What Is The Future Of Equipment Operators In The Construction Industry

Before you decide to embark on the journey of becoming a heavy equipment operator, you definitely want to know will these skills help you get a job. Because although many of us have quite often dreamed about operating cranes, backhoes, bulldozers etc. ever since we were young, people do not decide to become heavy equipment operators just for the fun. You would want to know that your new profession will come with job security and let you pay your bills. The good news is that the answer to this question is an unambiguous “yes.” The construction equipment operator is a job that is in high demand in the industry right now and a field that is likely see significant growth over the next decade.

Some factors that drive the demand for heavy equipment operators include

Infrastructure Construction

Another major source of new potential construction jobs is in the infrastructure field and with it there will definitely be demand for experienced, trained heavy equipment operators to overhaul bridges, fix highways, and install new pipes.

Climate Change

In addition to the bounce back after the pandemic and new infrastructure spending, climate change is a major driver of growth in the construction field. Buildings that are “greener” are quickly becoming more popular, and older buildings that don’t meet modern designs like insulation are often overhauled. Because of this, the industry will need experienced heavy equipment operators to meet the demand for this green-friendly construction.

If you want to actually be able to get a job as a heavy equipment operator, it is important for you to be properly trained and have your own professional certifications. Used industrial equipment operators who are trained in different types of equipment will undoubtedly be more valuable.

Employment Outlook For Construction Equipment Operators

All in all, the employment of construction equipment operators is projected to grow by a sizeable amount, faster than the average for all occupations. Spending on infrastructure is expected to rise, resulting in many new positions over the coming years. Across the country, many roads, bridges, and sewer systems are in need of repair. Also, population growth arises the need for new infrastructure projects, such as roads and sewer lines, which are also expected to generate jobs.

Workers with the ability to operate multiple types of equipment will have the best job opportunities. In addition, employment opportunities are projected to be the best in metropolitan areas, where most large commercial and residential buildings are constructed, and also in states that undertake large transportation-related projects. Because apprentices tend to learn to operate a wider variety of machines than do other beginners, they usually have better prospects for job opportunities.

As with many other types of construction worker jobs, employment of construction equipment operators is quite sensitive to fluctuations of the economy. On one hand, workers may experience periods of unemployment when the overall level of construction falls while on the other hand, some areas may need additional workers during peak periods of building activity.