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About the Heavy Equipment Operator I Course
Heavy Equipment Operator 1 from Performance Training Solutions (PTS) is the first step to a lasting, rewarding career in multiple industries. Explore the benefits, advantages, and opportunities available to you with this three-week program at our heavy equipment operator school.
Who is Heavy Equipment Operator Training For?
Because heavy equipment operators are always in demand, virtually anyone can enjoy a career backed by our training program. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate, a veteran, a disabled worker, or someone who’s simply looking for a new career path, heavy equipment training enables you to build skills, experience, and knowledge that translates across multiple equipment types, industries, projects, and regions. Depending on your specific background and needs, various grants and other resources may be available to help you kickstart your journey with heavy equipment operation.
What You’ll Learn
This entry-level heavy equipment operator course provides you with knowledge and skills to obtain employment in construction, energy, mining, and many other industries as a skid steer, wheel loader, compactor, backhoe, or articulated off-road dump truck operator. Our program includes:
- Basic Operating Techniques
- Equipment Inspections
- Preventive Maintenance
- Safety & Jobsite Awareness
- Soil & Earthmoving Concepts
- Real-World Operating Exercises
What Kind of Equipment You’ll Learn
Our Heavy Equipment Operator I training course provides in-depth instruction — both in-the-seat and classroom-based — into some of the most common vehicles and heavy machinery found in job sites nationwide. Learn more about each piece of machinery below.
Skid Steers
Skid steers are versatile machines used for material handling, grading, cleanup, and site preparation on construction and landscaping projects.
Wheel Loaders
Wheel loaders are designed to move large amounts of soil, gravel, and other materials efficiently across construction sites, quarries, and industrial facilities.
Articulated Off-Road Dump Trucks
Off-road dump trucks transport large quantities of earth, rock, and construction materials safely across rugged jobsites and earthmoving operations.
Backhoes
Backhoes combine digging and loading capabilities in one machine, making them valuable for utility work, trenching, excavation, and general construction projects.
Compactors
Compactors compress soil, gravel, and asphalt to create stable surfaces that support roads, foundations, and other construction projects.
What Your Career Path Could Look Like
Once you graduate from PTS, there are many kinds of opportunities available to you! Graduating from Heavy Equipment Operator I provides you with NCCER credentials that you can use to obtain employment in a variety of industries. Here are just some examples of the roles and positions that you can explore.
- Construction Operator
- Site Development Operator
- Road Construction
- Utility Contractor
- Quarry & Mining Operator
- Excavation Operator
- Landscaping / Site Prep Operator
A Day in the Life
Explore student success stories, see our equipment in action, and more below.
About the NCCER Credential
The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) is a nonprofit education organization dedicated to developing standardized, industry-recognized training programs for the skilled trades. Its programs help address workforce needs by providing students with nationally recognized credentials that support career opportunities in the construction industry and related fields. Through its commitment to workforce development, the NCCER promotes safe, productive, and sustainable career pathways across multiple industries. PTS heavy equipment programs are led by instructors who hold NCCER Craft Instructor and/or Master Trainer certifications. Learn more about the credential here.
Grow Your Knowledge With Free Resources
At PTS, we’re committed to helping you understand not only heavy equipment but also the many career opportunities available, salary information, and related trends. Explore and download the free heavy equipment-focused resources below.
A New Path Forward: How Veterans Can Capitalize on HE Operator Training
Coming to grips with a new career after enlistment is challenging for many. Learn how heavy equipment operator training through PTS gives veterans an express lane to rewarding careers in this free ebook.
Breaking Barriers: How Women Can Find Success as Heavy Equipment Operators
As a woman in the construction industry, your possibilities are endless. Learn how becoming a heavy equipment operator can allow you to find a long-lasting career, earn a family-sustaining salary, and discover limitless growth opportunities. Learn more from PTS about how to build a better future for yourself.
The 2025 Guide to Heavy Equipment and Crane Operator Salaries
Becoming a heavy equipment or crane operator can give you a family-sustaining salary, a long-lasting career, and future opportunities for growth. Learn more about the expert training programs at PTS and how we can prepare you to join this rewarding field.
Power Up: A Guide to HEO Training
Heavy equipment operator training can equip you with the skills and knowledge to secure a strong career with a high earning potential in only a few short weeks. Learn more about what you can expect from HEO training and how PTS sets you up for success in this free ebook.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get quick answers to the most commonly asked questions about Heavy Equipment Operator I below. Explore a more in-depth FAQ here.
Do I need experience?
No! Heavy Equipment Operator I is an entry-level program, so experience is not required.
How old do I need to be?
Students must be 18 years of age to attend.
Do I need a CDL?
No. Just a valid driver’s license.
What math skills are required?
Basic math skills are required. If you’ve graduated from high school, you’ve likely taken all the math you’ll need.
Is financing available?
Yes! We provide financing through Ascent. Contact us to learn more.
Where can I work afterward?
Virtually anywhere where construction, earthmoving, and similar work are being performed (so pretty much anywhere!). Heavy equipment operators are always in demand in numerous industries nationwide.
Is housing available?
We do not provide housing as part of our training, but we are happy to provide recommendations for local housing options. Note that you are required to be on-site for this training Monday through Friday, so you will need to make the necessary arrangements.
Can veterans attend?
Absolutely! You can use your VA benefits to pay for training, too. As a Military Friendly® School, we’ll do everything we can to put your hard-earned benefits to work for your training and career journey. And thank you for your service!
How long does it take?
Completing Heavy Equipment Operator I requires three weeks (120 hours) of in-the-seat and classroom instruction.
What equipment will I run?
For Heavy Equipment Operator I, you’ll learn skid steers, compactors, backhoes, wheel loaders, and articulated off-road dump trucks.
Dig in With PTS
Get more insights into heavy equipment operation, equipment types, industry trends, and more in our blog.
The Importance of Training for Heavy Equipment Job Site Safety
How Hands-On Training at PTS Teaches Beginners How to Operate Heavy Equipment
