Looking for a job in the heavy equipment or construction industry? Many of the men and women who’ve helped build and maintain the public infrastructure we enjoy today were in your shoes at one point. What helped them get started on a rewarding career? First, they had to obtain education, training, and in some cases, a certificate to operate heavy equipment. It can seem like an insurmountable task to jump-start a career in construction, but with the right program, you can receive the basics to excel in the field. Start your path to a new career with these tips on how to find a heavy equipment operator job.
What Jobs Are in Construction
If you’re someone who likes to work with their hands and enjoys building and fixing things, the construction is right for you. Within the construction industry are a variety of jobs that practically anyone can obtain. Below is a short list of jobs, some of which require certifications and training.
- Construction Worker/Laborer
One of the most common and important jobs on any construction site is the laborer’s job. With this role, you would take care of things such as clearing, transporting supplies or materials, prepping job sites, and occasionally operating machinery. Laborers don’t typically need any formal knowledge or training, so it’s a great job for anyone looking for a way into construction. - Heavy Equipment Operator
As a heavy equipment operator, your duties are dependent on the machine you trained and certified to operate. You may be operating bulldozers, excavators, cranes, forklifts, or similar equipment. Because these machines are so large and powerful, most require certification. Don’t let the idea of going back to school to get an education deter you from looking for a heavy equipment operator job. You can find an accelerated program that can get you the right education and certification to be successful. - Plumber
The duties of a plumber on a construction site include installing hot and cool water systems, fuel-burning appliances, and more. Practically anything related to pipework falls on a plumber to handle. You can become a plumber by joining an apprenticeship to receive on-the-job training. You can also obtain a license as an independent plumber through a technical school program followed by an apprenticeship program.. - Electrician
Similar to plumbing, anything involving wires and electrical connections falls under the duties of an electrician. As an electrician, you’d be responsible for installing electrical systems, wiring buildings, and resolving problems or issues with electrical systems. For safety reasons, electricians are required to wear protective gear, such as gloves. Due to the complexity of the job, electricians need proper training and education that can be obtained through a technical school or an apprenticeship.
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Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, heavy equipment operators’ jobs have a projected growth rate of 5% from 2020 to 2030. It may not seem like a large growth rate, however, 51,500 job openings are expected each year within the decade. Your best chance to get construction jobs is to receive the training and education that employers are looking for. And the quickest way to do it is through an accelerated program.
How To Find a Job as a Heavy Equipment Operator
- Resume Creation
Your resume should reflect what skill, education, and experience you have currently, which means you need to update it constantly. In a lot of ways, your resume is your first impression on potential employers. An organized and relevant resume goes a long way in showing an employer that you’re a suitable candidate. But creating an impressive resume doesn’t just happen. If you struggle with resume writing, we have career services that can help you build a professional resume. - Ask Your Network
Do you already know someone in construction? Whether it’s a family member, a friend, or someone you worked or went to school with, networking is a great way to find a job. When it comes to approaching your network, be honest about your goals and aspirations. Think about what others can do for you and what you can do for them to help you start your career as a heavy equipment operator. - Find Temp Work
If your resume lacks experience or you’re looking to get started in construction right away, you should try a temp agency. Through a temp agency, you’ll gather experience working short-term jobs. And since so many jobs are available through a temporary agency, you can see what other construction jobs are like. - Look For Manual Labor Jobs
Another option for those who lack working experience or are looking for an entry-level position is taking general laborer jobs. It may not sound exciting and it usually involves clean-up work or other simple tasks, but it’s a great way to introduce yourself to construction. You may even have opportunities to move up from this position if you show initiative and further your training and education.
Why Heavy Equipment Colleges of America?
Education From the Right School
Before starting your search for a heavy equipment operator job, get the right education and training from HEC. We have multiple locations across the country with programs that can be completed in as little as three weeks. We’re dedicated to our student’s success beyond the classroom. We offer HEC program graduates career services including resume writing, mock interviews, and more. So if you want to find construction work as an operator, get started with heavy equipment training at HEC.
