What Is the Outlook for Construction Equipment Operator Jobs?

If you plan on devoting a great deal of time and effort to furthering your career, you want to know that it will pay off in some meaningful way. Becoming a construction equipment operator is no different, requiring focus, commitment, and drive to earn the certifications for the job.
Is it all worth it, though? Is this an industry that’s growing or one that’s in decline? What is the outlook for construction equipment operator jobs over the next decade? And how do you break into this industry, anyway?

Construction Is an Industry That’s Always Growing

Currently, the construction business is competitive; many candidates jostle for positions in the industry—and with good reason. Skilled construction workers can earn a great living, especially since their knowledge will always be in demand, and there will always be building projects to work on.
This demand applies even more to candidates with heavy equipment training. Workers with the ability to operate cranes, dozers, and forklifts have plenty of job prospects available because these types of machinery are always used in construction and require skilled operators.
Much like any other field, the construction industry does have its ebbs and flows. These days, however, the construction industry continues to grow. Between now and 2030, this industry is expected to experience a growth rate of about 7 percent, which according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics means about 167,800 job openings per year.

How To Get the Best Job You Possibly Can

While construction equipment operator job openings will continue to increase in the coming years, so will the number of candidates looking to lock down these employment opportunities. Job seekers aiming to rise above the pack as the most in-demand of these skilled workers will need to have résumés that stand out from the crowd.
Having the best résumé of all prospective candidates means having more skills and experience. It’s difficult to have that experience if you’re new to the world of heavy equipment, but it’s not impossible. You can gain experience in the field on jobsites by enrolling in hands-on classes at West Coast Training.

Learn From the Best

West Coast Training offers classes taught by experienced professionals who have worked in the construction business for years. Classes are partially done in the classroom and partially behind the controls of actual heavy equipment on jobsites.
Taking crane and heavy equipment operator classes at West Coast Training will help you learn the ins and outs of various types of heavy equipment and earn valuable certifications from professional organizations, such as the National Commission For the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO). Many employers won’t even consider you for a position with their organization if you do not have one of these certifications.
West Coast Training will also help you succeed in the industry by helping you to create a résumé that stands out to potential employers, helping you to thrive in an ever-growing market.