Will VA pay all my training costs?

VA eligibility does not guarantee that VA will pay every school or personal expense. Before beginning class, review the estimated VA payment and acknowledge any tuition balance, fees, housing, transportation, meals, supplies, or personal expenses that are not expected to be paid by VA. Review National Training's current school catalog, program description, admissions requirements, published tuition and fees, cancellation and refund policy, attendance requirements, graduation requirements, credential disclosures, job-placement limitations, and enrollment agreement before signing.

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.

Veterans Admissions Process | National Training

Step 3. Apply for VA Education Benefits

Apply through VA.gov using the form appropriate to your status and benefit. Apply through VA.gov using the form appropriate to your status and benefit. Learn more about the benefit chapters that may apply on our GI Bill® heavy equipment training page.

Step 4. Obtain Your Decision Letter or COE

VA reviews your application and sends a decision letter. If approved, you may receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) that identifies your benefit and may show remaining entitlement or eligibility percentage.

Step 5. Submit Your School Documents

Provide your decision letter, COE or Statement of Benefits to our School Certifying Official. You will also submit a written request to use your VA education benefits, plus any other information the school needs to certify your enrollment to VA.

Step 6. Review Tuition and Uncovered Costs

Review National Training’s current published tuition and fees, and understand what VA may pay versus what you may owe. See Tuition, Costs and Fees and Financial Aid for details. Housing, transportation and personal costs are not automatically covered in every case.

Step 7. Orientation and Enrollment Verification

Complete your enrollment paperwork, confirm your start date, and attend orientation. The School Certifying Official then certifies your enrollment, tuition and fees to VA when applicable.

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.

The Veterans Admissions Steps

Each step below helps you move from first inquiry to your program start date. VA response times vary, so start early.

Step 1. Choose Your Program

Review National Training’s available heavy-equipment programs and identify the course that fits your goals. VA education benefits may be used only for programs that are currently approved for the applicable benefit. Before enrolling, confirm the exact program title and location in VA’s GI Bill Comparison Tool and with National Training’s School Certifying Official.

Step 2. Confirm the School and Program in VA Tools

Check the current listing for National Training’s approved programs in the GI Bill® Comparison Tool before making any enrollment decision. National Training is listed in VA education data for its Green Cove Springs, Florida, location. However, VA approval is program-specific and may change. Prospective students should confirm the exact campus and program in VA’s GI Bill Comparison Tool shortly before enrolling.

Step 3. Apply for VA Education Benefits

Apply through VA.gov using the form appropriate to your status and benefit. Learn more about the benefit chapters that may apply on our
GI Bill® heavy equipment training page.

Step 4. Obtain Your Decision Letter or COE

VA reviews your application and sends a decision letter. If approved, you may receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) that identifies your benefit and may show remaining entitlement or eligibility percentage.

Step 5. Submit Your School Documents

Provide your decision letter, COE or Statement of Benefits to our School Certifying Official. You will also submit a written request to use your VA education benefits, plus any other information the school needs to certify your enrollment to VA.

Step 6. Review Tuition and Uncovered Costs

Review National Training’s current published tuition and fees, and understand what VA may pay versus what you may owe. See Tuition, Costs and Fees and Financial Aid for details. Housing, transportation and personal costs are not automatically covered in every case.

Step 7. Orientation and Enrollment Verification

Complete your enrollment paperwork, confirm your start date, and attend orientation. The School Certifying Official then certifies your enrollment, tuition and fees to VA when applicable.

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.

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.

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

Who Does What

Understanding who decides what can prevent delays during enrollment.

VA determines:

Whether you are eligible under the education-benefit program for which you apply
Your remaining entitlement
Your benefit percentage when applicable
Your payment amount

Students who may qualify for more than one benefit should obtain guidance from VA before making an election or requesting a change.

National Training, Inc. reports:

The student’s enrollment, approved program, clock hours, attendance period, and applicable tuition-and-fee information to VA as required by the student’s benefit
For VR&E students, National Training also follows the separate authorization and invoicing process established by the student’s counselor or case manager

Approval to accept VA education benefits does not mean VA endorses the school or promises that every student will receive benefits.

When an Expected VA Tuition Payment Is Pending

Qualifying students using Chapter 31 or Chapter 33 benefits may be protected from late fees, denial of access to classes or school facilities, or being required to borrow additional money solely because an expected VA tuition payment is delayed.

To receive applicable protections, students must provide the required eligibility or authorization documentation, submit a written request to use the benefit, and provide the information National Training needs to certify enrollment.

Students remain responsible for charges that VA is not expected to pay.

Documents You May Need

Having your paperwork ready helps your enrollment move smoothly. You may be asked to provide:

A VA Certificate of Eligibility, Statement of Benefits, or decision letter
A written request to use your VA education benefits
For VR&E or Chapter 31, provide the electronic authorization or purchase order issued by the student’s VR&E counselor or case manager.
Any additional information the School Certifying Official needs to certify enrollment

Our Military and Veterans Admissions Team can confirm exactly what your situation requires.

VA eligibility does not guarantee that VA will pay every school or personal expense. Before beginning class, review the estimated VA payment and acknowledge any tuition balance, fees, housing, transportation, meals, supplies, or personal expenses that are not expected to be paid by VA.

Review School Documents Before Enrolling

Before signing an enrollment agreement or paying tuition or fees, review National Training’s current:

FAQs

How long does VA take?

VA response times vary and are not set by the school. Apply as early as you can, and ask our School Certifying Official what to expect once your application is submitted.

What documents are required?

You may need a VA Certificate of Eligibility, Statement of Benefits or decision letter, a written request to use your benefits, and for VR&E or Chapter 31, the electronic authorization or purchase order issued by your VR&E counselor or case manager. The School Certifying Official will confirm your specific requirements.

Who certifies my enrollment?

National Training’s School Certifying Official reports the student’s enrollment, approved program, clock hours, attendance period, and applicable tuition-and-fee information to VA as required by the student’s benefit. For VR&E students, National Training also follows the separate authorization and invoicing process established by the student’s counselor or case manager. VA then determines payment based on your eligibility and remaining entitlement.

Can I change my benefits?

Changing or transferring VA benefits is a VA decision, not a school decision. Contact VA or your assigned VA counselor about changing benefit chapters, and let our School Certifying Official know so your certification stays accurate.

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

Ready to Begin?

If you are ready to start, verify your benefits and speak with our Military and Veterans Admissions Team.

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

How Veterans Enroll at National Training

The Veterans Admissions Steps

Step 1. Choose Your Program

Step 2. Confirm the School and Program in VA Tools

Step 3. Apply for VA Education Benefits

Step 4. Obtain Your Decision Letter or COE

Step 5. Submit Your School Documents

Step 6. Review Tuition and Uncovered Costs

Step 7. Orientation and Enrollment Verification

The Veterans Admissions Steps

Step 1. Choose Your Program

Step 2. Confirm the School and Program in VA Tools

Step 3. Apply for VA Education Benefits

Step 4. Obtain Your Decision Letter or COE

Step 5. Submit Your School Documents

Step 6. Review Tuition and Uncovered Costs

Step 7. Orientation and Enrollment Verification

Who Does What

When an Expected VA Tuition Payment Is Pending

Documents You May Need

Review School Documents Before Enrolling

FAQs

How long does VA take?

What documents are required?

Who certifies my enrollment?

Can I change my benefits?

Ready to Begin?

National Training Courses

Heavy Now

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Tractor Loader Backhoe

Heavy Equipment Simulators

Articulated Loader

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