Instructor TBD | East Campus | CIP Code 49.0202

The Heavy Equipment Operations Program is designed to provide students with the theory and hands-on skills relevant to the fundamentals of operation and preventive maintenence of various types of heavy equipment. Specialized classroom and lab experiences are designed to provide instruction in operation and preventive maintence of mobile machinery used by heavy equipment operators.

Included in the course of study is an introduction to the diverse job opportunities available to heavy equipment operators. Instruction begins with job site safety, blueprint reading, equipment rigging, and other fundamentals before advancing to activities like building a pad, backfilling a trench, and slot dozing.

Students will be instructed in the proper use of equipment, basic maintenance of the machines, and will receive extensive field practice in earth moving, site-preparation, construction site layout, excavation, and backfilling of building sites. In addition, students will learn to use a transit and hand levels, oxyacetylne and other welding equipment, blueprint reading, and will become familiar with OSHA rules. Heavy Equipment Operators are employed in a variety of occupations in the construction industry, road construction, and mining.

Exercises on virtual equipment simulators are followed by plenty of practice iwth the real thing on an exquisite outdoor training course. Students gain real-world experience by applying the knowledge learned at an off-campus quarry site, supervised by their instructor.

Career Pathways:

Agricultural Equipment Operator
Construction Equipment Operator
Logging Equipment Operator
Highway Maintenance Works
Rail Track Laying & Maintenance
Equipment Operators
Earth Drillers

CAREER PATHWAYS CAN LEAD TO:*

Instructor
Construction Foreman/Manager
Mobile Equipment Technician
Surveying Technician
Civil Engineer/Technician
Surveyor

*Requires post-secondary training.

Industry Certifications:

Section 609 Certificate for Refrigerant Recycling & Recovery
S/P2
Outdoor Power Equipment Technician Certificate
OSHA/CareerSafe 10-Hour Certification
Certified Safety Inspector – Cat I
Certified Safety Inspector – Cat III;
A student may take the Certfied Safety Inspector Cat I &/or Cat III test; however, PennDot holds the certificate until the student is 18 years old; CDL License (at reduced student cost; student must be 18 years old to take the CDL class)

College Advanced Credits:

A statewide articulation agreement known as SOAR allows students to earn college credit for their work in the Heavy Equipment Operations & Preventive Maintence Program

Program Requirements/Costs

There are specific costs for textbooks, tools, supplies, uniforms, certifications; and for some programs, medical and criminal clearances that students are obligated to pay upon acceptance. These costs change annually.

Program Entrance Recommendations:

ο Reading at grade level
o Algebra I or Geometry
o Problem-solving/ troubleshooting skills
o Ability to work independently and in a team
o Hand-eye coordination
o Mechanical aptitude