Heavy construction equipment training programs allow students to complete specialized courses and obtain hands-on experience for a career as a heavy construction equipment operator. Mississippi is home to several trade schools and colleges that offer construction-related programs, and students who wish to complete heavy construction equipment certification can take specialized courses online or enroll in an on-site training program out of state.
Significance
Mississippi is home to thousands of building and construction companies that hire heavy construction equipment professionals to operate machinery and work on several construction projects. Some of the leading construction business employers headquartered in Mississippi include McMillan-Pitts Construction, Mississippi Bracken Construction, Necaise Brothers Construction Co., and R.C. Construction. Some employers offer on-the-job training for construction and building professionals who need to operate or repair heavy equipment, while others will only hire individuals who have completed a formal training program at a technical college or vocational school.
Types
Mississippi is home to several community colleges and vocational schools that offer automotive, industrial maintenance mechanics, and construction programs. Completion of these two-year diploma programs gives students the basic knowledge and skills needed to enter the construction, building and trade industry. However, those who are interested in specializing in heavy equipment operations or those who want to complete heavy equipment operation certification may need to enroll in an online program or complete training at the Georgia School of Construction, a member school of the National Association of Heavy Equipment Training center.
Features
Heavy equipment operation training schools allow students to gain valuable knowledge, skills and hands-on experience in operating different types of equipment and finding a job in their area. In addition to completing heavy equipment operator training courses, candidates will need to obtain their commercial driver's license (CDL), so that they can drive industrial trucks and construction vehicles to and from job sites. The CDL can be obtained through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. Some construction professionals also complete crane and rigging certification courses so that they can operate these types of industrial equipments on select job sites.
Features
Many heavy construction equipment training programs are divided into three levels so that students can build upon foundational knowledge and learn about different types of equipment as their skills and knowledge develop. Students complete courses such as Basic Rigging, Heavy Equipment Safety, Dump Truck Operation, Tractor Operation, Introduction to Blueprints, Rollers and Bulldozer Operation, Excavators, Finishing and Grading Procedures, and Civil Blueprint Reading. Some of the basic courses are available at trade schools and community colleges in Mississippi, but students who want to complete the entire program towards certification may need to take courses online or complete training in another state.
Considerations
Licensure and certification in heavy equipment operation are not required by any state in the United States, but make an attractive addition to a prospective candidate's resume. Licensure or certification by the National Association of Heavy Equipment Training offers students a professional advantage because it demonstrates that they have successfully completed a specialized curriculum in the field, and gained an extensive amount of hands on experience. However, many employers in Mississippi and other states will accept candidates who have completed a basic construction, automotive or mechanical engineering program at a trade school and provide on-the-job training for heavy equipment operations.
