From Learning to Doing: How To Take Heavy Equipment Training to the Field

Heavy equipment operation is a great, stable career choice and one that’s always in demand. All you need to get started is the right training. When you’re looking at different heavy equipment training, it’s important to make sure the school you choose offers both classroom and practical training. This can help you translate your skills and knowledge into a successful career.

If you’re ready to start your heavy equipment operator career, start by searching “heavy equipment training near me.” Then look for a program that understands the importance of combining classroom training with hands-on training, like West Coast Training. Read on to find out how a mix of training styles will better equip you for being in the field.

The Importance of Classroom Training

In heavy equipment classroom training, students learn a variety of skills they will use while actually operating the machinery and working on a jobsite. This includes civil engineering concepts, applied mathematics, workplace safety, project layout, and basic surveying. Students will also learn how to properly use transits, chain and rod, hand-sight levels, plumb bobs, and laser levels.

The Importance of Practical Training

While in the field, students will take what they have learned in the classroom and use it while actually operating heavy equipment. By receiving ample hands-on practice, students learn to operate heavy machinery both efficiently and safely. Thanks to the classroom background, students will already know the proper operating techniques and preventative maintenance they need to utilize.

Additionally, practice in the field is typically supervised instruction time. Experienced, certified instructors are on-site at all times to help students learn the skills they need and maintain the utmost safety.

Bringing Both Together

A great heavy equipment training program will include both classroom and hands-on practice so students can walk onto any jobsite well-prepared to handle whatever machine they need to use. This allows students to understand each piece of equipment and then get the exposure they need to all the different types of machinery they could potentially work with in the field one day. This can include backhoes, dozers, graders, excavators, loaders, scrapers, vibratory compactors, utility tractors, and trenchers.

At West Coast Training, students spend half the day Monday through Thursday in the classroom and half on our on-site training field. Then on Fridays, they come together for a full day of hands-on training to complete project-based crew tasks, putting all the skills they’ve learned during the week to use.

There are many benefits to having both classroom training and practical training. It provides you with a holistic view and experience that will benefit you in a future job. At West Coast Training, we make sure our students receive this well-rounded experience. We are also an Accredited Training Unity of the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER). This means that our graduates earn NCCER credentials, which are nationally recognized.

If you are searching for heavy equipment training, consider West Coast Training’s Heavy Equipment Operator program. We take applicants from all over the country. Contact us today to learn more.