Heavy Equipment Operations, Pre-Apprentice
Training Programs > Transportation

Heavy Equipment Operations, Pre-Apprentice

Potential earnings range:
$39,187-$83,242*
Per year after graduation

Are you a problem solver and a team player? Interested in working with your hands on large machines? Detail-oriented and conscientious? 

Then you may be a good fit for Job Corps’ Heavy Construction Equipment Operations, Pre-Apprentice training program. Pre-apprenticeships are focused on preparing students for a successful experience in a Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). That means your hands-on training will be based on industry standards in order to prepare you for high-skill, quality employment.  

On the job, you will ...

  • Drive, maneuver or control heavy machinery, such as motor graders, bulldozers, scrapers, compressors or front-end loaders 
  • Construct roads, buildings and other structures 
  • Build structures via pouring concrete and coordinating machine actions with crews in response to hand or audio signals 
  • Clean, maintain and make basic repairs to equipment 

Some of the career options you will have ... 

Individuals with credentials in Heavy Construction Equipment Operations go to work for construction companies or contractors. Heavy equipment operators typically work outside in almost every climate and weather condition. Some operators work in factories, mines or remote locations, or on large construction projects like highways and dams. Most work full time. 

Students should also consider pursuing Advanced Asphalt Paving and other Advanced Training programs at Job Corps as part of their career pathway. 

The credentials you will earn ...  

The Heavy Construction Equipment Operations, Pre-Apprentice program, which is operated by our industry training contractor International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE), offers industry credentials and certifications to students who complete the program. Students should also earn a state-issued learner’s permit and driver’s license upon completion of the program. 

What you’ll need to start training ...  

  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent (can be earned at all Job Corps centers) 
  • Completion of all introductory and career preparation courses 
  • Passing scores on all written and performance tests 
  • Meet academic (math and reading) requirements 
* Salary information comes from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics Program and is provided for planning purposes only. Actual salary will depend on student skill level, credentials earned, experience level and location.

Need help meeting one or more of these requirements?

Don’t worry! At Jacobs Creek Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center, our staff will help you along your journey to make sure you have all the tools and resources you need to check those boxes and start your training

Meet your instructors

Meet your instructors

Josh Rawson
Josh Rawson brings over 20 years of experience to Jacobs Creek Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center. He has served as the Heavy Equipment Operator instructor for over a decade and is a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers. He enjoys teaching students how to read and set grade stakes to assist in project engineering.
Anthony Driver
Anthony Driver is the lead instructor for the heavy equipment division at Jacobs Creek Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center. Anthony, a journeyperson operator, is part of the Local 917 Operating Engineer Union. Anthony represents the International Union of Operating Engineers National Training Fund Job Corps.  Anthony’s proven dedication through studies, experiences and teachings within the civil engineering field of Earthworks has earned him the status of a master trainer.