Heavy Equipment Operator I

This course of instruction prepares individuals for careers as a heavy equipment operator (HEO) by providing them with a comprehensive training program composed of not only lectures but also hands-on operating experience. This program provides the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary to obtain employment in the excavation industry as a utility tractor operator and grade operator based on NCCER certification requirements and OSHA regulations.

Class Schedule:

Students will attend class Monday through Friday from 7:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M for approximately five (5) weeks. A ten-minute break will be taken every hour, and lunch will be from 12:50 P.M. to 2:00 P.M.

Extra/Make-up work will be performed Monday-Friday from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M and on Saturday and Sunday from 7:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.

Holiday during Class and Student Orientation:

If an observed holiday falls on a school day or the school closes for an unforeseen circumstance, we will accommodate the day(s) by extending the last day of class to compensate the missed hours. Student Orientation is optional, and it will be held in our school on the Saturday prior to the first day of class (Monday) from 10 A. M. – 11 A. M. If an observed holiday falls on that day, Student Orientation will be held the Saturday before the initially scheduled day. If the school is closed due to an unforeseen circumstance, Student Orientation will be cancelled. The presentation will include school policies (satisfactory progress, attendance, materials and supplies, the grievance procedure) and an overview of the schedule as well as job opportunities.

Admission Requirements:

Individuals applying for this course are required to:

1. Be at least 18 years of age.
2. Present proof of a valid driver’s license (must be from student’s resident state).
3. Provide evidence of high school diploma (this can be from a foreign school if it is equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma) or; GED or; completed home schooling at the secondary level as defined by state law or; successful completion or the equivalent of one full-time academic s0emester hours (12 academic semester hours) or academic quarter (18 academic quarter hours) at an accredited college, university, or other postsecondary school;
4. Provide evidence of high school diploma (this can be from a foreign school if it is equivalent to U.S. high school diploma); GED; or completed home schooling at the secondary level as defined by state law.
5. Present social security and (required to obtain a Driver License in Texas) and.
6. Provide a medical card from a Certified Medical Examiner previously selected by the school. (The Medical Examiner will issue the student a Medical Card that is required by the state of Texas according to A9 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Part 391 and the Texas Transportation Code, Chapter 522).

Note: Some employers will require that all applicants must pass a drug test contingent to employment offer.

Program Outline

Heavy Equipment Operator I

**One academic semester credit hour is equal to a minimum course time of 15 hours of classroom lecture, 30 hours of laboratory experience, or 45 hours externship.

The approximate time required to complete this program is five (5) weeks.  Student Orientation is optional and takes place the Saturday before class starts (Monday) from 10:00am – 11:00am.

Upon successful completion of the program, the student will receive a certificate of completion in Heavy Equipment Operator Level I and II and NCCER credentialing based on completion of lab hours.