By the end of their training, students must know how to use the various types of heavy equipment in the construction industry and how to clean the equipment. Training objectives for courses on operating heavy equipment must include how to master all-terrain forklifts, road graders, bulldozers, skid steers and backhoes. The goal must be for learners to perform tasks such as transporting materials from one site to another, clearing away buildings to prepare for the construction of roads and digging trenches to lay sewer pipes.
After completing their heavy equipment courses, students must walk away knowing how to use blueprints and site layouts when working with heavy equipment. Moreover, students must have a knowledge of road construction and maintenance techniques.
Operating heavy equipment in a safe and efficient way based on established policies and procedures is an important objective for heavy equipment operator training. Students must learn how to perform daily safety and maintenance checks and ensure equipment is stored securely. In addition, a critical learning objective is knowing how to make necessary repairs to equipment gears and other parts, which might involve complex computer work because modern heavy equipment uses GPS and other technologies.
Heavy equipment certification is available through organizations such as the National Association of Heavy Equipment Training Schools as well as the National Center for Construction Education and Research, which offers a specific crane operator certification. Certification involves passing a written examination. Although certification is voluntary, it can enhance an individual's employment opportunities in the heavy equipment industry.