How much will my GI Billu00ae pay?

Only VA can determine the amount. Students should review their decision letter or Certificate of Eligibility, the current VA rate tables and National Training's current published tuition and fees before making an enrollment decision.

What is Veteran Readiness and Employment?

Veteran Readiness and Employment, also called VR&E or Chapter 31, may provide training and employment services to eligible Veterans and service members with service-connected disabilities. A Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor determines entitlement to services and whether the selected training is included in the individual rehabilitation plan. National Training cannot approve or guarantee VR&E authorization or payment.

How does National Training determine what to report to VA?

National Training's School Certifying Official reports, as applicable: enrollment in a currently approved program, program dates and clock hours, enrollment status, and applicable tuition-and-fee information required by VA. For VR&E students, enrollment certification and the authorization and invoicing process are handled according to the individual rehabilitation plan and the authorization issued by the counselor or case manager.

Does displaying a course on this page mean it is approved for my VA benefit?

No. The course cards on this page show National Training's available heavy-equipment programs. Displaying a course on this page does not by itself mean that the course is currently approved for every VA education benefit. Confirm the exact program title, clock hours, campus, and current approval status through VA's GI Bill Comparison Tool and National Training's School Certifying Official before enrolling.

Are you approved for the training of veterans?

Yes, most of National’s training programs are approved for the training of veterans, including all of the Heavy Equipment Operator Programs. If you are eligible to receive GI Bill® benefits, you can use them to pay for your course. For more details, visit our website page on this by clicking here.

How do I enroll in a HEOS course and apply for Veterans Benefits?

Individuals who want to use their VA or GI Bill® entitlement must enroll in an eligible course, provide a copy of their DD-214, and complete the VA 22-1990 (Application for Education Benefits). NTI will then submit your application for benefit payment.

Can WIOA help pay for heavy equipment training?

WIOA funding may help pay for approved heavy equipment training programs for eligible students. Funding approval, covered costs, and payment authorization are determined by the local CareerSource center or workforce agency.

Does National Training, Inc. approve WIOA funding?

No. National Training, Inc. does not determine WIOA eligibility or approve funding. Eligibility and funding approval are handled by the applicable CareerSource center or workforce agency.

Is WIOA funding guaranteed?

No. WIOA funding is not guaranteed. Approval depends on eligibility, available funding, local workforce board policy, program approval, and required documentation.

What heavy equipment training may be available?

National Training, Inc. offers entry-level heavy equipment operator training that may include bulldozers, excavators, tractor loader backhoes, and articulated loaders, depending on the program and schedule.

Is there a minimum age for attending the training?

Yes, you must be at least 18 years old.

How long is the Heavy NOW course?

National Training, Inc.’s Heavy Now program consists of 208 clock hours and is normally completed in four weeks of full-time training. Students must satisfy all attendance, academic-progress, assessment, skills, and program-completion requirements stated in the school catalog..

How much does the Heavy NOW Course cost?

Heavy Now tuition is $14,995, or $15,095 including the $100 administrative fee, plus any individually applicable outside costs. Each individual Bulldozer, Excavator, Tractor Loader Backhoe, or Articulated Loader course is $4,995 in tuition, or $5,095 including the administrative fee, plus any applicable outside costs. Applicants should review the current school catalog and enrollment agreement before enrolling.

Where do I go for financial assistance?

For qualified students concerned with tuition, National Training, Inc. offers a variety of financial resources for financial aid in addition to our low tuition costs, regardless of your credit status. Below we’ve highlighted the most popular types of financial aid used by our students. We strive to do all we can to make our financial aid programs as accessible as possible. Our Admissions Representatives will walk you through the qualifications and the types of tuition funding available to you, answering your questions along the way. Call us at (800) 488-7364 or contact us today to explore your options! Please note that although National Training, Inc. participates in many financial aid programs, we do not participate in any Federally sponsored student loan or financial aid programs, also known as Title IV loans).

Do you offer job placement assistance when I graduate?

