Heavy Equipment Operator

Program Overview

Heavy Equipment Operator’s are in demand in Saskatchewan! Centrally located in southeast Saskatchewan, our course is a combination of in class and in field theory each day. Students have access to state-of-the-art simulation equipment in addition to in seat training. Equipment pieces could include backhoe, grader, excavator, loader, rock truck, and dozer.

Students should have demonstrated course suitability including but not limited to mathematical ability, excellent vision and a high degree of hand eye coordination. Students should also be in good physical condition as lifting and moderate physical labour are required to work in this sector. Graduates have the knowledge and skills needed to start an entry level career in various aspects of the heavy equipment industry.

Program Details

• Course is 12 weeks in length; a combination of in class theory, state of the art equipment simulation and on site field experience make up the course curriculum
• Students will have access to six state-of-the-art simulation equipment pieces in addition to in seat training. Equipment pieces will include grader, excavator, front end loader, rubber tire hoe, articulated truck (rock truck) and dozer.
• Students will provide their own personal protective equipment including high visibility vest, CSA approved safety glasses, CSA approved hardhat, coveralls, leather work gloves, CSA approved steel toed work boots and CSA approved hearing protection.
• Students should have demonstrated course suitability including but not limited to mathematical ability, excellent vision and a high degree of hand eye coordination. Students should also be in good physical condition as lifting and moderate physical labour are required to work in this sector.
• General Admission Requirements will apply – Students must meet the minimum English Language Requirements for this program, Grade 10 or equivalent (Special Admissions may apply to some applicants), current/valid Class 5 Drivers License and be at least 18 years of age at time of application, or within 6 months of program end.
• Program/industry specific safety certifications are an essential component to this program; Students that require the safety certifications will be provided an opportunity to take training with Southeast College within the program. Safety certifications will include: First Aid CPR A/AED, SCOT/WHMIS, Ground Disturbance, Confined Space, H2S Alive and Simulated Fire Training.  Students who have completed all or some of the required safety training will be required to provide copies of valid certifications prior to the start of the program.
• Class will run from 7:30am to 4:30pm daily.

Courses

Safety Training

Student will be required to have or obtain the following Safety Training Certificates: Intermediate First aid, Ground Disturbance, Confined Space, WHMIS 2015, H2S Alive.  This training is required before students start field work and will be provided to the students that do not have valid certificates at no extra cost in the first 2 weeks of the program.

Personal Protective Equipment

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Students are required to purchase/have

• safety glasses,
• safety footwear (steel shank and toe, green triangle CSA stamp),
• fire-retardant long sleeve coveralls, and
• Safety Gloves.

Your Career

Heavy Equipment Operators work in construction and maintenance of roads, bridges, pipelines and buildings, as well as in mining, manufacturing, construction and materials handling work. Annual estimates for wages vary from $41,600 to $79,040. Forecasted job openings for 2019-2023 sits at 540 with many more on the horizon. (Relevance Magazine, 2019)

Admission Requirements:

• Grade 10 or Equivalent
• English Language Requirement IELTS 6.5 or Duo Lingo 105
• Valid Class 5 Drivers License
• Minimum 18 years of age at application, or within 6 months of program end

Southeast College is not accepting applications for International Students for this program at this time

Indigenous Equity Seats

Starting in the 2025-2026 academic year intake, designated seats will be available in many of the College’s full-time programs for students of Canadian Indigenous ancestry. This initiative aims to support Indigenous students in their educational pursuits and ensure they have the opportunity to succeed in their chosen fields. Applicants in designated groups need to meet program admission requirements. Apply early for your best opportunity to qualify for an equity seat, as they are limited in number. The College will release any unfilled seats starting on April 30^th.

How to Contact a Southeast College Student Advisor

Students who require additional assistance or require more information are encouraged to make an appointment with their closest available Student Services Advisor. Appointments can be made online at: www.southeastcollege.org/students/student-advisor-online-booking/ or by calling toll free 1-866-999-7372. Funding options are available for qualified students.  Please enquire with a Southeast College Student Advisor for more information.

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