What are the student preparation rules?

Students must bring lunch every scheduled training day. Closed-toe shoes are required; open-toed shoes are not permitted. Cutoff shorts are not permitted. Students should bring work gloves, a refillable water bottle, sunscreen and weather-appropriate clothing. Hard hats and required protective equipment must be worn as directed. Phones may be used only when an instructor authorizes recording a lecture or filming a pre-trip equipment inspection.

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.

Housing, Travel and Campus Information for Veterans

Some eligible students using VA education benefits may receive a Monthly Housing Allowance, monthly education payment, or subsistence allowance that can help with living expenses. Eligibility, payment type, payment amount, and timing are determined by VA. These payments are not guaranteed to cover the student’s actual lodging costs.

Start here: Veterans and VA benefits overview

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

Campus Location

National Training, Inc. is located at 5660 County Road 209 South, Green Cove Springs, Florida 32043. Training takes place at our private 350-acre training complex, which includes classroom space, equipment training areas and student services.

You can reach admissions at (904) 272-4000.

Training Schedule

Our Heavy Now program is full-time, with 208 clock hours normally completed in four weeks. Plan to attend during scheduled training days for the full length of your program.

Because training is full-time, most out-of-area students arrange lodging for the duration of their course.

Lodging Options and Availability

National Training works with the nearby Green Cove Springs Inn, which offers lodging to eligible students subject to room availability, program length, payment arrangements, and Inn policies.

Most student rooms are shared, double-occupancy rooms, so plan to have a roommate unless you specifically reserve and confirm a private room. Private rooms are limited, cost more, and are not guaranteed.

The Green Cove Springs Inn is located at 1225 Idlewild Avenue, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. Property details are available at GCSInn.com.

Important: Green Cove Springs Inn lodging is separate from enrollment at National Training. Lodging is optional and is governed by a separate reservation or lodging agreement, payment terms, cancellation policy, room rules, and availability. Lodging charges are not tuition and are not included in National Training’s program charges.

Standard student lodging rates

(subject to availability, dates, occupancy, final confirmation)

Room type	Four weeks	One week	Eight days
Shared room	$1,082.40	$265.00	$440.00
Private room	$1,544.40	$390.00	$440.00

Special NTI lodging pricing

(tuition paid in full before the first day of class; a deposit or partial payment does not qualify on its own)

Room type	Four weeks	Eight days
Shared room	$541.20	$220.00
Private room	$772.40	$220.00

Special student lodging rates may be available when the student’s tuition-payment arrangements are fully confirmed before the first day of class. For this purpose, documented and approved VA, VR&E, Workforce, or other agency funding may satisfy the tuition-payment condition for the amount authorized by the funding source. Lodging charges remain separate from tuition and are subject to the Inn’s payment and reservation policies.

Availability, room assignments, rates, and policies can change. Confirm your eligibility, room type, check-in and check-out dates, and final lodging rate with our admissions team before you travel.

Transportation

National Training does not provide, arrange, supervise, inspect, insure, or guarantee transportation. Students are responsible for maintaining a reliable transportation plan for the entire program. Carpooling arrangements between students are private arrangements made at their own discretion and risk.

The campus is in Green Cove Springs, Florida. Plan for daily travel to and from campus during training.

What to Bring

Come prepared for classroom, simulator, outdoor, and hands-on equipment training:

Lunch every training day
Closed-toe work shoes or work boots
Appropriate work clothing and work gloves
A refillable water bottle
Sunscreen and a hat for sun protection when a hard hat is not required
Weather-appropriate clothing and rain gear when needed
Personal medications and toiletries
Required identification and school documents, including any VA documentation requested by your School Certifying Official

Student Preparation Rules

Students must bring lunch every scheduled training day.
Closed-toe shoes are required.
Open-toed shoes are not permitted.
Cutoff shorts are not permitted.
Students should bring work gloves.
Students should bring a refillable water bottle.
Students should bring sunscreen and weather-appropriate clothing.
Hard hats and required protective equipment must be worn as directed.
Phones may be used only when an instructor authorizes recording a lecture or filming a pre-trip equipment inspection.

Our admissions team can confirm the current list before your start date.

Heavy equipment operator at work during training at National Training

Meals and Personal Costs

Meals, lodging, transportation and personal expenses are the student’s responsibility. These are not part of program tuition. Plan a budget for living costs during your training.

For current program tuition, approved charges and what tuition covers, see Tuition, Costs and Fees and Financial Aid.

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.

Visit the Campus

The best way to plan your stay is to see the campus first. You can book a tour to view the training complex, meet the team and ask about local logistics before you commit.

Book a Campus Tour

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.

Important School Documents

FAQs

Is housing included?

No. Housing is not included in the program. Students arrange and pay for their own lodging. Our admissions team can share current lodging options on request.

Does VA pay lodging directly?

Generally, VA does not pay the Green Cove Springs Inn directly. For eligible students using the Post-9/11 GI Bill®, the Monthly Housing Allowance is normally paid directly to the student after the applicable month of attendance. Eligibility and payment amounts depend on the student’s benefit percentage, rate of pursuit, attendance dates, and other VA rules. Students should be prepared to meet lodging payment deadlines without assuming that a VA payment will arrive before lodging charges are due.

Can I bring family?

Under the Green Cove Springs Inn’s current student-room policy, only students officially assigned to a room may occupy or enter that room. Spouses, partners, children, relatives, friends, and other visitors must arrange separate lodging. Policies may change, so students should review and sign the Inn’s current lodging agreement before making travel plans.

Family members traveling with you must make their own separate lodging arrangements, at their own cost. Family lodging is not included in tuition or in student lodging.

Do I need transportation?

Yes. National Training does not provide, arrange, supervise, inspect, insure, or guarantee transportation. Students are responsible for maintaining a reliable transportation plan for the entire program. Carpooling arrangements between students are private arrangements made at their own discretion and risk. The campus is in Green Cove Springs, Florida, so plan for daily travel to and from campus during training.

For general school questions, see our FAQs page.

Ready to Plan Your Training?

If you are planning travel for heavy equipment training, start by verifying your benefits and speaking with our Military and Veterans Admissions Team.

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

Start Your Benefit Verification

See the Veterans Admissions Process

Questions? Contact Us

Written by: Andrew McLoughlin
Reviewed by: Tal Miller, School Certifying Official, National Training, Inc.
Last reviewed: July 2026
Sources:
Current Benefit Rates,
GI Bill® Comparison Tool
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.