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.

Training Options for Military Spouses and Eligible Dependents

Some military spouses and eligible dependents may be able to use education benefits toward approved heavy equipment training, for those who qualify. Possible paths include transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits, Chapter 35 and the SpouseWorks Scholarship. Eligibility is determined by the responsible federal program, not by the school.

Start here: Veterans and VA benefits overview

Heavy equipment operators training at National Training in Green Cove Springs, Florida

Possible Benefit Paths

There is no single spouse or dependent benefit. Depending on your situation, one or more of the following may apply. Each has its own rules, and eligibility must be confirmed with the responsible program.

Transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill® Benefits

Some eligible service members may transfer part or all of their unused Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits to a spouse or dependent child. The Department of Defense must approve the transfer while the service member is serving and satisfies applicable transfer requirements. After an approved transfer, the eligible family member applies through VA to use the transferred benefits.

A Veteran may use benefits that were transferred before separation, but the page should not imply that a Veteran can ordinarily initiate a new transfer after leaving service.

Chapter 35 (Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance)

Eligible spouses or children may receive Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance under Chapter 35. VA determines individual eligibility. In addition, the exact National Training program must be currently approved for Chapter 35 before the School Certifying Official can certify the student’s enrollment.

SpouseWorks Scholarship (Formerly MyCAA)

The SpouseWorks Scholarship, formerly known as MyCAA, may provide financial assistance to eligible military spouses pursuing an approved license, certification, associate degree, or qualifying continuing education. Eligibility, the selected program, the school’s participation, and the spouse’s Education and Training Plan must satisfy current SpouseWorks requirements. National Training cannot guarantee approval or payment.

Fry Scholarship

Certain surviving spouses and children may qualify for the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship. VA determines eligibility based on the service member’s circumstances. In addition, the student must select a National Training program that is currently approved for the applicable benefit. National Training cannot determine eligibility or guarantee payment.

Instructor guiding a student on heavy equipment at National Training

Who Determines Eligibility

The responsible federal program determines eligibility, not National Training, Inc. That means VA for GI Bill®, Chapter 35, and Fry Scholarship benefits; the Department of Defense for benefit transfers; and the responsible spouse-scholarship program for SpouseWorks.

National Training, Inc. can provide program, tuition and enrollment information so you can confirm whether a benefit applies. The school cannot approve or guarantee any spouse or dependent benefit.

Check the Program

If you are exploring benefits, it helps to know the program first. Our Heavy Now program provides entry-level heavy equipment operator training over 208 clock hours, normally completed in four weeks.

You can review National Training’s current published tuition and fees on our Tuition, Costs and Fees page and other funding options on our Financial Aid page. Share these details with your benefit program when you confirm eligibility.

VA education benefits may be used only for National Training programs that are currently approved for the applicable benefit. National Training’s School Certifying Official can confirm whether the selected program is currently approved and can be certified to VA. VA makes the final eligibility and payment determination.

Application Steps

Identify which benefit path may apply to your situation.
Confirm eligibility with the responsible program (VA, DoD, or the SpouseWorks program).
Gather your decision or approval documents.
Share program and tuition information from National Training, Inc. with your benefit program.
Contact our Military and Veterans Admissions Team to coordinate enrollment and, when applicable, VA enrollment certification through the School Certifying Official.

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.

Family Logistics

Training is full-time and takes place at our campus in Green Cove Springs, Florida. If you are coordinating childcare, travel or lodging around a training schedule, plan ahead.

For campus, travel and lodging information, see our Veterans housing and campus page.

FAQs

Can a Veteran transfer benefits after leaving service?

Benefit transfer generally must be approved while the service member is still serving and meets Department of Defense transfer rules. The Department of Defense must approve the transfer while the service member is serving and satisfies applicable transfer requirements. After an approved transfer, the eligible family member applies through VA to use the transferred benefits. Once separated, the option to start a new transfer is usually limited. Confirm your situation with the VA and DoD.

Can Chapter 35 pay for this program?

Eligible dependents may use Chapter 35 for approved training, but VA determines individual eligibility. In addition, the exact National Training program must be currently approved for Chapter 35 before the School Certifying Official can certify the student’s enrollment. Confirm both before enrolling.

Is SpouseWorks accepted?

The SpouseWorks Scholarship, formerly known as MyCAA, may provide financial assistance to eligible military spouses pursuing an approved license, certification, associate degree, or qualifying continuing education. The spouse, school, program, and Education and Training Plan must satisfy current SpouseWorks requirements. National Training cannot determine eligibility or guarantee program approval or payment.

Can benefits be combined?

Do not assume that multiple benefits can be used for the same charges or training period. VA generally pays education benefits under one VA education program at a time. SpouseWorks and other assistance programs have separate coordination and payment rules. Confirm the permitted combination with each program before enrolling or signing a financing agreement.

What is the Fry Scholarship?

Certain surviving spouses and children may qualify for the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship. VA determines eligibility. The student must also select a National Training program that is currently approved for the applicable benefit. National Training cannot determine eligibility or guarantee payment.

For general school questions, see our FAQs page.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

If you are a military spouse or dependent researching training benefits, confirm your eligibility with the responsible program and speak with our Military and Veterans Admissions Team. Education benefits are available for those who qualify, and eligibility is determined by the responsible federal program.

Contact Veterans Admissions

Veterans and VA Benefits Overview

Questions? Contact us

Written by: Andrew McLoughlin
Reviewed by: Tal Miller, School Certifying Official, National Training, Inc.
Last reviewed: July 2026
Sources:
Transfer Post-9/11 GI Bill® Benefits,
Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35),
Spouse Education and Career Opportunities
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.