To work as a mining machine operator, you typically need to:

• be at least 18 years old; and
• complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

Some people train to be mining machine operators by taking formal training. A few professional-technical and two-year schools offer mine technology courses. Most of these schools are in areas of the country where mining is done.

On-the-job training

Most mining machine operators receive training on the job from an experienced worker. During training, you may first work as a helper. Training includes:

• operation and maintenance of mining machines;
• mine safety; and
• first aid.

Training usually lasts up to a year.