Proudly Serving Veterans
Heavy construction equipment training is available to anyone — from new high school graduates, veterans, and any individual who is interested in starting a new career. However, before jumping into the process, it is important to understand exactly what this training looks like and what your options are once you complete your courses. Let’s explore the process of training, getting certified, and your employment prospects.
Starting Heavy Construction Equipment Training
Heavy equipment and crane operator training does not take nearly as long as a college education, allowing you to jump into your career much faster. In order to start your training, you will need to find a reputable school. If you are having trouble deciding, taking tours of the facilities will help you determine which school is the best fit for you.
Once you have decided on a school, you will enroll in a course. At PTS, we have a few options, including Heavy Equipment Operator I and Mobile Crane Operations. In the Heavy Equipment Operator I course you will learn the skills needed for various types of construction equipment compared to learning solely about the mobile crane in the Mobile Crane Operator course.
What to Expect During Training
At PTS, both our Heavy Equipment Operator I and Mobile Crane Operator courses are three weeks long, covering 120 hours of instruction. This time is split between classroom and in-the-seat learning so you gain all of the information and skills needed for your new profession.
During the Heavy Equipment Operator I training, you will learn how to operate many types of critical equipment on the construction site including skid steers, wheel loaders, compactors, backhoes, and off road dump trucks. In the Mobile Crane Operator course you will be focused on learning how to operate Mobile Hydraulic Telescopic Boom Swing-Cab and Telescopic Boom Fixed-Cab cranes.
Getting Your Certification or Credentials
Depending on which type of equipment you are interested in operating, you will either need to get your certification or your accreditation. If you are looking to operate mobile cranes, you will sit for your certification exam after graduating and if you are going to operate heavy equipment, you will receive your credentials.
Crane Certification
After finishing your Mobile Crane Operator training, you will need to sit for a test to receive your certification from the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators, or NCCCO. Once you receive your formal NCCCO certification, you will be able to find employment or continue your education on other types of cranes.
Heavy Equipment Credential
Once you complete your Heavy Equipment Operator I course you will receive a credential from the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). After this credential is awarded, you will be able to seek employment or continue your education.
Finding Work After Your Training
After getting your certification or credential for operating heavy machinery on construction sites, you will have many job opportunities to choose from. Many construction projects are being started and are underway with the need for more housing, updating existing buildings, and infrastructure repairs. In fact, construction employment grew from 5.0% of total employment in February 2020 to 5.2% in March 2024.
At PTS, we provide our former and current students with career assistance services. Our team will work with you to teach you soft skills that will make you more marketable in the workplace and we will help you find a job that fits what you are looking for.
What to Expect Out of Your Salary?
When you join the heavy equipment operations industry, you will have the opportunity to make a great salary. The average yearly salary of a mobile crane operator in the United States is $54,566 and the average salary of a heavy equipment operator is $49,330. Of course, like with any career, your salary will increase as you gain more and more experience, allowing you to make upwards of $87,000 with more experience.
Continuing Your Heavy Construction Equipment Training
You will also be able to continue honing your skills in the heavy equipment operator sector by furthering your education. For example, if you had previously completed your Heavy Equipment Operator I training, you can return to PTS to complete the Heavy Equipment Operator II training. In this course you will expand your knowledge to include operating bulldozers, scrapers, excavators, and motor graders.
By continuing your education, you broaden the opportunities you have within the construction industry. You will be able to operate even more types of machinery, and you will have learned marketable skills, such as excavation math and interpretation of civil drawings.
Start Your Heavy Construction Equipment Training With PTS
If you are ready to get started on your new career path or continuing your education, PTS is here to help. We offer two entry-level courses — Heavy Equipment Operator I and Mobile Crane Operator — and one continuing education course — Heavy Equipment Operator II. From veterans and high school graduates to those looking for a new career and the unemployed, PTS has helped a broad range of students find their place in this field.
Start the process today by scheduling a tour with PTS to receive $500 off of your tuition!