Work in North Carolina for trained heavy equipment operators ebbs with the tide of construction going on. The southern state has seen rapid commercial and residential growth since the 1970s and is predicted to continue for decades because of the climate and friendly business environment. There are a number of schools and training centers in the state that offer heavy equipment training.
Licenses
While there is no license required for heavy equipment operators, a Commercial Driver License (CDL) is required in North Carolina for drivers of heavy equipment that weighs more than 26,000 lbs. A special rating on the CDL is required of operators that haul hazardous equipment or drive vehicles with tanks. An additional exam is given for this rating. Online courses, such as those offered by Advanced Tech Courses, can prepare drivers to pass the CDL and hazardous material exams in North Carolina. Onsite training for the HAZMAT certification is available through seminars and short courses at schools, such as North Carolina State University.
Skills
Look for training programs that provide additional training in maintenance, safety and traffic rules for heavy equipment to receive a well-rounded education in the industry. While there are online theory courses available for heavy equipment operation training, the hands-on training for operating backhoes, forklifts, cranes and excavators is invaluable. Many construction companies will provide on-the-job training for those with a certificate from an online facility.
Tech Schools
Heavy equipment operator basic skills courses are provided by most of the state's community colleges. The vocational certificates are typically 12-hour indoctrination programs that teach the basic machines that an operator will encounter and how to run them, safety instruction and introduction to the various careers available to heavy equipment operators.
Specialty Programs
Wake Tech Community College in Raleigh has a degree program in Construction Equipment and Forestry Technology that leads to an Associate in Applied Science Degree. As with many of North Carolina's state colleges and universities, commercial programs are sponsored by local employers. The Wake Tech program is associated with the John Deere Construction and Forestry Company and is accredited by the Associated Equipment Distributors Foundation. John Deere dealers in the area participate in funding and facilitating the program. Various curriculums include technology and maintenance, hydraulics, engines and transmissions.
Advanced Degrees
The Master of Science and Civil Engineering degree at North Carolina State University is endorsed by the Associated General Contractors of America. The degree curriculum focuses on construction management and prepares students to take charge of heavy equipment operators, subcontractors and project details. East Carolina University is known for its four-year Construction Management program that covers construction techniques, surveying and mechanical and electrical systems. The Bachelor of Science in Construction Management at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte includes basic instruction on land development and heavy equipment code enforcement.
