Exploring the Industries and Equipment of Heavy Machine Operator Jobs

Heavy machine operator jobs provide various opportunities without the need for years of higher education. As the industry continues to grow, more and more heavy equipment operators will be needed. This growing field can provide stable work and great pay without the need for a college degree. And, from the wide variety of equipment to the various industries, heavy machine operators have an abundance of career options.

Industries

Construction

From building new homes to medical centers and so much more, the construction industry has been and will continue to grow. In fact, the North American construction market is projected to grow by 4.82% between 2023 and 2028. There are quite a few factors that contribute to the growth of this industry, such as: 

• The increase in e-commerce sales creates more need for manufacturing and warehousing spaces
• More urban areas and a growing population increase the need for housing
• Maintaining aging roads, bridges, and public places is becoming more necessary 

Construction equipment operators are tasked with using a wide range of machinery to do a variety of things on the job site, including moving building supplies, soil, and heavy materials. Additionally, they can help prepare these sites for the construction of roads, bridges, and buildings. 

Mining

Mining and mineral extraction are essential for all industries. These mined materials are responsible for providing power in a variety of ways. Even with the growth of clean energy, the mining industry is still expected to grow by 6.7% by 2027. While coal mining is still needed to provide power, more mining companies are shifting their focus to critical minerals. These minerals power electric vehicles, wind turbines, solar panels, and other sustainable technologies. So, while coal mining may be on the decline, the market for mined minerals for sustainable energy practices is growing rapidly. 

Mining equipment operators are responsible for removing large deposits of rock from quarries. They also remove minerals from the ground using bulldozers, excavators, dump trucks, and other machines. 

Equipment

Heavy equipment operators are expected to know how to operate all kinds of equipment, and during training, they will learn how to operate each one safely.  A few of the most common machines seen in construction and mining heavy machine operator jobs include: 

Bulldozers

These machines are used to gouge out and level soil, as well as move materials in construction, mining, forestry, and other projects. 

Skid Steers

Skid steers dig holes, move large objects, dig trenches, move dirt, and assist and lay pavement at construction sites. 

Backhoes

At construction and mining sites, this machine is used to move or remove soil and other materials. 

Dump Trucks

These trucks are used to transport paving materials, construction supplies, dirt, and garbage. 

Excavator

Excavators clear, move, load, and unload materials like rock, ore, and more from construction and mining sites.

Mobile Hydraulic Cranes

Mobile hydraulic cranes move, lift, position, and place materials and equipment around the job site.  

How to Start Your Heavy Machine Operator Career

To become a heavy machine operator, you will need to complete a training program at an accredited training facility. This allows you to gain the necessary skills and certifications needed to be successful in your new career. During training, you will complete both field and classroom work, so you have both knowledge and experience. If you want to learn more about the process of becoming a heavy machine operator or a crane operator, check out our blogs. 

Performance Training Solutions Can Help You Jumpstart Your Heavy Machine Operator Career

At Performance Training Solutions we are dedicated to providing the highest quality training in the shortest time possible. In just a few short weeks you will have all of the necessary skills needed to jump into your new career as a heavy equipment operator. We offer training for both heavy equipment and crane operations and with our 90% graduate placement rate, you won’t have to worry about finding a job post-graduation.  

If you are ready to get started, contact our team today, or schedule a tour of our facilities for a $500 tuition reduction.