Heavy Equipment Operations
Training Programs > Transportation

Heavy Equipment Operations

Potential earnings range:
$39,187-$83,242*
Per year after graduation

Are you a problem solver and a team player? Interested in working with your hands on large machines? Detail-oriented and conscientious? 

Then you may be a good fit for Job Corps’ Heavy Equipment Operations training program. 

On the job, you will ...

  • Drive, maneuver or control heavy machinery, such as motor graders, bulldozers, scrapers, compressors or front-end loaders 
  • Construct roads, buildings and other structures 
  • Build structures via pouring concrete and coordinating machine actions with crews in response to hand or audio signals 
  • Clean, maintain and make basic repairs to equipment 

Some of the career options you will have ...  

Individuals with credentials in Heavy Equipment Operations go to work for construction companies or contractors. Heavy equipment operators typically work outside in almost every climate and weather condition. Some operators work in factories, mines or remote locations, or on large construction projects like highways and dams. Most work full time. 

Students should also consider pursuing Advanced Asphalt Paving and other Advanced Training programs at Job Corps as part of their career pathway. 

The credentials you will earn ...  

In the Heavy Equipment Operations training program, you can earn industry-recognized credentials and/or state licensure. Students should also earn a state-issued learner’s permit and driver’s license upon completion of the program. 

What you’ll need to start training ... 

  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent (can be earned at all Job Corps centers) 
  • Completion of all introductory and career preparation courses 
  • Passing scores on all written and performance tests 
  • Meet academic (math and reading) requirements
* Salary information comes from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics Program and is provided for planning purposes only. Actual salary will depend on student skill level, credentials earned, experience level and location.

Need help meeting one or more of these requirements?

Don’t worry! At Muhlenberg Job Corps Center, our staff will help you along your journey to make sure you have all the tools and resources you need to check those boxes and start your training.

Meet your instructors

Meet your instructors

Instructor
Trevor Coin
Trevor Coin previously served as security officer at Muhlenberg Job Corps Center. He enjoys working with students and bringing out the best in them.
David Cordial
David Cordial is a Heavy Equipment Foundations instructor at Muhlenberg Job Corps Center. He also is a pastor of a small church in the Muhlenberg area and enjoys working with people of all ages. He believes that helping young people get a start in their adult lives is a privilege and honor. David loves hearing from students after they leave Job Corps and is humbled and amazed that he gets to play a small part in their success. 
Joe Turner
Joe Turner is a Heavy Construction Equipment Operations instructor at Muhlenberg Job Corps Center. He served in the United States Navy for four years and at Logan Aluminum for 27 years. He enjoys sharing his knowledge of heavy equipment and life lessons with students.