How Long Is Heavy Equipment Operator School and What to Expect

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Heavy equipment operator school can be a game-changer for those looking to start a career in construction or a related field. Most programs last around 3-6 months, with some lasting up to a year.

You'll spend a significant amount of time in the classroom learning about safety procedures, equipment maintenance, and the basics of operating heavy machinery.

Hands-on training is a crucial part of the program, allowing you to get behind the wheel of a bulldozer, excavator, or crane and practice your skills.

What is Heavy Equipment Operator School

Heavy Equipment Operator School provides comprehensive training for individuals interested in a career as a heavy equipment operator. The training programs are designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to operate heavy equipment safely and efficiently.

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. These programs range from 150 to 200 clock hours, depending on the level.

If this caught your attention, see: Operations in Manufacturing

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The Heavy Equipment Operations Level One program lays the foundation for a career as a heavy equipment operator, teaching basic operational techniques, preventative maintenance, and safety procedures. Upon completion, students can earn an OSHA 10-Hour Certificate and an ASC Tech Certificate.

The Heavy Equipment Operations Level Two program builds on the skills learned in Level One, adding construction math, equipment specialization training, and civil blueprints. Students can also earn an OSHA 10-Hour Certificate and an ASC Tech Certificate upon successful completion.

The Heavy Equipment Secondary Specialization program is designed for students who have completed Level One or Level Two, offering additional training in a secondary specialization of their choice. Students can earn an ASC Tech Certificate upon successful completion.

The Heavy Equipment Operator program at ASC Technical Institute focuses on training individuals to operate five key pieces of heavy equipment: Backhoe Loader, Dozer, Motor Grader, Front End Loader, and Excavator. This training is conducted using state-of-the-art simulators, allowing students to learn without risk of damaging actual equipment.

Training Programs and Certificates

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Heavy equipment operator school can be a game-changer for those looking to start a new career or gain new skills. Many programs are available, each with its own unique features and benefits.

Some programs, like Dig This Academy's Heavy Equipment Operator Ready Certifications, are specifically designed for those new to the industry. These 1-week courses cover equipment-specific training, hands-on experience, and NCCER-approved curriculum.

Dig This Academy's programs are available in Nevada and offer a Certificate of Completion at the end of each course. Applicants can choose one equipment-specific course or enroll in all four courses, depending on their timeframe and budget.

Heavy equipment operators are in high demand, and programs like Dig This Academy's can provide the necessary training and skills to get started. Our trainers are ready to teach you the right skill set on multiple types of heavy equipment to launch your career.

To be eligible for these programs, applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a driver's license, a High School Diploma or GED, and be mentally and physically capable of safely operating equipment.

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Here are some details on the different programs available:

These programs offer a range of benefits, including nationally recognized credentials, evening and weekend training, and a guarantee to interview with hiring companies.

Features and Benefits

Heavy equipment operator school can be completed in under 4 weeks, allowing you to get in, get trained, and get out for work quickly.

You'll get hands-on training with your own assigned piece of equipment, working with a partner to build real-world job skills and projects.

One of the benefits of attending a heavy equipment operator school is earning multiple diplomas and certifications, such as a Licensed school diploma in heavy equipment and an OSHA 10-hour card.

The school focuses on the three most commonly used pieces of equipment: excavators, backhoes, and bulldozers.

You'll prioritize seat time, with 80 hours of hands-on training in your primary piece of equipment and an additional 50 hours on your secondary piece of equipment.

Credit: youtube.com, Both Students and Employers Benefit from Heavy Equipment Operator Training

Here are some of the key features and benefits of heavy equipment operator school:

  • Accelerated program: complete in under 4 weeks
  • Hands-on training with your own assigned equipment
  • Earn multiple diplomas and certifications
  • 80 hours of hands-on training in primary equipment
  • 50 hours of hands-on training in secondary equipment
  • Top-tier equipment, such as Caterpillar, Deere, and Volvo

Other Programs and Skills

If you're new to heavy equipment operation, Dig This Academy offers a 3 hour orientation program on a bulldozer, excavator, and skid steer loader. This is a great way to get hands-on experience and see if a career as a heavy equipment operator is right for you.

The orientation program can be a valuable investment, as it will be deducted from the enrollment fees if you decide to move forward with their training program. This can save you $500.

Dig This Academy also offers a 40 hour course for single equipment types, which will recognize a successful completion of hands on tasks and theory as outlined in the NCCER certification courses.

Other Programs

If you're new to heavy equipment operation, consider starting with a 3 hour orientation program that covers bulldozers, excavators, and skid steer loaders.

Yellow and Black Heavy Equipment Under Blue Sky
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The program is a great way to get a feel for what it's like to operate heavy equipment and can be a stepping stone to further training.

You can try out the orientation program for a low cost of $500, which will be deducted from your enrollment fees if you decide to move forward with the training program.

This program will give you hands-on experience and an understanding of the theory behind operating heavy equipment.

The training program itself is a 40 hour course that covers single equipment types, including excavators, backhoes, bulldozers, and skid steers.

It's designed to recognize a successful completion of hands-on tasks and theory, similar to the NCCER certification courses.

Dig This Academy cannot guarantee employment, career advancement, or any particular earnings/pay, so it's essential to understand your own goals and expectations.

The Academy endorses the certification programs offered by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), which can provide a recognized credential in the industry.

Construction Job Skills

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If you're looking to boost your career in construction, consider acquiring skills in heavy equipment operation. The Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) program can help you earn an industry-recognized credential.

This program is designed to meet the growing demand for equipment operators in the heavy construction field. You can start or enhance your career by getting certified.

The HEO program is a great way to gain hands-on experience with heavy equipment. You'll learn the skills you need to succeed in this high-demand field.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is heavy equipment operator school in California?

In California, the cost of heavy equipment operator training can range from $4,000 to $20,000, depending on factors such as location and equipment. For a more accurate estimate, please see our article for 2024 pricing details.

Sophie Salvini

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Sophie Salvini is a digital marketer based in New York City. With a passion for writing, she started her own blog to share her thoughts on the latest trends and lifestyle topics. Her content focuses on empowering readers to live their best lives through self-care, mindfulness, and personal development.

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