Virginia employed 10, 960 heavy equipment operators in May of 2015. This represents a 4.5% rise from the previous year. There are nearly 3 equipment operator openings per 1,000 jobs in Virginia which trails only skilled trades such as electricians and plumbers for the highest percentage in the state. Construction related employment is down in Virginia by 26% compared to its peak in March of 2006. Even so, the Virginia government has proven an ability to put money back into the state with projects such as a $90,000,000 Friendship Court Renovation scheduled in Charlottesville as well $40,000,000 in renovations allocated for the Muscarella Museum at the College of William & Mary.
Local 147 M Heavy Equipment Operator Training School
Local 147
400 North Center Drive, Building 3, Suite 123
Norfolk, VA 23502
(757) 461-4505
The International Union of Operating Engineers offers an extensive training program at the Local 147 in Norfolk, Virginia. This training program covers refresher courses, 40-hour training classes, and custom training sites for hands-on experience. The program is committed to providing quality instruction to help all workers become successful and experienced equipment operators.
Participants in the program will learn the benefits of trucking, paving, grading, loading, and more. They will gain experience with heavy machines such as bulldozers, front end loaders, tractors, forklifts, and even cranes. The training program accepts any adult who is looking to advance their career in the construction industry.