Machinery such as bulldozers, cranes, excavators, forklifts etc that are used for construction are considered as heavy equipment. Since they are large in size are use for heavy-duty work, those who operate the must be adequately trained and be highly skilled. Those who handle these are called heavy equipment operators.

Heavy equipment operators generally specialize in equipment like bulldozers, backhoes, graders, cranes, etc. They repair, operate, maintain, and adjust these machines. They need to learn about the mechanism of various types of gear like pedals, levers, switches, hydraulic controls, turn dials, and various other devices that are present in equipment.

The work of the heavy equipment operator includes the handling of mining equipment, excavation equipment, and material handling equipment, or road construction equipment to excavate, grade and landscape the earth, or to transport workers, materials and equipment. Like other professions, this career requires a certain level of education and training in special schools.

If you are interested in getting trained by enrolling into a heavy equipment training program, there are a variety of advanced levels of certificate programs provided by the National Association of Heavy Equipment Training Schools (NAHETS). These are the most comprehensive and innovative career programs designed for people who are interested in this field as a career. These programs offer fully accredited equipment career training for both new and veteran operators. After being certified, there are many job opportunities available in various industries like highway contractors, grading contractors, road contractors, housing development contractors, etc.

Many websites too offer some of the best on-line heavy equipment career training programs. The curriculum of the career training programs provide an overview to the heavy equipment industry, and train operators on the basic and advanced mechanisms involved in HE operations. The training is chiefly targeted at candidates looking for entry-level jobs. Many of the heavy equipment operator training courses are offered throughout the academic year, and can be taken to upgrade current skills, or fulfill degree and certificate requirements

Specialized training is also offered for a number of types of equipment. These include dump truck, tractor, scraper, wheel loader etc. Candidates learn how to safely and efficiently operate and maintain bulldozers, backhoes, excavators, wheel loaders, skid steers, forklifts, and so on. These training programs include acquiring expertise and knowledge in the basic operations of the equipments, as well as the safety precautions the operator must take. First aid certification is also given to the students. The duration of these programs are from 4 to 10 weeks, at the end of which the completion certification is awarded to the candidates.

After completing the course successfully, candidates will have the academic preparation and practical training required for jobs that can pay anywhere from $10 to $25, depending on the level of experience, expertise, and the employer.

According to the 2005 Occupational Outlook Handbook, the demand for construction equipment operators is expected to remain high right through to the year 2014. The handbook also reports that the average salary of construction equipment operators will be $17.00 per hour, but that highly skilled and experienced operators can earn over $29.34 per hour.