What is the outlook for jobs in the future for Heavy Equipment Operators?

Terrific!! Construction, with 6.7 million wage and salary jobs and 1.6 million self-employed and unpaid family nongovernment jobs in 2020, was one of the Nation’s largest industries.

Overall employment of construction equipment operators is expected to grow 23 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. Spending on infrastructure should generate many jobs for construction equipment operators. Workers with the ability to operate multiple types of equipment should have the best job opportunities.

About three out of five construction equipment operators worked in the construction industry. Many equipment operators worked in heavy construction, building highways, bridges, or railroads. About one out of five of all construction equipment operators worked in State and local government. Others —mostly grader, bulldozer, and scraper operators — worked in mining. Some also worked in manufacturing and for utility companies. Less than one in twenty construction equipment operators were self-employed.*

*Source: US Department of Labor, Career Guide to Industries

Construction equipment operators work in every section of the country.

I have always heard that you must have at least 1-2 years experience to be hired in the heavy equipment industry, is this true?

Not True – With a completion of training certificate from National, you will be afforded opportunities from contractors to “show your stuff.” The industry needs operators to replace the ones leaving and to fill the jobs required by the overwhelming increase in construction projects across the nation.  With your formal training, heart, and integrity, no experience is required for employment.

How long is the course?

The training is in two phases.  The first phase is the “Distance Learning” portion.   You will complete these lessons at your own pace.  The second phase of the training is called the “Resident Training” portion.  This is when you come to us for a month (201 hours) of hands on training with the equipment.

How much do Equipment Operators Earn?

The median annual wage of construction equipment operators was $39,460 in May 2010.

*Source: US Department of Labor, Career Guide to Industries

Is there a National Training Heavy Equipment Operators School near me?

Conducting this type of training is not a simple process.  The resident training portion is conducted in sunny North Florida.  The permits, licenses, environmental impact, and the enormous amount of land required to conduct this type of training, do not lend itself well to portability of the course.  This is probably the most logical reason heavy construction operator schools are not in most communities.  The School has invested years and vast legal resources into obtaining the necessary environmental permits and approvals that are mandated by the Federal Government and the State of Florida.

Our courses are designed with the busy new millennium student in mind.  We understand the constraints on your time.  Therefore, the course is designed so that during the first half of the program can be done in the best classroom available, your own home via distance education!  Upon completion of the distance education portion, done at your own pace, you then schedule the resident training portion to meet your needs and schedules.

The advantages to conducting this type of training in Florida are far-reaching.   The weather is nice most of the year.  No snow days here!  Rains do not last long and it’s warm enough to wear shorts almost year round.  This all adds up to no student training down time!

It is no accident our school is located in Florida.  We want our students to totally enjoy their training experience.  This objective cannot be accomplished through work alone.  A fair amount of recreation with your hard work meets the enjoyment objective.

The school is located within a maximum of two-hour driving distance of most of Florida’s greatest vacation attractions.  Weekend visits to Saint Augustine, the nation’s oldest city, driving on the White Sands of Daytona Beach, Cape Canaveral, Disney attractions, Universal Studios, Sea World, Silver Springs, Cyprus Gardens, and World Golf Village are a small sampling of the unique to Florida experiences awaiting you.  If you just enjoy a simpler recreation, great fishing is just a step or two away from your front door.

What type of equipment will I be training on?

Your training will include modern, late model bulldozers, excavators, loader-backhoes, and articulating loaders.  In addition you will also be trained to operate the Bobcat® Skid Steer Loader and compact Excavators.

National utilizes many and various brands and sizes of heavy equipment machines.  All of this equipment is owned, leased, or rented to insure that an adequate number of properly working machines are available for the student census.  National cannot guarantee that any one specific machine will be available due to maintenance intervals and natural equipment attrition.

Where do I go for Financial Assistance?

We have funding available through financial institutions that offer student loans. (With approved credit if you qualify)

If you are unemployed, check with your local employment office, they have numerous programs that you may be eligible for.

If you are on Active Military duty, you are eligible for DANTES or Tuition Assistance.  We will assist you anyway possible to help you secure funding for the course.

Do I have to have a driver’s license?

Is there an age limit for attending thetraining?

Yes, You must be 18 years old to attend school

How much does the school cost?

For the most current fees, please consult one of the following sources; the current Heavy Equipment Operators Course Catalog, or you can call an admissions counselor for the current tuition fees. (800-488-7364)

Is there lodging near the school?  

Yes, National Training students receive preferred rates from two motels close to the school.  Costs vary depending on your choices of single room or doubling up with another student.  There are married couple rates for those couples that are attending training together. We can say this, the rates you will find to be surprisingly affordable as they are structured for only our students.  In addition to these two motels, there are many more within a 15 mile radius from the Training Grounds.

Do you offer job placement assistance when I graduate?

Yes, we offer nation wide job placement assistance. Although, ethically we certainly cannot guarantee you a job, no one can, your success is ultimately up to you. We will do everything possible to assist in your career search.

We have an extensive list of employers that are eager to give you an opportunity.  You will fill out a pre-hire application that will be circulated to employers you choose while you are in Resident Training.  We strive to place every graduate in an entry-level heavy equipment operator’s position.

Questions and Answers – Active Military/Veterans:

(NOTE: All Service Members must seek assistance from their local Education Center to ascertain service policy.)

I will be separating from active duty within a year. What benefits am I eligible for?

All of National Training, Inc. programs are approved for Educational Benefits for Active Duty personnel through Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Educational Support (DANTES). How do I enroll in NTI’s course and apply for active duty DANTES assistance?

Complete the Tuition Assistance Registration Form. Attach an approved Special Request Chit and submit it through your normal chain of command. Upon command approval, submit your TA registration form to your base Education Services Officer for processing in the NCMIS system.

National Training Heavy Equipment Operators School is accredited with the Distance Education Training Counsel (DETC).  This course is eligible for DANTES and Tuition Assistance (TA)