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Excavator Apprentice Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

CA Hull

Heavy Equipment Operator

Commerce, MI · On-site

You may be placed into an apprenticeship program that allows you to learn while you work and get ... Operating various pieces of heavy equipment such as excavators, and loaders. * Loading and ...

CA Hull

Heavy Equipment Operator

Walled Lake, MI · On-site

You may be placed into an apprenticeship program that allows you to learn while you work and get ... Operating various pieces of heavy equipment such as excavators, and loaders. * Loading and ...

Lee Industrial Contracting

Concrete Foreman

Pontiac, MI · On-site

Apprenticeship and Comprehensive Training Programs Paid Holidays Upon Hire * Competitive Medical ... Trenching & excavation - shoring, sloping, shielding and soil classification * Calculate & order ...

Lee Industrial Contracting

Concrete Foreman

Pontiac, MI · On-site

Apprenticeship and Comprehensive Training Programs Paid Holidays Upon Hire * Competitive Medical ... Trenching & excavation - shoring, sloping, shielding and soil classification * Calculate & order ...

A.J. Plumbing and Sewer Service

Plumber

Macomb, MI

$65K - $97K/yr

Tractors/backhoes for in house excavation & digging. 15. Dump trailer to make floor breaks easier. 16. Apprentice plumbers/helpers to perform the heavy lifting if needed. 17. Potential daily bonus of ...

A.J. Plumbing and Sewer Service

Plumber

Macomb, MI

$65K - $97K/yr

Tractors/backhoes for in house excavation & digging. 15. Dump trailer to make floor breaks easier. 16. Apprentice plumbers/helpers to perform the heavy lifting if needed. 17. Potential daily bonus of ...

A.J. Plumbing and Sewer Service

Plumber

Fair Haven, MI · On-site

$65K - $97K/yr

Tractors/Backhoes for in house excavation & digging 15. Dump Trailer to make floor breaks easier 16. Apprentice Plumbers/Helpers to perform the heavy lifting if needed. 17. Potential Daily Bonus of ...

A&J Plumbing and Sewer Service

Plumber

Fair Haven, MI · On-site

$65K - $97K/yr

Tractors/Backhoes for in house excavation & digging 15. Dump Trailer to make floor breaks easier 16. Apprentice Plumbers/Helpers to perform the heavy lifting if needed. 17. Potential Daily Bonus of ...

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Excavator Apprentice information

What can I expect from the typical training and mentorship process as an excavator apprentice?

As an Excavator Apprentice, you will typically begin with hands-on training under the supervision of experienced operators. You'll learn essential skills such as machine operation, equipment maintenance, and safety protocols. Apprentices often rotate through different job sites to gain exposure to various tasks and conditions, and regular feedback from mentors helps you improve your technique and understanding. This collaborative environment allows you to gradually take on more responsibility as your skills develop.

What is an excavator apprentice?

An Excavator Apprentice is an entry-level worker who is learning to operate excavators and other heavy equipment under the supervision of experienced operators. Apprentices receive on-the-job training and may also attend classroom instruction to learn about safety procedures, equipment maintenance, and proper operating techniques. The goal of the apprenticeship is to gain the skills and experience needed to become a qualified excavator operator. Duties often include assisting with digging, grading, and site preparation on construction projects. Over time, apprentices take on more responsibilities as they progress through their training.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an excavator apprentice, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Excavator Apprentice, you need a basic understanding of construction safety, mechanical aptitude, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with heavy equipment, basic hand tools, and willingness to earn OSHA safety certifications are common requirements. Strong communication, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn help apprentices work effectively with experienced operators and crews. These skills are crucial for maintaining safety, learning proper techniques, and progressing in the construction industry.

How do you get a job as an excavator apprentice?

To become an excavator apprentice, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some programs may require a valid driver's license. You can apply through construction companies, unions, or apprenticeship programs that provide on-the-job training and classroom instruction in operating heavy equipment like excavators.

What is the difference between Excavator Apprentice vs Heavy Equipment Operator?

AspectExcavator ApprenticeHeavy Equipment Operator
Required CredentialsOn-the-job training, possibly a basic certificationCommercial driver's license (CDL), certification in equipment operation
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, training environmentsConstruction, mining, infrastructure projects
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction companies, contractorsConstruction firms, mining companies, government agencies

Excavator Apprentices typically undergo training and gain experience operating excavators under supervision, focusing on skill development. Heavy Equipment Operators have more advanced certifications and experience, often operating multiple types of machinery independently. While apprentices are in training, operators are fully qualified workers. Both roles are essential in construction projects, but the apprentice role is a stepping stone toward becoming a certified heavy equipment operator.

What are the most commonly searched types of Excavator jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Excavator jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Excavator Apprentice jobs in Michigan? For Excavator Apprentice jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Excavator Apprentice jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Excavator Apprentice jobs in Michigan are:
Excavator Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Excavator Apprentice job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution.

Top/Tail Laborer

Tri-city Groundbreakers

Midland, MI • On-site

$19 - $35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Tri-City Groundbreakers, Inc. is a tight-knit, family-owned excavating contractor who is looking for experienced skilled trades personnel that love the smell of dirt in the morning and wants to be an integral part of the growth and development of one of mid-Michigan’s top underground contractors.


We are located in Midland, Michigan however our jobs can be found all over the state, including mid-Michigan, Flint, Lansing, and the Detroit metro area.  All of our Trades employees report directly to the jobsite.  


Tri-City Groundbreakers, Inc is a union shop so employees can enjoy competitive wages and a full benefits package including:

  • Union Health Care
  • Pension
  • Union Provided Training 
  • Career Development


Pipelayer duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Assisting pipelayer in the installation of water mains, storm sewers, and sanitary sewers.
  • Manhole building and mud work
  • Shoveling
  • Working with and around heavy equipment and around trench protection devices
  • Safely working around existing underground utilities
  • Working with pipe lasers, line guns, and transits
  • Working outdoors in all weather conditions; including but not limited to, snow, rain and varying temperatures
  • Works safely near and around highway traffic and noisy operations
  • Ability to lift or carry up to 50 lbs


An Equal Opportunity Employer

Tri-City Groundbreakers, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 78 Stat. 252, 42 U.S.C. 2000d to 2000d-4.

It is the policy of this Company to assure that applicants are employed, and that employees are treated during employment, without regard to their race, religion, sex, color, national origin, age or disability. Such action shall include: employment, upgrading, demotion, or transfer; recruitment or recruitment advertising; layoff or termination; rates of pay or other forms of compensation; and selection for training, including apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, and/or on-the-job training.