Do You Need a CDL to Operate Heavy Equipment?
Choosing a career that suits your lifestyle, pays well, and leaves you feeling fulfilled can be tricky. There are so many different paths you can take when it comes to your future. Depending on which career path you pick, you may need to complete some schooling before you will be considered qualified for jobs in your future field of employment. Some careers require certification, while others require a college degree, which can take years to earn. Perhaps you don’t want to navigate the path through earning a college degree and would rather find a trade that better fits your lifestyle. If you see your future self being outdoors and working with machinery, a career in heavy equipment operation could be a good fit for you.
If you are looking to start your career in heavy equipment operation, you may be wondering, do you need a CDL to operate heavy equipment? The answer is no, you are not required to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to be able to have a successful career as a heavy equipment operator. However, you will need to complete some training prior to being hired by any employer as a heavy equipment operator. The heavy equipment training experts at West Coast Training offer training for those who wish to pursue a career in heavy equipment.
Heavy Equipment Operator Training Program
West Coast Training offers an eight-week training program that will prepare you for your new career as a heavy equipment operator. This program is a full-time program that takes place both in the classroom and in the field. You can expect to be in training for 50 hours a week, 10 hours a day for 8 weeks.
You will spend five hours a day, Monday through Thursday, in a classroom learning about civil engineering, workplace safety, basic surveying skills and how to properly use the necessary surveying tools, and some math that will help you during your career. The rest of the time will be spent in the field, where you will get the opportunity to have hands-on experience properly operating heavy equipment safely and efficiently. Fridays, the entire day is spent in the field, working in teams on projects that apply all the skills you’ve spent time learning about throughout the week.
National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER)
West Coast Training is an accredited training unit of the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER). Completing the Heavy Equipment Operator Training Program will prepare you to successfully pass the required exams to earn NCCER training credentials in heavy equipment operation.
Available Jobs for Graduates
Finding employment as an entry-level employee after graduating from any training program can be tricky. With West Coast Training’s graduate employment services, you won’t be alone in your employment search. We are here to help with your resume and with learning how to be successful in your job interviews.
Do you need a CDL to operate heavy equipment? Not at all. Choose your next career as a heavy equipment operator today. Contact West Coast Training to begin your future in heavy equipment.