Heavy Equipment Operator Program

In this full 15-week program, students receive compulsory/core training in first aid, introduction to heavy equipment operation, introduction to the knowledge and use of heavy equipment, introduction to equipment systems, preventative maintenance procedures, interpretation of construction surveys, and air brake systems. This program also includes 185 hours of training on each of two pieces of heavy equipment (crawler, motor grader, front-end loader, track excavator swing rig, Class 3 tandem axle dump truck, or Class 1 tractor tri-axle side dump).

Abridged Heavy Equipment Operator Program

This 8-week program offers the same compulsory/core training as the full-length program, but students will receive 185 hours of training on one (as opposed to two) piece of heavy equipment.

Introduction to Heavy Equipment Operator Program

This 9-week program offers the same compulsory/core training as the full-length program. Students will receive 100 hours of training on each of two pieces of equipment.

The eligibility requirements for all three heavy equipment operator programs are the same.  Applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Be 18 years of age or older.
2. Have Grade 9 level of reading, writing and mathematics (ALBE English 130 and ALBE Math 140).
3. Be fluent in English.
4. Possess a valid unrestricted Class 5 Driver’s License prior to entry into the program. A temporary or restricted Class 5 Driver’s License is NOT acceptable.
5. Submit a current driver’s license abstract (can be obtained from Motor Vehicles Licensing office).

Based on screening in the above areas, applicants will be advised if they are “conditionally accepted”.

 If applicants are “conditionally accepted” into the program, they must also:

1. Pass a Class 3 or Class 1 NWT Driver’s Medical.

NOTE 1. Applicants are not required to obtain a medical for their initial application.  After screening, applicants who will be training on Class 1 or Class 3 equipment, will be advised to pass a Class 1 or Class 3 Driver’s Medical in order to become fully accepted in the program.

NOTE 2. For entry into the HEO program, either a Class 1 or Class 3 Driver’s Medical is acceptable. The criteria for both medicals are similar, so it may be advantageous for a student to get a Class 1 Driver’s Medical if they anticipate pursuing a Class 1 License in the future.

All applicant assessment is conducted by the Registrar and the Coordinator of Trades and Technology Programs to validate applicant's eligibility. Entrance exams may be required if academic levels are not substantiated.

Applicants will be admitted to this program based on the eligibility requirements and the applicant assessment results. Applicants will receive a letter of acceptance from the Registrar.

Students must demonstrate acceptable life skills such as punctuality, attendance, attitude and successfully complete the compulsory and optional units in the program. Students must demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the instructors, that they are safe and capable operators on the pieces of equipment studied.

Students must bring clothing suitable for outside equipment operation. Students must also possess and wear proper protective footwear and coveralls. Headgear and eye protection (goggles) are provided by the College. All required manuals for the course are provided by the College. Attendance for all courses is compulsory.