Educational Requirements of a Heavy Equipment Operator - Axis Capital Group Singapore

While working on construction and transportation projects heavy equipment operators operate machines. Operators normally must go through and complete a formal training program to acquire how to properly use equipment, says Axis Capital Group, Singapore. The company has training for heavy equipment operators in SE Asian countries such as Singapore, KL Malaysia, Beijing China, Jakarta Indonesia, Bangkok Thailand and many more.


What are the Education Requirements for Heavy Equipment Operators?

Also known as operating engineers or much popularly called as Heavy equipment operators can complete an apprenticeship program or college program in heavy equipment operation. These programs merge in-class instruction with hands-on training. The apprenticeships take 3-4 years to complete since they comprise instruction on multiple types of equipment and include paid on-the-job training whereas vocational school and junior college programs usually last 1-2 years. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that those finishing apprenticeships may have well employment opportunities for the reason that they study about a broader diversity of equipment compared to students in a college program.

Classroom Training

Warning! Safety training is very important. Equally, apprenticeships and college programs normally begin with classes on safety procedures and policies. Safety training courses includes guidelines set by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA). Topics cover protective safety equipment and pre-operational procedures. Approximately, courses may offer instruction on how to eliminate hazardous waste.

Additional courses may comprise equipment maintenance and light repair. Topics like lubricating parts and joining parts together by means of a soldering iron or welding torch might be discoursed. Courses might also include gasoline and diesel engines. Always review your safety rules!

Hands-on Training

Hands-on training emphases on having students use equipment, thus they increase operating experience. Operators might be trained how to grade, landscape and excavate earth using tractors, bulldozers and backhoes. Techniques may cover scraping, compacting and using the controls on the equipment. This is all done to avoid complaints.

Since heavy equipment operators may require transporting machinery to and from the job site, programs may need students to receive their commercial driver's license (CDL). CDL requirements are set by each state. Procurement a CDL typically involves paying a fee, obtaining a temporary permit and passing vision, written and driving tests. While in some states, a person might also have to pass a medical examination.