If you are looking for an exciting, hands-on career with options, growth, and good pay, then the heavy equipment industry could be for you. Read on to find out why you should choose a heavy equipment career.
About the Heavy Equipment Industry
Heavy equipment is the backbone of any construction site and any building project. It is used to reduce the cost of labor and cut down on the time it takes to complete a construction project. Common industries that use heavy equipment are construction, forestry, mining, and agriculture.
Research has shown that the heavy equipment industry is booming. It is a field that has continued to grow throughout the years; the demand for heavy construction equipment has only increased. This means that the demand for those who operate it and are knowledgeable about it has also increased. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the overall employment of heavy equipment operators is projected to grow 4% from 2019 to 2029.
Advantages of Working in Heavy Equipment
Many people do not consider the various advantages of pursuing a heavy equipment career. From good pay to variety, the advantages are worth considering.
Lifestyle
When it comes to heavy equipment, you get to choose what your day-to-day will look like. Do you want to dig up the earth with a trench excavator? Does the idea of operating a massive crane and performing lifts sound interesting? Or would you like to operate a digger and be a part of the mining industry? The choice is yours when it comes to what you want to do in heavy equipment.
Variety
You get to choose what you want to do. With a heavy equipment career, you can pick your specialization or you can be a general operator with knowledge of a wide range of machines. What you choose to specialize in will dictate what kind of work you will be doing and the duties and responsibilities assigned to you. The more experience you have in different machines, the more likely there is to be variety in your work.
Environment
If you are an outdoorsy person, this is the job for you. In the heavy equipment industry, you will be working in an outside environment a majority of the time. Just as what you choose to specialize in will influence the type of work you do, it will also determine the environment you are working in. If you specialize in cranes and excavators, you could be working in a metropolitan area, building skyscrapers and apartments. You can get certified in heavy forestry equipment and go work in nature as well. Working up in the mountains is also in the cards if you receive formal training on loaders and diggers. Heavy equipment operators often work full time, with some of them working irregular hours, such as nights. There are many different outdoor environments to work in—the choice is yours.
Income
A major appealing aspect of working in heavy equipment is the pay. It is one of the highest-paying jobs you can get without needing a college degree. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for heavy equipment operators is around $48,000. If you are fully trained and certified in heavy equipment, you will be in the higher earning bracket, and could potentially make up to $84,000 a year. Along with good pay, heavy equipment careers offer many benefits such as healthcare, paid vacation time, and retirement plans.
Hireability
If you are formally educated and certified in heavy equipment, the job opportunities are vast. Employers keep their eye out for someone who knows their stuff, and if you are specialized in heavy equipment, then your starting salary could see a boost. In addition to being a highly viable candidate for a job, formal heavy equipment education means that you can work in different parts of the world, as there is a need for construction equipment operators all over.
Career Outlook
The growth of the industry coupled with formal education in heavy equipment means that there will be job security and opportunities. Some companies even offer programs for you to receive further training, which will greatly benefit you in the long-term.
Post-Covid 19 Scenario in Education
The covid-19 pandemic has impacted the way people receive formal heavy equipment training. Training and education is still available, but there will be modifications in order to keep people safe and healthy. In classes, you might see social distancing measures enforced, or you might have the option of taking classes online in the safety of your home. However, hands-on learning experiences are commonplace when studying for a heavy equipment career. In your formal training, when the time comes to experience hands-on training, masks might be enforced as well as washing your hands often.
PPE Kit in Construction
Safety Training
When considering a job in heavy equipment, considering safety training is just as important. When you go through proper training for heavy equipment, you will also be taught safety practices. Heavy equipment schools oftentimes include safety operations in their curriculum targeting specific areas of study like road construction and excavation. In many cases, there are also separate safety courses you can complete to be the best construction worker you can be.
Heavy Equipment Colleges of America
When it comes to heavy equipment training, we are the experts. HEC is an accredited heavy equipment school that will equip you with all the skills necessary to succeed in the heavy equipment industry and get the career you want. HEC offers heavy equipment courses in six different locations that emphasize topics including crane operating, trench excavation, and safety. Contact us today to get your heavy equipment career started.
