Getting an Education in Heavy Equipment Operations

Last month, we introduced a new series on the blog, in which we’ll give you a look at some of the industries our partner schools provide training for. At Climb Credit, all of us work hard to ensure these schools are high-value and provide the right training to enter in-demand fields. This week, we’re spotlighting the heavy equipment operations industry and our school partners in the space.

Heavy equipment education usually involves vocational or postsecondary programs that teach students to operate heavy machinery. This can be anything from crane operation to excavation digging classes. Our very own Victoria Chung even got to visit one school, West Coast Training, and operate their 100-foot crane!

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of available jobs in the field in 2014 was 186,500, and the median salary in 2015 was $47,120.

And with an expected 5% growth in number of jobs from 2014-2024, those numbers are expected to rise even higher.¹

These programs attract a wide range of students, from those with high school diplomas taking entry-level programs to more advanced programs catering to students looking for managerial positions and certification renewals. Common post-program jobs are tied to the subject matter directly, with graduates often finding employment at manufacturing facilities, construction companies, and energy companies.

And just who are these Climb partner schools offering an education for the heavy equipment field? In this sector, we work with: