Connecticut has many multi-million-dollar projects in the planning phase schedule for development through 2020. These commercial construction projects will require skilled heavy equipment operators to complete the necessary earth moving and structure placement. Some examples include the $10 million River’s Edge development in Rocky Hill and the $7.5 million Orange Railroad Station project in Orange. Heavy equipment operator salaries can approach $70,000 annually in cities such as Milford ($67,274) and Danbury ($67,443).
Connecticut has many multi-million-dollar projects in the planning phase schedule for development through 2020. These commercial construction projects will require skilled heavy equipment operators to complete the necessary earth moving and structure placement. Some examples include the $10 million River’s Edge development in Rocky Hill and the $7.5 million Orange Railroad Station project in Orange. Heavy equipment operator salaries can approach $70,000 annually in cities such as Milford ($67,274) and Danbury ($67,443).
Heavy equipment unions
Local 478 H&P Heavy Equipment Operator Training School
240 Cheshire Rd. Meriden, CT 06451
1-800-841-0478
The IUOE Local 478 is frequently accepting apprenticeship applications. The apprenticeship programs offered by this facility include both heavy equipment operator and heavy equipment operator mechanic. Local 478 actually reaches out to men and women throughout Connecticut in an effort to expand the skilled worker pool in the state.
The heavy equipment operator apprenticeship is a 4-year, 6,000-hour program, whereas the mechanic aspect of study lasts 4 years and requires 8,000 hours. The curriculum involves classroom work and field training, but apprentices are paid members of the workforce that collect wages and benefits while learning their skill.
Heavy equipment operator training courses
PBE Training Center
283 Pane Road Newington, CT 06111
(860) 665-7470
Pine Bush Equipment Co. is a private manufacturer that offers heavy equipment training to members of the general public. The company provides forklift, boom lift, scissors lift, and bucket truck certification that is good for three years. PBE is also available for refresher courses for those employees whose certification may be dwindling to an end. PBE is largely geared towards the safety aspect of working in the construction industry. They offer training classes on the use of specialty tools and equipment and provide flagging classes, trench zone safety, lock out/tag out, blood borne pathogen training, and more.