It’s the dream of many kids to “play” with machines all day. For grown-ups, this dream comes to life by working with heavy equipment. If you’re interested in applying for heavy equipment jobs you might be wondering - do I need to have a degree to do this?
We explore what a heavy equipment operator is expected to do, explain what education or degree is required for the job and help you find the best role appropriate for your background.
A heavy equipment operator, or heavy equipment technician, is someone who operates heavy equipment on various job sites, including road or building construction, mining, energy and refining, as well as a variety of manufacturing settings. In this position, you would operate various types of heavy equipment to move and process materials. You would be responsible for driving large vehicles, safely operating heavy equipment, and other associated tasks.
Yes, college degrees aren’t needed to become a heavy equipment operator. Most employers ask only that you have your high school degree or GED. In some cases, employers may hire workers without a high school degree if they have proven experience. One way you can get this type of experience is by getting a certification for different types of machines. The best way to find a certification is to reach out to your local trade school or community college, a current employer or online resources like OSHA Education Center.
Related Blog: Can I Get Forklift Certified on the Job?
Having your CDL (driver’s license) is also usually required to operate heavy equipment.
If you’re hoping to find a temp job in the heavy equipment industry, Strom Engineering has frequent opportunities in the field. At Strom, we hire seasonal, temporary, and long-term employees for equipment operator positions in our production and manufacturing industries. Explore our jobs today to get started.
Strom Engineering is a national staffing and recruitment agency, with a particular focus on manufacturing, engineering, assembly, and other trade positions. We match skilled candidates to temporary or project staffing positions. Learn more about how it works and check out our case studies for more information.