Who Can Learn to Operate Heavy Equipment?

A job that involves operating heavy equipment is not like any other job. You don’t simply apply and learn the skills of the trade on the spot; there’s too much risk involved. It’s a job that you need training and background for. To get a job operating heavy equipment, you will first need to learn how to operate heavy equipment.

If you want to learn to operate heavy equipment, you have come to the right place. At West Coast Training, we have been training and preparing students for jobs operating heavy equipment since 1959. We know a thing or two about who can learn how to operate heavy equipment, and here’s how you can too.

You Need Proper Training

There are a lot of safety risks that can happen when heavy equipment isn’t operated properly. Because of this, heavy equipment operators must have the proper training to know how to safely use the machines.

At West Coast Training, students attend an eight-week Heavy Equipment Operator Program that covers everything from operation to job safety. Participants in this program get both classroom instruction and hands-on experience in the field from instructors who are certified by the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER). Additionally, this program covers the NCCER Core Curriculum and Heavy Equipment Operator Levels 1, 2, and 3.

You Need a High School Degree

While a college degree isn’t usually required, heavy equipment operators are typically expected to be high school graduates or have a GED equivalent. Even if an employer does not require you to have one of these, you may want to consider it. Completing your high school education can help set you apart from other applicants who don’t meet this requirement.

You May Need Licenses and Certifications

Different states and different local jurisdictions can have their own sets of licenses and credentials that they require heavy equipment operators to have. Some employers may have their own set of requirements as well. Because of this, you’re going to have to research the requirements needed for the job you’re applying to or the area you want to work in.

In addition to our different trainings, we are proud to offer various seminars, credentials, and exams. We offer crane operator courses, where students learn to operate lattice boom crawler, lattice boom truck, telescopic boom swing, and telescopic boom fixed cab cranes and more.

As you can see, anyone who has an interest in operating heavy equipment can learn how to do it. However, you need to commit and ensure you have the proper background and training. This ensures your safety, the machine’s safety, and the safety of all others working on-site with you.

If you do want to learn to operate heavy equipment, we encourage you to reach out to West Coast Training to kick-start your heavy machinery career. Call or stop in at our training facility to speak directly with one of our knowledgeable representatives.