Heavy Equipment Operator Training in Hawaii, School & Crane License

In order to get into this rewarding profession, you will have to take the heavy equipment operator training in Hawaii.

Heavy equipment operation is no joke. The equipment costs millions of dollars and it poses potential hazards, you must be certified first by taking a course offered by a technical school.

Employers prefer those individuals who are properly trained and certified.

That means you are more employable and could be given a good salary offer if you have such certification.

You can get employment in the construction and mining industries. These two sectors are always on the lookout for qualified talents like you.

And for the reason that these industries never cease operation, you can expect a long and flourishing career.

Aside from the fact that in Hawaii, a heavy equipment operator can receive a salary of as much as $65,000 annually, it is much higher compared to the other states.

If you think if you are up for the challenge and you want to be a heavy equipment operator, you need to take the training course first.

Here’s what you need to do:

How to Take the Heavy Equipment Operator Training

1. Make a decision if this job is the one right for you. Deciding what career to take is a dilemma every one of us has to face. You don’t want to spend time and money on something that you are not passionate about doing. You can read this article, it could help decide if this job is the one you want to do.
   
   
2. Get the right education. You can take heavy equipment operator training by enrolling in a trade school or community college that offers such a program. The list of training schools in Hawaii is listed below for your reference.
   
   
3. Take the practical training and classroom training. The duration of the training course is approximately about 8 to 10 weeks depending on the training package you chose. You’ll spend most of the time in the field doing the hands-on or actual operation. In the classroom, you will learn theoretical parts such as the fundamentals, current rules and regulations pertaining to equipment operation, OSHA laws, reading site layout, advanced technicalities, basics of maintenance and repair, basics of hydraulics, safety procedures and other subjects.
   
   
4. Take the tests. The training school may administer a written and practical test to gauge the knowledge that you have learned during the training. If you will be able to pass the tests, you will be guaranteed to receive your heavy equipment operator certificate. Congratulations!
   
   
5. Advancing your skills. Operators usually learn the skills of the trade by joining an apprenticeship program or applying for on-the-job training. Doing so can elevate your career as an operator. You will gain more knowledge and experience operating different types of heavy equipment. The amount of time to complete an apprenticeship program is usually 3 years. The hours you’ll spend in on-the-job training is approximately 4,000 hours and 300 hours in-classroom training.

Here are some of the common questions you may have in mind, READ these:

• Is Becoming a Heavy Equipment Operator the Right Job for You?
• 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 I Go To Learn Heavy Equipment Operation?

Heavy Equipment Training School in Hawaii

• International Union of Operating Engineers
  Hawaii Training Center
  56-1160 Kamehameha Highway, Kahuku, HI 96731
  Phone: 800-482-3162, Fax: 800-482-3171
  
  
• Hawaii Transportation Association
  P.O. Box. 30166
  Honolulu. Hawaii 96820
  Phone: (808) 833-6628; Fax: (808) 833-8486
  
  
• APC Crane Training
  Honolulu - Phone: (888) 501-1355; Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  They are specialized in crane training and mobile crane certification
  
  
• IVES Training Group
  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; 1-800-643-1144
  Training Location is at Hawaiian Cement (Kapolei)
  91-055 Kaomi Loop, Kapolei, HI 96707
  Contact is there is available schedule

How to Choose the Training School that Suits Your Requirement?

• Find a school that offers an immediate job placement after graduating. They have a large network of companies that hire heavy equipment operators, they know where to place you for a job.
  
  
• Find a training school that has modern facilities and up-to-date pieces of heavy equipment. Go and visit the school’s facilities, observe the surroundings. You can also ask if you can visit the training field, take a look if they utilize a modern piece of backhoes, excavator, and other equipment.
  
  
• The training school should have a low student-to-instructor ratio. Ask the school how many students per class, the ideal number is less than 10 students per class. If the class is overpopulated with students, you would rather look for another school.
  
  
• If the school can give you assistance in applying for other credentials such as a crane operator license (if you have the intention to work with a crane), CDL license and other certifications required for the job.
  
  
• If you want to work with cranes, ask the school if the curriculum also covers preparatory courses for NCCCO certification.

Minimum Requirements to Become an Operator

• Heavy equipment training certificate issued by the school or union where you took the training from
  CDL is required upon job application, if you have CDL issued in another state, you must apply or transfer it to a Hawaiian-issued license
• High school or GED certificate
• Some employers may require you to have a valid driver’s license
• Knowledge of hydraulics, diesel engines, and electronics
• You have current knowledge about DOT regulations
• Must be fit and in good health condition since the nature of the job is physically demanding
• If one of your duties is operating cranes, you need to have a valid crane operator license, see below how to apply if you don’t have it yet.

