Knowledge of earth-moving equipment such as road graders, scrapers and bulldozers is vital in road construction. Associated Training Services in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin offers classroom instruction and hands-on experience in the operation of these and other types of heavy equipment. According to Associated Training Services its operator programs are industry designed and nationally recognized. Students in the ATS operator programs also learn about laser levels, soils, safety and site layout.
The Southside Virginia Community College heavy equipment operation program is designed for those who want to learn about site preparation, road building or utilities, or who want to become construction supervisors, foremen or superintendents. This 330-hour program results in an operations certificate or a career studies certificate. Students are trained and must meet competency requirements on bulldozers, rubber tire loaders, backhoes and hydraulic excavators. They are taught equipment safety, preventative maintenance, undercarriage and basic operations.
The Road Institute offers many topics related to road construction, but it also offers asphalt, paving and compactor training related to road maintenance. It has training centers in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania and Phoenix, Arizona. This Volvo program uses Volvo road machinery in all its operation course training. It was designed for people who are already working in the road construction, maintenance or excavation industry. Students will operate asphalt pavers, asphalt and soil compactors, milling machines and motor graders. Mechanic or technician courses are offered alongside the operation training.
National Heavy Equipment Operators School allows students to keep their jobs while they are training. It does this by splitting its education into two segments with 50 percent done online and the other 50 percent done in the resident training phase, which is the portion of the program in which the student operates the machinery. When the home portion of the training is complete, students keep the educational material to use for resource material. The school claims to be the only accredited home study program for the excavating industry. It is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council.