Heavy Equipment Operator

 

The high demand for Heavy Equipment Operators will put you in the driver's seat for jobs in construction. Why not consider a career as a Heavy Equipment Operator? Fleming's Heavy Equipment Operator program will get your career in gear.

 

Program Highlights

This 15-week, 420-hour program will prepare you for exciting and demanding employment in the operation and preventative maintenance of heavy construction equipment. This program is all about hands-on learning - you'll develop the skills you need using bulldozers, rubber-tired loaders, tractor loader backhoes, hydraulic excavators, graders and various other construction site equipment. What you will learn in the classroom will focus on the essentials to help you master your "in the driver's seat" skills. Courses include personal, work site and equipment safety, earthmoving technology, equipment maintenance, environmental isues and heavy equipment operating techniques.

 

Why Choose Fleming?

You'll want to choose Fleming for this program because of our strong ties to the industry - and terrific job opportunities with our corporate partners. The Centre for Heavy Equipment Technology at Fleming College is the only one of its kind. We're sponsored by the Canadian Association of Equipment Distributors (CAED), Ontario Chapter - with its 200 member companies who sell, service, and use heavy equipment. We are known for our up-to-date equipment, quality programs, high industry placement rate, and skilled, knowledgeable instructors.

 

What it Takes to Succeed

If you want to operate heavy equipment - and have a responsible, safety-conscious attitude as well as an interest in working with others, you're on the right track. Other skills, abilities, and personality traits you should possess are:

• communication skills
• computer skills
• problem-solving ability
• self-discipline; ability to work independently
• willingness/ability to work as part of a team

Students would benefit by having basic computer skills including e-mail, word processing, file management and internet web browsing.

 

Career Opportunities

When you've completed this program, you'll be able to work on any construction worksite, or with the equipment in some other capacity, such as in sales or service. Expect to be in demand, and if you're willing to move for work, there are even more opportunities. Your starting wage will be approximately $14.00 per hour and increase from there.

 

Minimum Admission Requirements

• OSSD with the majority of credits at the Workplace (E) level, including English.

When Workplace (E) is the minimum course level for admission, (C) and (U/C) courses are also accepted.

Mature Students
If you are 19 years of age or older before classes start, and you do not possess an OSSD, you can write the Canadian Adult Achievement Test to assess your eligibility for admission.

 

Selection Process

 

Related Programs

Not yet sure about what you'll take in terms of post-secondary education or training? Take a look at the Motive Power Techniques -Heavy Equipment, Resources Drilling and Blasting programs, or Electrical Power Generation Technician prgrams. A Marine Mechanic/Small Engine Mechanic Apprenticeship might also interest you. For information on additional training available upon graduation from this program, contact Fleming's Centre for Heavy Equipment Technology at 705-324-9144 or 866-353-6464 ext. 3234.

 

Additional Costs

Plan to spend about $600 for books and equipment.

Course	Hours
Semester 1
Earthmoving Technology	15.00
Environmental Issues for Industry	45.00
Equipment Maintenance	30.00
Heavy Equipment Operating Techniques	300.00
Personal, Work-Site and Equipment Safety	30.00

Semester 1

Professional Portfolio Development

Course Number: GNED033

Get the Work You Want! This course will assist post-secondary students to locate and win positions they want in the workplace. The use and development of a professional portfolio will be emphasized. Through career analysis self-assessment, goal setting, and portfolio development participants will improve their ability to link their skills and knowledge to appropriate career positions. The basics of job searching will be enhanced with sessions on electronic resume posting, web site searches, and online job links. Participants will complete this course with the foundation of a professional portfolio and the knowledge to find the work they want.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Earthmoving Technology

Course Number: MECH012

This course in earthmoving fundamentals studies the elements of construction site planning, excavation, soils and rocks, material classifications and proper soil handling procedures. Configuring equipment to meet the needs of specific applications and cost efficiencies will be emphasized.

Units: 15.00
Hours: 15.00

Environmental Issues for Industry

Course Number: GNED014

This course is designed for students who will work in an industrial setting. The course takes a broad look at environmental issues relating to industrial practices. In some cases, technical details of recovery/recycling processes are covered. Topics include industry's effect on and remediation of natural resources such as water, air, soil, and biotic life. New approaches by industry toward sustainability and waste management are also included.

Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00

Equipment Maintenance

Course Number: MECH110

This course in heavy equipment maintenance fundamentals requires the use of tools, equipment and material necessary to maintain machinery. It focuses on inspection and preventative maintenance procedures following the manufacturers' recommendations.

Units: 30.00
Hours: 30.00

Heavy Equipment Operating Techniques

Course Number: MECH111

This course of study in off-road equipment operations involves the inspection, start-up, maneuvering and planning strategies around the safe operation of heavy equipment. Construction site activities such as cutting, spreading, trenching, sloping, pushing, excavating and load-and-carry will be performed using various pieces of heavy equipment. Work-site planning and layout will be applied to the various earthmoving activities.

Units: 300.00
Hours: 300.00

Personal, Work-Site and Equipment Safety

Course Number: RECR017

This course of study consists of acceptable work place practices involving safety and safe operating practices of heavy equipment. Safety regulations and applicable report in procedures will be identified. Personal protection equipment, hand signals, and equipment transportation methods will be emphasized.

Units: 30.00
Hours: 30.00