The state of Iowa has trade school courses available for those who want to enter the heavy equipment operator industry. Graduates can choose to seek employment out-of-state or stay in-state to contribute to the 5% growth for equipment operators in Iowa.
The state could be very beneficial for employment, considering projects in the development phase that include a $33.5 million Psychology and Brain Sciences Building at the University of Iowa or the 15th Street multi-residential groundbreaking in Bettendorf.
Universities and colleges that offer heavy equipment operator training
Hawkeye Community College
1501 East Orange Road P.O. Box 8015 Waterloo, Iowa 50704-8015
319-296-2320 or 800-670-4769
One of the areas of study that Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo offers is a 10-day intro to heavy equipment course specifically for women and minorities. The program is designed to create a more diverse work force in a skilled worker industry that is seriously lacking for labor. The program provides the skills and knowledge needed to safely operate heavy equipment and enter into the construction workforce in general.
This program is actually free of charge to approved applicants. Upon admission, students will combine simulator work as well as in-seat training to get comfortable operating many different types of construction machinery.
Northwest Iowa Community College
603 West Park Street Sheldon, Iowa 51201
800-352-4907
[email protected]
The heavy equipment operator program at NICC in Sheldon is a four-semester program that includes one Summer term as well. Upon culmination, the individual will earn an Associate of Applied Science degree and will be eligible to enter into employment as a heavy equipment operator.
The heavy operator curriculum at NICC is nationally certified by the Associate General Contractors and has been recognized for excellence by the Iowa Land Improvement Contractors Association. The tractor-trailer training throughout the course allows enrollees to obtain their commercial driver’s license as well.
Heavy equipment unions
Local 234 Heavy Equipment Operator Training School
16299 Quebec Street Indianola, Iowa 50125
641-942-7112
[email protected]
The Local 234 in Indianola offers enrollees the ability to earn while they learn. Like most apprenticeship programs, this curriculum requires a fair amount of classroom work that coincides with the training received actually on the job. This is a free course to qualified applicants that is jointly funded by a labor/management training trust.
Three years of apprenticeship training are needed to become an operating engineer. The training site in Indianola is located on a 280-acre plot of land and features both administrative and classroom buildings as well as field stages used for learning and demonstrating heavy equipment operational skills.
Heavy equipment operator training courses
Associated General Contractors of Iowa
701 E. Court Avenue, Suite B Des Moines, IA 50309
515-283-2424 or 800-728-2424
The AGC of Iowa is headquartered in Des Moines, but the facility offers on-site training if employers request it. Much of the coursework provided at the AGC facility covers niche topics, such as supervisor training, documenting contracts, plan staking, etc.Of course, AGC also offers a number of valuable courses required to maintain various levels of certifications. Truck driver and welding refreshers offer a convenient way to stay current, while OSHA for Hispanics helps new employees work in a safe manner when communication may be a barrier.