The Benefits of Enrolling in Trade Programs for Veterans After Service

Each year, approximately 200,000 servicemembers transition from military service to civilian life. An even more impressive number is the total number of veterans, family members, and caregivers in the U.S. — 4.3 million. How can veterans ensure they are taking care of their loved ones once they leave the service? The answer is clear: trade programs for veterans. 

When returning to civilian life, it can be difficult for veterans to navigate their new lives. It can be especially difficult navigating employment and finances, which is why trade programs can offer a lifeline for veterans. Here, we will take a closer look at how veterans can use trade programs to change their lives and support their families.

Learn more about how veterans can capitalize on heavy equipment training with our free ebook. Download it here.

Exploring Different Trade Programs 

When re-entering civilian life, veterans can expect to find a number of different trade programs that can help them figure out their next step. For instance, there are several programs dedicated to helping veterans learn important skills that will help them find work in trades that can provide income to support a family.

Whatever the choice, trade programs for veterans can boost earning potential. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, veterans who have attended trade programs have job growth rates of more than 14%. Investing in job training programs can enhance veterans’ opportunities and allow them to earn wages that can help their families thrive. But one trade possibility rises above the rest: heavy equipment operation. Let’s dive into how heavy equipment operation training can benefit veterans. 

Explore How Heavy Equipment Operator Training Empowers Veterans

If you’re looking for a high-earning, in-demand career opportunity, you’ve found it with heavy equipment operation. This career is perfect for veterans just returning from service. Many Veterans have gained a number of useful skills from their military experience that will be to heavy equipment operation. They are adaptable, cooperative, fast-learners, critical thinkers, and self-disciplined, all of which is important for a career operating heavy equipment.

Heavy equipment operators are in high demand because they are utilized in multiple industries, like construction, mining, transportation, and renewable energy. HE operators load and unload materials, move building supplies, dig, and more, and they are highly paid for this role. While it does depend on experience and location, on average heavy equipment operators make $70,797 per year, which is well above the national average salary of $59,228. These kinds of wages can help veterans sustain their families and thrive in their post-service lives.

When searching for trade programs for veterans, it’s clear that heavy equipment operator training is the way to go — and PTS is the best training school that can help you jumpstart your career. Let’s find out why.

Let PTS Guide You to Your Next Step

PTS is a designated Military Friendly® School, which means PTS meets the standard that measures an organization’s commitment, effort and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefits for the military community. Additionally, we understand the unique challenges veterans may face when returning to civilian life. We’re dedicated to helping veterans navigate their post-service lives successfully, and we’ve trained countless veterans in heavy equipment and mobile crane operation. With our three-week training programs, you can start your new career quickly and be well on your way to earning high wages.

We have a number of courses available that are aimed at helping veterans succeed, including:

• Heavy equipment operator 1: In this introductory course, you will learn how to operate skid steers, wheel loaders, compactors, backhoes, and articulated off-road dump trucks. You’ll also learn basic safety and preventative maintenance procedures, and you gain an introduction to earthmoving and soils.
• Heavy equipment operator 2: In this follow-up course, you’ll learn how to operate bulldozers, scrapers, excavators, and motor graders. You will also learn how to interpret civil drawings, excavation math, finishing and grading, and more. This course will leave you qualified for a number of entry-level heavy equipment operator jobs.

In just three weeks, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in your new career. Our courses consist of a balance of classroom instruction and in-the-seat experience so you can feel comfortable on the job site. At PTS, we value small class sizes and gear our training to appeal to hands-on learners. Our heavy equipment training courses are the top choice of trade programs for veterans, and we’re eager to help you get started on your next step. 

Learn more about our programs and schedule a tour of our facility to earn a $500 tuition reduction scholarship.