Yes. National Training, Inc. provides job placement assistance to graduates. Our team helps students with employment leads, resume support, interview preparation, and guidance on applying for entry-level heavy equipment positions. Job placement assistance is designed to help students pursue employment opportunities after training, but employment is not guaranteed. Hiring decisions are made by employers and may depend on the student’s skills, attendance, work history, background, driving record if applicable, drug testing requirements, employer needs, local labor market conditions, and individual effort.

How much do Equipment Operators Earn?

Earnings for construction equipment operators vary. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median average salary for a construction heavy equipment operator in 2020 was $49,100.

Is there a National Training, Inc. Heavy Equipment Operator School near me?

Conducting this type of training is not a simple process. The permits needed, licenses, environmental impact, and the enormous amount of land required to conduct this type of training, make it difficult to teach this type of training everywhere. That is probably why heavy construction operator schools are not found in most communities. In fact the National Training Heavy Equipment Operator School has invested years of time and vast legal resources into obtaining the necessary environmental permits and approvals that are mandated by the Federal Government and the State of Florida. The resident training portion is conducted in sunny North Florida at our exclusive, 350-acre training grounds.

Why is the School located in Florida?

There are many advantages to completing heavy equipment operator training in Florida. The warm climate allows students to train outdoors most days of the year, without the snow delays common in other parts of the country. Rain showers are usually brief, which helps reduce weather-related downtime and keeps students focused on building hands-on equipment skills. At National Training, we believe students should have a positive training experience both on and off the equipment. Learning to operate heavy equipment takes hard work, focus, and practice, but Florida also offers students opportunities to enjoy their time outside of class. Our training grounds are located near many popular Florida destinations. During weekends or free time, students can visit St. Augustine, Daytona Beach, Cape Canaveral, Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, Silver Springs, World Golf Village, and other nearby attractions. Students who prefer a quieter way to relax can also enjoy fishing and outdoor recreation close to the school. Choosing heavy equipment operator training in Florida gives students the opportunity to gain entry-level equipment skills while training in a location known for year-round outdoor activity, recreation, and travel.

Is there lodging near the school?

Yes. National Training students receive preferred rates from several motels close to the school. Costs vary, depending on your choice of single room or doubling up with another student. We can say this, the rates you will find to be surprisingly affordable as they are structured for only our students. In addition to these motels, there are many more within a 15-mile radius of our training grounds.

What funding and payment options may be available?

Qualified students may be eligible for WIOA workforce funding, Vocational Rehabilitation, VA education benefits, employer or agency sponsorship, third-party financing, or approved payment arrangements. Eligibility, approval, funding amounts, covered expenses, and payment terms are determined by the applicable funding provider and are not guaranteed.

Is Heavy Equipment operator training free?

No. NTI charges tuition and fees. Qualified students may receive funding that covers some or all approved training costs, but eligibility and approval are determined by the funding provider.

Does NTI accept Pell Grants or Workforce Pell?

No. NTI does not participate in Title IV federal student-aid programs, including traditional Pell Grants or Workforce Pell Grants.

What funding options may be available?

Qualified students may be eligible for WIOA workforce funding, Vocational Rehabilitation, VA education benefits, employer or agency sponsorship, third-party financing, or approved payment arrangements. Eligibility, approval, funding amounts, covered expenses, and payment terms are determined by the applicable funding provider.

Does NTI offer financing?

Yes. Third-party financing or payment arrangements may be available to qualified applicants. Approval is not guaranteed and is subject to the financing provider’s requirements and the terms of the applicable agreement.

Does NTI guarantee employment?

NTI provides job-placement assistance, but employment, wages, benefits, work location, schedules, and employer hiring decisions are not guaranteed.

What credentials do Heavy Equipment graduates receive?

Graduates who satisfy NTI’s program requirements receive an NTI Certificate of Completion and academic transcript. Where applicable, students may also earn NCCER Registry credentials after successfully completing required NCCER modules and assessments. NCCER credentials are not automatically awarded by completing the program.

Can Veterans Use the GI Bill® for Heavy Equipment Training?

Q: Can I attend before VA pays?

