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

Students will be required to have or obtain the following Safety Training Certificates: 1st Aid/CPR “A” with AED, Ground Disturbance, Confined Space, WHMIS 2015, SCOT online, TDG online, H2S Alive, Simulated Fire Training. This training is required to be accepted into the program. If students do not have this training, safety classes will be made available two weeks prior or sooner to program start. This training is at the student’s expense.

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)

Southeast College Scholarships and Bursaries

Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association Award was established through a partnership between the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association and Southeast College. The award is designed to support students enrolled in the Heavy Equipment Operator program at Southeast College. There are two awards valued at $2,000 each.

Funding options are available for qualified students.  Please enquire with a Southeast College Student Advisor for more information.

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

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

To view a list of frequently asked questions about the HEO program, please click Heavy Equipment Operator Student FAQ – updated January 2023

Note: Materials and tuitions are subject to change without notice