Does VR&E cover all training costs?

Not necessarily. VR&E may authorize training only when the selected course is eligible under applicable VA requirements and is included in the Veteran's approved rehabilitation plan. Approval of National Training as a school does not automatically mean that every course, schedule, or additional expense is authorized. Confirm the current approval status of the exact program with National Training's School Certifying Official and the VR&E counselor.

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 VR&E Help Pay for Heavy Equipment Training?

Q: Does a disability rating guarantee approval?

No. A qualifying service-connected disability rating may allow a Veteran or service member to apply for VR&E, but it does not by itself guarantee entitlement to services or approval of a particular training program. A Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor evaluates the individual's employment handicap, abilities, interests, employment goals, and need for services before approving a rehabilitation plan.

Q: Can I start before authorization?

A student may complete admissions steps before the authorization arrives. The key issue is not beginning class or assuming financial responsibility before authorization is confirmed. Confirm authorization with your VRC before enrolling.

Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E, or Chapter 31) may help eligible Veterans with service-connected disabilities pay for approved training, for those who qualify. Your assigned VA counselor, not the school, determines eligibility and authorizes any training plan. National Training, Inc. can provide program and enrollment information for that review.

Start here: Veterans and VA benefits overview

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

What Is VR&E (Chapter 31)?

Veteran Readiness and Employment, also called VR&E or Chapter 31, may help eligible Veterans and service members with service-connected disabilities prepare for, obtain, or maintain suitable employment. VA determines basic eligibility. A Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor then evaluates entitlement to services and determines whether a particular training program should be included in the individual rehabilitation plan.

VR&E is different from the GI Bill®. It is built around an individual rehabilitation plan developed with a VA counselor, not a standard tuition benefit.

Who Decides Eligibility

A qualifying service-connected disability rating may allow a Veteran or service member to apply for VR&E, but it does not by itself guarantee entitlement to services or approval of a particular training program. A Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor evaluates the individual’s employment handicap, abilities, interests, employment goals, and need for services before approving a rehabilitation plan.

National Training, Inc. cannot determine your eligibility, approve your benefit, or promise that VR&E will pay for training. The school’s role is to provide accurate program, tuition and enrollment information for your counselor’s review.

The Role of Your Assigned Counselor

Your VRC works with you to build a rehabilitation plan based on your situation, goals and approved services. If heavy equipment training fits that plan, your counselor may authorize it.

Because the counselor drives the process, the best first step is to talk with your VRC about whether entry-level heavy equipment operator training supports your employment goals.

School and Program Documentation

To support your counselor’s review, National Training, Inc. can provide:

Program details for the Heavy Now program, including clock hours and curriculum
National Training’s current published tuition and fees, available on our Tuition, Costs and Fees page
Enrollment and start-date information
Any documentation your counselor requests to evaluate the program

Review important school documents:

Share this information with your VRC so they have what they need to make a decision.

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.

Excavator on a jobsite representing heavy equipment operator careers

Authorization Before Beginning Training

For VR&E, authorization comes before enrollment. Your VR&E counselor or case manager must issue an electronic authorization or purchase order for the approved training and related services. The authorization identifies the approved program, enrollment period, tuition, fees, books, supplies, or other services VA has agreed to support. Confirm that National Training has received the authorization before beginning class or incurring charges.

Do not assume training will be covered until your counselor has authorized it. Starting a program without authorization may leave you responsible for costs. Confirm the process with your VRC and our School Certifying Official before you enroll.

Costs, Supplies, and Subsistence

When training is authorized, VR&E may cover approved tuition, fees and certain required supplies under your plan. What is covered is defined by VA and your counselor, not by the school.

Some participants in approved VR&E training may qualify for a monthly subsistence allowance. The amount and payment method depend on factors such as training type, attendance level, dependents, and the individual rehabilitation plan. Transportation, housing, tools, equipment, and personal expenses are not automatically covered. Ask the counselor which services and costs are specifically authorized.

For general cost information, see Tuition, Costs and Fees and Financial Aid.

Costs and Supplies

When training is authorized, VR&E may cover approved tuition, fees and certain required supplies under your plan. What is covered is defined by VA and your counselor, not by the school.

Living expenses, transportation and personal costs may be handled differently under VR&E than under the GI Bill®. Ask your counselor what your plan includes. For general cost information, see Tuition, Costs and Fees and Financial Aid.

Coordinating With Admissions

Once your counselor is involved, our Military and Veterans Admissions Team and School Certifying Official can coordinate directly with VR&E on documentation, VA enrollment certification, authorization, and invoicing.

See the full Military and Veterans Admissions process for the general enrollment steps, and contact us when you are ready to share your counselor’s authorization.

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.

FAQs

Does a disability rating guarantee approval?

No. A service-connected disability rating does not by itself guarantee VR&E approval. Your assigned VA counselor determines eligibility and whether a specific training plan is approved.

Can the school approve VR&E?

No. National Training, Inc. cannot approve VR&E benefits. The school provides program and enrollment information, but only your assigned VA counselor can authorize training.

How does VR&E authorize the training?

Your VR&E counselor or case manager generally issues an electronic authorization or purchase order identifying the approved training and services. National Training’s School Certifying Official and business office can confirm that the authorization has been received and determine what additional enrollment or invoicing documentation is required.

Can I start before authorization?

You should not assume coverage before your counselor authorizes training. Starting without authorization may leave you responsible for costs. Confirm authorization with your VRC before enrolling.

For general school questions, see our FAQs page.

Ready to Talk With Admissions?

If you are working with a VR&E counselor, we can provide the program information your counselor needs. VR&E support is determined by the VA for those who qualify, and eligibility and authorization are decided by your assigned counselor.

Contact our Military and Veterans Admissions Team when you are ready to share your counselor’s authorization.

Contact Military and Veterans Admissions

Read About GI Bill® Benefits

Questions? Contact us

Written by: Andrew McLoughlin
Reviewed by: Tal Miller, School Certifying Official, National Training, Inc.
Last reviewed: July 2026
Sources:
Veteran Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31),
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.