray, VA 22835. This is a great place to start your journey.

At the Laurel Ridge Fauquier Campus, you'll find them at 6480 College Street in Warrenton, VA 20187. This campus offers a range of training programs, including those for heavy equipment operators.

If you're in the Middletown area, you can visit the Laurel Ridge Middletown Campus at 173 Skirmisher Lane in Middletown, VA 22645. Each of these locations offers a unique opportunity to learn more about the heavy equipment operator training programs.

Here are the locations where you can find Laurel Ridge's heavy equipment operation training programs:

As a heavy equipment operator, you have a wide range of career paths to choose from, with eleven possible options to consider.

Here are some of the specific career paths you can pursue:

You'll find that some of these career paths are in higher demand than others, with a need for more than 600,000 heavy equipment operators across the United States through December 2022.

If you're looking to get a heavy equipment operator certificate, you're in luck because there are programs available that can get you trained and working in under 4 weeks. You can earn multiple diplomas and certifications, including a Licensed school diploma in heavy equipment and an OSHA 10-hour card.

ASC Technical Institute offers three different Heavy Equipment Operator Programs for you to choose from: Heavy Equipment Operations Level One, Heavy Equipment Operations Level Two, and Heavy Equipment Secondary Specialization. Each program has a different clock hour requirement, ranging from 150 to 200 clock hours.

The Heavy Equipment Operations Level One program lays the foundations for this career, teaching you the basic operational techniques, preventative maintenance, and safety procedures you’ll need on the yard and during operation. You can earn two certificates: OSHA 10-Hour Certificate* and ASC Tech Certificate.

The Heavy Equipment Operations Level Two program encompasses everything you learn in the Level One class, including safety and operation, but also adds in additional construction math, in-depth equipment specialization training, and civil blueprints. You can also earn two certificates: OSHA 10-Hour Certificate* and ASC Tech Certificate.

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The Heavy Equipment Secondary Specialization program offers you the chance to learn operational techniques, preventative maintenance, and trade skills for a secondary specialization of your choice. You can earn an ASC Tech Certificate upon successful completion.

You can also benefit from nationally recognized credential, evening and weekend training available, and short fast-track training to quickly gain skills. Additionally, you can experience a variety of on-the-job circumstances and equipment, and have experienced instructors to guide you through the program.

Here are some of the benefits of getting a heavy equipment operator certificate: