Indiana, Action Plan for Implementation

Indiana offers heavy equipment operator (HEO) training programs through union apprenticeships with the International Union of Operating Engineers (multiple locals covering different regions), Job Corps (free for eligible youth), university workforce programs, and private providers. Programs emphasize hands-on operation of machinery like bulldozers, excavators, loaders, backhoes, graders, and cranes, often including OSHA, hazmat, forklift, and other certifications.

The IUOE apprenticeships provide primary earn-while-you-learn pathways, with dedicated training sites.

Apprenticeship Programs

Institution/Provider	Program/Courses Offered	Key Details	Website
IUOE Local 103 (covers central/northern Indiana)	Heavy Equipment Operator Apprenticeship	6,000-hour program (mostly on-the-job + classroom); no tuition, paid training with benefits; classes include Hazmat, OSHA, forklift, first aid, pipeline; training site in Anderson	https://www.iuoe103training.org/ or https://www.iuoe.org/training/local103-heavy-equipment-operator-training-school (Site: 4277 E CR 67, Anderson, IN)
IUOE Local 841 (covers western Indiana, e.g., Terre Haute area)	Heavy Equipment Operator Apprenticeship	BAT-approved; classroom, hands-on, and on-the-job training; free career training; state-of-the-art facility; applications often in January	https://iuoelocal841.com/careers/apprenticeship (Training in Universal/Clinton area)
IUOE Local 181 (covers southern Indiana)	Heavy Equipment Operator Apprenticeship	Hands-on + classroom; prepares for skilled roles in infrastructure; training centers support southern IN residents	https://www.iuoelocal181.org/apprenticeship

Job Corps Program

Institution/Provider	Program/Courses Offered	Key Details	Website
Atterbury Job Corps Center (Edinburgh/New Whiteland)	Heavy Equipment Operations, Pre-Apprentice	Free for eligible 16-24 year olds; hands-on with motor graders, bulldozers, scrapers, loaders, etc.; prepares for apprenticeships and industry entry	https://atterbury.jobcorps.gov/train or https://www.jobcorps.gov

University/College Programs

Institution/Provider	Program/Courses Offered	Key Details	Website
Vincennes University (Gibson County/Fort Branch)	Heavy Equipment Operator Training; Crane Operator Training	6-week HEO program ($5,250); 1-week crane ($3,000); hands-on focus for entry-level roles	https://www.vinu.edu/ (Contact for workforce programs; location: 8100 S US Hwy 41, Fort Branch)

Private Training Providers

Institution/Provider	Program/Courses Offered	Key Details	Website
Performance Training Solutions (PTS)	Heavy Equipment Operator and Crane Training	Accelerated (as short as 3 weeks); credentials/certifications; high job placement; nearest facility in Ohio serves Indiana residents (driving distance); funding options (GI Bill, WIOA)	https://www.ptsworks.com/areas-served/heavy-equipment-operator-training-indiana
All Purpose Heavy Equipment Training	Machine-specific hands-on courses (e.g., Skid Steer, Backhoe, Loader, Excavator, Dump Truck)	OSHA-compliant; real-world jobsite training; flexible scheduling; locations including Jeffersonville and Indianapolis areas	https://allpurposeheavyequipmenttraining.com/locations/in/ (e.g., Jeffersonville or Indianapolis pages)

Programs vary in cost (apprenticeships/Job Corps often paid/free; university/private higher), duration, and requirements (e.g., age 18+, driver’s license/CDL prep, drug screen/physical for many). Some Ivy Tech listings appear in state directories for related construction/heavy equipment, but no dedicated standalone HEO program confirmed. Contact providers directly for current applications (e.g., IUOE application windows), funding (e.g., WIOA grants), schedules, or regional coverage, or check Indiana Department of Workforce Development (topjobs.dwd.in.gov or INTraining) for additional opportunities.