Construction Equipment Operator
Personal Connection
- Do you like working outside?
- Do you enjoy large machines?
- Do you tend to get along with others?
- Do you want to be at the forefront of an evolving industry?
- Are you good at adapting to new situations?
Other Connections
STEM Connection
The CAT app helps track equipment:
Autonomous vehicles change the definition of a construction equipment operator:
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) improves communication:
Heavy equipment gets a big upgrade:
Journeys to Becoming a Construction Equipment Operator
Larissa is a construction equipment operator, but getting there was no easy feat. Like many prospective college students, Larissa was unable to afford an expensive school, but still recognized the importance of higher education. After graduating high school, she took a few years off to save up money for college, allowing her to earn a degree without being overwhelmed with student debt. In the end, she landed a role as a construction equipment operator.
In an interview, Larissa describes the challenges of being a construction equipment operator. In her role, she specializes in operating bulldozers to move dirt around, but this is more complicated than it seems – the dirt must be precisely arranged so water will flow properly. Larissa’s job also comes with great benefits because she is part of a union, which ensures fair pay and treatment of construction workers. What makes her job exciting is that every day is different, and she gets to work outdoors, which is the perfect combination for a long-term career. Larissa’s journey is an excellent example of how ordinary students can overcome financial obstacles to attend college and further their education so they can have a stable career.
Listen to Larissa’s full interview here:
Read about a construction equipment operator’s journey to get into the field without an expensive college education:
Jeff Martin currently works as a park maintenance supervisor, but his job as a construction equipment operator was instrumental in preparing him for his new role. Unlike Larissa, Jeff got started right out of high school by working in landscaping. After ten years as a private landscaper, Jeff wanted a more substantial career and became a construction equipment operator. He worked in this role for the next decade, maintaining and cleaning the landscaping before being promoted and delegating his duties to other employees.
In an interview, Jeff says that the most crucial factor is a good work ethic. While Jeff took a while to become a construction equipment operator, he still managed to succeed in his career and has advanced to an even higher position. Jeff’s career is an excellent example of how students can live a good life and be successful without going to college.