Qualifying Chapter 31 and Chapter 33 students may be protected from late fees, denial of access to classes or school facilities, or being required to obtain additional financing solely because an expected VA tuition payment is delayed. To receive applicable protection, the student must provide the required eligibility or authorization documentation, submit a written request to use the benefit, and provide the information National Training needs to complete enrollment certification. These protections apply only to the portion of tuition and fees that VA is expected to pay. Students remain responsible for uncovered tuition, optional lodging, transportation, meals, personal expenses, and other charges VA does not authorize or pay.

Q: Can benefits cover housing?

Not necessarily. The Post-9/11 GI Billu00ae may pay eligible tuition and fees and may provide a Monthly Housing Allowance to qualifying students. Eligibility and payment depend on factors including the student's benefit percentage, rate of pursuit, attendance dates, training format, and current VA rules. Housing, transportation, meals and other living expenses are not automatically covered in every case.

Eligible Veterans may be able to use GI Bill® education benefits for an approved heavy equipment training program at National Training, Inc. in Green Cove Springs, Florida. VA – not the school – determines each student’s eligibility, remaining entitlement and payment amount. Confirm the specific program in VA’s education tools before enrolling.

Start here: Veterans and VA benefits overview

Student operating an excavator during heavy equipment training at National Training in Green Cove Springs, Florida

VA Education Benefits That May Apply

Several VA education benefit programs may be used for approved heavy equipment training, depending on your individual eligibility and the program’s current approval status:

Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33) may cover current published tuition and fees and may also provide a monthly housing allowance and books-and-supplies stipend for eligible students, subject to current VA rules and individual eligibility.
Montgomery GI Bill® (Chapter 30) may provide a monthly education benefit for eligible Veterans enrolled in approved training.
Veteran Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31 / VR&E) may support eligible Veterans with service-connected disabilities when training is authorized by an assigned VA counselor. See our VR&E heavy equipment training page.
Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA, Chapter 35) may assist eligible spouses and children. See our military spouse and dependent training page.
Military spouses may also qualify for other education assistance programs depending on military status and eligibility. Visit our Military Spouse & Dependent Training page for additional information.
Montgomery GI Bill® Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606) may apply to eligible members of the Selected Reserve.
Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship may provide Post-9/11 GI Bill® education benefits to eligible spouses and children of certain service members. Eligibility is determined by VA.

Eligibility and program authorization must be confirmed for each individual student.

VA education benefits may be available to eligible students enrolled in National Training programs that are currently approved for the applicable benefit. VA determines individual eligibility and payment. Program approval may change, so students should confirm the exact program before enrolling.

Other funding routes may also apply. See the School Catalog, Financial Aid, Tuition, Costs and Fees, Cancellation & Refund Policy, Enrollment Agreement, Workforce Grant, and our Disclosures page.

What VA Determines vs. What the School Certifies

Understanding who decides what can prevent confusion during enrollment.

VA determines:

Whether you are eligible for education benefits
Which benefit chapter applies to you
Your remaining entitlement and eligibility percentage
The payment amount and payment schedule

National Training certifies:

Your enrollment in an current approved program
The current published tuition, fees and training hours reported to VA

Approval to accept VA education benefits does not mean the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs endorses the school, guarantees program quality or promises that every student will receive benefits.

The Heavy Equipment Training Program

Our Heavy Now program provides entry-level heavy equipment operator training:

208 clock hours, normally completed in four weeks of full-time training
72 classroom hours and 136 hours of hands-on equipment projects and exercises
Training with bulldozers, excavators, tractor loader backhoes and articulated wheel loaders, subject to the approved curriculum, class plan, equipment availability and safety conditions
Training conducted at our private 350-acre Florida training complex in Green Cove Springs

Individual equipment training is covered in more detail on our bulldozer, excavator, tractor loader backhoe and articulated loader course pages.

Graduates who satisfy program requirements receive an NTI Certificate of Completion and academic transcript. Where applicable, students may earn NCCER Registry credentials after successfully completing required modules and assessments. See our NCCER accreditation page for details.

Bulldozers, excavators and wheel loaders at National Training's 350-acre Florida training facility

How to Apply for VA Education Benefits

Step 1. Confirm Your Eligibility

Review your eligibility on VA.gov and check the current listing for National Training’s current approved programs in the GI Bill® Comparison Tool before making any enrollment decision.

