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Rachel Seitz

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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:

West Coast Training

Example courses:

  • Mobile Crane Operator
  • Rigger
  • Coordinated Excavation Team Operations

Heavy Construction Academy

Example course:

  • Heavy Equipment Operations

Colorado Crane Operator School

Example course:

  • Heavy Equipment Operator
  • Mobile Crane Operations
  • Heavy Equipment and Crane Operator Training

We’re thrilled to work with both of these schools and their students. And we love finding new schools filled with dedicated staff and beneficial programs. If you happen to know of such a school, reach out and let us know!

1Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

One thought on “Getting an Education in Heavy Equipment Operations”

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We use a comprehensive, AI-driven assessment that goes beyond traditional FICO scores to better serve career training students:

  • Climb Credit Score: Over 150 data points specifically designed for vocational students
  • Debt-to-Income Ratio: Reliable predictor of payment performance
  • FICO Score: Used primarily for interest rate assignment

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  • Students can apply with co-borrowers directly in the application
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