Your Duties and Responsibilities as a Heavy Equipment Operator

• Operate heavy equipment and other earth-moving equipment as the regular day to day duties
  Load and unload equipment from the trailer and drive them to and from site
• Maintain the equipment to keep it in tip-top shape, daily inspection, and a regular check is part of the duty
• Ensure the worksite is maintained and cleaned
• Daily inspection and routine equipment check
• Perform minor repair work and maintenance when necessary
• Reporting to superior whenever technical glitch is observed
• Practice safety procedures at all times, and advocate others to follow
• Other various duties related to operation and maintenance,

Here are more guides to help in becoming a heavy equipment operator, BROWSE these:

• 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?
• 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?

If You Will Be Working with Cranes, You Need to Have Crane Operator License

Hawaii is one of the states that require crane operators to be licensed. You shall carry your license whenever you operate a crane.

If you still don’t have such a certificate and you want to apply for a crane operator license, here’s what you need to have/be:

• You must have a current physical examination certificate issued by either the NCCCO medical examiner or by the Department of Transportation (DOT)
• You must be at least 21 years old at the time of application; To show that you’re at the right age, you must also submit 2 pieces of evidence attesting your age; the documents you can show are any two of the following: your birth certificate, driver’s license, passport, Hawaii-issued identification
• NCCCO certificate or any equivalent certificate proving that you have completed a crane training certification program. READ this: NCCER Certificate for Heavy Equipment: How to Get and How Long It Last?
• Duly filled up the application form provided by the director of the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations
• The required application fee
• Other documents that may be required

The application for a crane operator license is to be submitted to the director of the Department of Labor And Industrial Relations.

The processing period for a crane operator certificate is 60 days from the date of application. You will receive a notice if your application is denied or approved.

The time you’ll pay the application fee is within 30 days after receiving your application notice (if it is approved).

The director then issued a crane operator certificate within 30 days after receiving the application fee.

Salary of Operator Working in Hawaii

According to the latest March 28, 2023 report of Salary.com, the average salary of heavy equipment operators working in this state is $73,501 on average per year. Here are also the cities and towns of HI that offer a high salary for operators:

If you will work in Alaska, you could make a better wage. 

Wondering where can you get a job and how much pay you would get? READ These pages:

• Best Places to Get Job as a Heavy Equipment Operator 
• Heavy Equipment Operator Salary (Year 2021): How Much Can You Make?

The salary you can receive can be dependent on many factors such as the location where you will be working in Hawaii, your skill and experience level, the training and other credentials you can present to the employer, the size of the company you will be working for, and many other factors.

When it comes to wages, this profession is like any other career, you have to start from the bottom and advance your path.

Contacting the Authorities

If you have more inquiries about the certification requirements and current rules and regulations, you can get in touch with the related authorities:

Office of Apprenticeship, U.S. Department of Labor
Douglas O. Howell
ATR
300 Ala Moana Boulevard
Honolulu HI 96850-5117
Phone: 702-388-6396
Fax: 702-388-6772

Department of Labor and Industrial Relations
www.labor.hawaii.gov
(808)586-9100; 808)586-9110
Hilo - (808)974-6464; Kona - (808)322-4808; Kauai - (808)274-3357

National Certification for the Certification of Crane Operators
www.nccco.org; 727-449-8525 ext. 359; 703-560-2391 ext. 202

Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Honolulu - (808) 586-9100, (808) 586-9104 FAX;

To Make a Conclusion

There are many ways to get become a heavy equipment operator.

Other learn the skill by starting young, they learn driving a forklift and work their way up to operate a more advanced piece of heavy machinery.

Taking a formal heavy equipment operator training Hawaii is the best way to get educated.

The training will take some your time and investment but it is worth it since you will become more employable. You can get a job in no time. Your skill is highly in demand. You won’t be getting a hard time looking for a job.

Towns of HI

Urban Honolulu, East Honolulu, Pearl City, Hilo, Waipahu, Kailua Cdp, Kaneohe, Mililani Town, Kahului, Ewa Gentry, Kihei, Mililani Mauka, Makakilo, Schofield Barracks, Wahiawa, Kapolei, Wailuku, Royal Kunia, Halawa, Ewa Beach, Kailua Cdp, Waianae, Waimalu, Nanakuli , Lahaina, Hawaiian Paradise Park, Waipio, Kaneohe, Station, Kapaa, Ocean Pointe, Kalaoa, Waihee-Waiehu, Waimea Cdp, Maili, Aiea, Holualoa, Ahuimanu, Makaha, Hickam Housing, Pukalani, Waikele, Haiku-Pauwela, Ewa Villages, Lihue, Waikoloa Village, Kula, Makawao, Napili-Honokowai, Wailea, West Loch Estate, Waimanalo, Wailua Homesteads, Pupukea, Laie, Whitmore Village, Waipio Acres