Louisiana Technical College offers a 32-credit Heavy Construction Vehicle Operator Certificate program, which prepares students to operate and maintain a variety of heavy construction vehicles, such as tractors, trucks and bulldozers. Instruction and hands-on experience is provided on proper operation and safety techniques. Graduates of the program will also be forklift certified.
Sowela Technical Community College offers a 60-credit Technical Diploma program in Diesel Powered Equipment Technology. Courses include instruction on diesel engines, fuel and electrical systems, and the repair, assembly and installation of diesel-powered vehicles. Formal instruction and hands-on training are both provided.
Obtaining a certificate or diploma in heavy equipment operation is usually accompanied by higher pay rates. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, highly skilled and trained construction equipment operators may earn double the hourly rate of their untrained counterparts.