Heavy equipment training schools?

[nat350x]

Ive recently been looking into a change of careers and was looking for people who have went through schooling for heavy equipment(bulldozers, scrapers, payloaders, backhoes, etc.) the closest school I have found to illinois is in oklahoma. Anyone know of any closer to Illinois? Has anyone been to any of these schools? Any info would be greatly appreciated. thanks, nate

[mudbogger]

Hi-there are many options for you-first(bear with me) is you state a unionized state do you know?If it is, there has to be a local training center for heavy equipment-here in NJ we have what is called the union LOCAL 825 TRAINING FACILITY which is located in Jamesburg NJ.It is a center that is run by the local union specifically designed to teach people how to run heavy equipment.If you are a unionized state, there will be a local union which represent the equipment operators, they will have a training center for you to go to, depending on what experience you have had in the past with the machines will determine your schooling, I would recommend looking into it at any jobsite, local excavation companies, or in the phone book.Hope this helps you.

[smokinwrench]

The Vo-Tech at Beloit kansas use to have a heavy equipment training program. Beloit is in north central Ks located near Topeka.

[sandpuppi101]

Yeah Mudbogger ,I agree 100%... I am a member of Operators Local 324 in Michigan and we have the same set-up ,ours in centerally located in Howell ,Mi.. I can go there 40 weeks a year to learn and update my training and get paid a percentage.. Look into your state at unions nat,I am sure they offer the same programs,and we are international...

[nat350x]

thanks alot guys, Ill check into unions first and go from there.

[nat350x]

thanks alot guys, Ill check into unions first and go from there.

[rugabugadouglas]

ive heard of one in wisconson but that was a few years back

[nat350x]

well I found a apprenticeship program through the local union, I just wonder If I went to school and got certified if its the same as going through four years of apprenticeship? After all I can get certified in 9 weeks, it cost about 15,000, but in the long run it could be worth it instead of going through the apprenticeship time. Any Ideas if the union accepts this certification or not? I would hate to go through schooling to find out I have to still do the apprenticeship.

[sandpuppi101]

Well if you go through the apprentiship program,they will have job placement,it's not just sitting at a desk.You would be placed in a job that has that heavy equipment enviroment,most likely you would be a laborer or oiler,but if you go that route you work and get educated,instead of paying 15,000 to learn.Personally thats what I did ,I started as a laborer and every time I got the chance to get in a crane ,I jumped at it...even if only for 1minute,but I showed that I wanted to be in it,I did that for years until one day they said I ha to fill in for an operator that did'nt show up. See what I am saying..the operators union was the best thing that happened to me as a career move ,I make more than alot of my collage buddies do,but now I build trikes for a living ...construction is no more up here in Mi. !!! You should get a CDL also !!!