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 Anaconda 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

Kevin Kelly
Kevin Kelly brings over 25 years of experience in the construction field to his role as Lead Heavy Equipment Operations, Pre-Apprentice instructor at Anaconda Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center.
Jay Nelson
Jay Nelson attended the Anaconda Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center as a welding student. Prior to becoming a Heavy Equipment Operations, Pre-Apprentice instructor at Anaconda Job Corps, Jay pursued a career in welding at an oil company.
Les Anderson
Les Anderson , previously worked over a decade with Komatsu as a field technician, along with various roles at Montana Resources and Pipestone Quarry.
Bob Tracy
Bob Tracy is a Heavy Equipment Operations, Pre-Apprentice instructor at Anaconda Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center. Bob has been operating heavy construction machinery and equipment for over 24 years.
Doyle Noud
Doyle Noud is a Heavy Equipment Operations, Pre-Apprentice instructor at Anaconda Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center. He has worked in the construction field for nearly 40 years.