Companies prefer job applicants who have at least a high school diploma or GED certificate to fill a construction equipment operator vacancy, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data. Employers favor individuals who have practical experience.
BLS research shows that new construction equipment operators receive on-the-job training. Employees generally need one or two years of experience and training with proficient professionals, according to O*Net OnLine. Construction equipment operators learn how to align machinery in accordance with work specifications, load and move dirt, rocks and materials using trucks and crawler tractors, operate power cranes and locate underground pipes prior to beginning work.
Construction equipment operators can also receive training through apprenticeships and vocational schools. Trainees may improve their hiring prospects by taking a certificate program in the operation of various pieces of equipment such as bulldozers, loaders, excavators and graders.
According to O*Net OnLine, construction equipment training lessons teach participants how to use tools, such as belly dumpers, heavy dump trucks, land drilling rigs, as well as scrubbing machines, motor graders and multi-purpose vacuum catch basin cleaners.