Step 2. Apply Through VA.gov

Apply through VA.gov using the form appropriate to your status and benefit. VA recommends confirming eligibility, gathering military and education history, and identifying the school or training facility before submitting the application.

Step 3. Receive Your Decision

VA reviews the application and sends a decision letter. VA will issue a Certificate of Eligibility or other decision documentation depending on the education benefit used.

Step 4. Contact Admissions

Once you have your VA decision documentation, contact our Military and Veterans Admissions Team to begin enrollment. See the full Military and Veterans Admissions process.

What Is a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)?

A Certificate of Eligibility, or COE, is a VA decision document that identifies the education benefit for which a person is eligible and may show remaining entitlement or eligibility percentage. National Training’s School Certifying Official uses this documentation to certify enrollment when applicable. If you have not yet received a COE, our School Certifying Official can explain what documentation is needed and when.

Payment-Delay Protection

Covered students using qualifying Chapter 33 or Chapter 31 benefits may have payment-delay protections when they provide required eligibility documentation and request certification. This means eligible students are not penalized while VA payment is pending, in accordance with the school’s written policy and federal requirements. Ask our School Certifying Official for the current written policy, and review our rules and policies page.

Hands-on equipment training exercise with instructor at National Training

Costs Not Automatically Covered

GI Bill® coverage depends on the benefit chapter, eligibility percentage, remaining entitlement, approved charges, training rate and current VA rules. The following are not automatically covered in every case:

Housing, lodging and meals
Transportation and travel to Green Cove Springs
Personal expenses during training
Any charges beyond the VA-approved tuition and fees

Review current VA rate tables and your decision letter before enrolling. See Tuition, Costs and Fees for our published charges, and Veterans housing and campus information for lodging details.

Questions to Ask Before Enrollment

Is my specific program currently listed as approved in the GI Bill® Comparison Tool?
What does my COE or decision letter say about my remaining entitlement?
What are the National Training’s current published tuition and fees, and what portion may VA pay?
What costs will I be responsible for out of pocket?
What is the school’s written policy while VA payment is pending?
Is this program currently approved by the State Approving Agency?
Have I reviewed the School Catalog?

Our Military and Veterans Admissions Team and School Certifying Official can walk through each of these with you. You can also book a tour to see the training complex before you decide.

Verify Your Benefits: Contact Military and Veterans Admissions

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available through the official U.S. government website.

After Training

Eligible graduates may receive job-placement assistance. Our Career Services team explains what that assistance includes and what it does not guarantee.

FAQs

How much will my GI Bill® pay?

Only VA can determine the amount. Students should review their decision letter or Certificate of Eligibility, the current VA rate tables and the National Training’s current published tuition and fees before making an enrollment decision.

Do I need a Certificate of Eligibility?

A COE is a VA decision document that identifies the education benefit for which a person is eligible and may show remaining entitlement or eligibility percentage. The school may need this information to certify enrollment.

Can I attend before VA pays?

Can benefits cover housing?

Not necessarily. Coverage depends on the benefit chapter, eligibility percentage, remaining entitlement, approved charges, training rate and current VA rules. Housing, transportation, meals and other living expenses are not automatically covered in every case.

For general school questions not related to Veterans benefits, see our FAQs page.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you are considering using your VA education benefits for heavy equipment training, start by verifying your benefits and speaking with our Military and Veterans Admissions Team and School Certifying Official.

VA education benefits are available for those who qualify. Eligibility is determined by the VA.

Start Your Benefit Verification

Learn About Military and Veterans Admissions

Questions? Contact us

Written by: Andrew McLoughlin
Reviewed by: Tal Miller, School Certifying Official, National Training, Inc.
Last reviewed: July 2026
Sources:
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – GI Bill® Comparison Tool,
How to Apply for Education Benefits,
Current Benefit Rates,
Veteran Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31),
Military OneSource,
38 U.S.C. § 3679(e)
Found an error? Contact us at inforequests@nationaltrainingschools.com
National Training, Inc. | 5660 County Road 209 South Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 | (904) 272-4000 Licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education, License No. 335.