There are not enough people who are qualified to man the heavy equipment such as those being used in the construction. There’s a shortage of skilled operators in Idaho and that’s a problem for the economy of the state.
Taking the heavy equipment operator training in Idaho is the first step into this rewarding and fruitful career.
The industry is always in continuous search of skilled heavy equipment operators to train and hire. There’s a lot of work to be done – roads, bridges, skyscrapers and many other projects. Companies and contractors need qualified individuals to fill the gap.
It is a kind of job where there is an abundance of employment opportunities not only in construction. The pay is good as well together with other perks and benefits.
If you have other certifications and credentials such as CDL training, flagger certification, crane operator certificate, you can even boost your chance. The likelihood of receiving better pay is just a step away. The employer may even be the one who will offer a lucrative salary just to get you.
Before you continue reading this article, you may be asking if this job is the one right for you, READ this guide: Is Becoming a Heavy Equipment Operator the Right Job for You?
If you are finally decided you want to become a heavy equipment operator, here are the institutions/schools where you can take a course.
Schools Where You Can Take Heavy Equipment Training in This State
- Idaho Associated General Contractors of America
1649 Shoreline Dr #100, 1649 Shoreline Dr, Boise, ID 83702
Phone: 208-344-2531
Offers free training, check for schedule and date - International Union of Operating Engineer Local 302
456 N. Arthur,Pocatello, Idaho 83204
Phone: 208-232-8492 - Heavy Equipment Operator School of Idaho
4688 W Chinden Blvd, Garden City, ID 83714
Phone: (208) 336-6022 - Idaho Transportation Department
3311 W. State Street - P.O. Box 7129 Boise, ID 83707-1129
Phone: (208) 334-8000
To strengthen the workforce, the Department offers free training, please do inquire about the schedule
Are confused about where to enroll to take heavy equipment training, here's a guide to help you: 10 Useful Criteria in Choosing the Best School to Enroll
Free Training Being Provided by Idaho Transportation Department and Idaho Associated General Contractors of America
Good for you guys, the Idaho Transportation Department has teamed up with Idaho AGC and other sectors to give free heavy equipment operator training.
The Transportation Department had received a grant from the federal government to fund such a program. In their last schedule, there were 20 students accepted for the training. What attracts applicants to take this program is that the lodging is free as well.
Even though this program has been lapsed by the time you read this, there could be an upcoming training schedule in the next coming months.
You can contact the Transportation Department to make an inquiry. You may have to hurry since there’s a limited number of applicants to be accepted for the program.
Before you continue, here are some of the common questions you may have in mind:
- Can You Be A Heavy Equipment Operator If You Have DUI or DWI?
- Can You Use Your Heavy Equipment Operator License to Work in Another State?
- Can I Use My Heavy Equipment License to Work for Another Company?
- Best Places to Get Job as a Heavy Equipment Operator
- Is Drug Test Mandatory For Heavy Equipment Operator?
- How to Pass the Heavy Equipment Operator Training Practical Test?
- How to Get a Heavy Equipment Operator License?
Requirements to be a Heavy Equipment Operator
- You need to have a heavy equipment operator certificate which you can get by completing a training course that usually takes about 10 weeks to complete. You can enroll in a course offered by a school or institution. In Idaho, there are only a few of them, see above. The Idaho Associated General Contractors of America in cooperation with the Transportation Department provide a free heavy equipment operator course. You may contact them to check for the training schedule.
- Heavy equipment operators drive large dump trucks and flat-bed trailers to transport materials, goods and other equipment from and to the worksite. You are then required to have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to operate those vehicles on public roads. When taking a heavy equipment training course, you can combine the CDL.
- You need to have a high school diploma or its equivalent GED certificate
- Completion of an apprenticeship program. You can be an apprentice to expand your skills and knowledge. You can apply for an apprenticeship program at International Union Operating Engineers Local 302. You may contact them for the application requirements. Such a program takes 3 years to complete that includes classroom and practical training.
- Practical experience. Another possible way to learn firsthand knowledge and practical experience are through employer-sponsored on-the-job training. If you are a new hire of the company, you can start with light equipment and then as you gain the skill, you can advance to heavy equipment such as bulldozers and excavators.
These are general requirements if you want to be a heavy equipment operator but not particularly for Idaho. If you want to be an operator in this state, there could be more or fewer prerequisites you need to have.
BROWSE these guides to help on taking the training:
- What at the Requirements do You Need to e a Heavy Equipment Operator?
- How Long Does It Take To Complete Heavy Equipment Training?
- How Much Does Heavy Equipment Operator Training Cost?
- How to Get a Heavy Equipment Operator License?
- What to Do If You Lost Your Heavy Equipment Operator Certificate?
- Where Can You Go To Learn Heavy Equipment Operation?
Salary of Heavy Equipment Operators in Idaho
If you’re asking how much pay you would get doing this job, here’s the latest March 28, 2023 report of Salary.com showing salary figures of different cities and towns of Idaho.
Ahsahka | $68,401 | Lewiston | $71,801 | |
Ashton | $70,874 | Lowman | $64,189 | |
Athol | $68,401 | Lucile | $64,189 | |
Atlanta | $64,189 | Marsing | $64,189 | |
Avery | $68,401 | Mccall | $64,189 | |
Banks | $64,189 | Medimont | $68,401 | |
Bayview | $68,401 | Melba | $64,189 | |
Blanchard | $68,401 | Meridian | $65,165 | |
Boise | $65,239 | Middleton | $64,539 | |
Bonners Ferry | $68,401 | Midvale | $64,189 | |
Harrison | $68,401 | Soda Spings | $59,826 | |
Idaho City | $64,189 | Tendoy | $60,897 | |
Indian Valley | $64,189 | Terreton | $62,632 | |
Juliaetta | $68,401 | Tetonia | $70,874 | |
Kootenai | $68,401 | Wayan | $65,501 | |
Kuna | $64,889 | Wendell | $59,966 | |
Laclede | $68,401 | Weston | $63,988 | |
Lapwai | $68,401 | White Bird | $69,899 |
If you will work in the neighboring state of Montana, you could make a better wage.
According to US BLS, the demand growth for heavy equipment operators will continue to grow until the year 2024. If you know to operate different pieces of heavy equipment, you may have the best opportunity since that is the trait the employer is looking for from a job candidate.
For the salary you can make if you will work in another state, here's the report:
To Conclude This
Idaho has been one of the top states where there’s a full swing of construction work but there aren’t sufficient qualified workforce to work as heavy equipment operators. There’s a real shortage of operators.
If you would like to shift your career to raise your income and be part of the workforce, be ready to take heavy equipment operator training in Idaho.
Companies and other institutions are prepared to train you to fill the gap and to resolve the manpower shortage.
Take action now and be a heavy equipment operator. The pay is good and you can enjoy the job.