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Heavy Equipment Operator

Fuel Your Future.

This comprehensive course will turn you into a mover and a shaker. You'll have hands-on experience with excavators, dozers, graders, and more. You will also have the opportunity to gain real work experience during the placement course. You'll learn about soils, surveying, service and maintenance, radio etiquette, and employability skills along with earning numerous safety tickets like

  • Construction Safety (CSTS), H2S Alive, Roadbuilders Safety (RSTS), and Standard First Aid

Video Disclaimer:

Please note we no longer have simulator training.



Unfortunately, at this point in time, this program is not available to international students. Please click the link to view all of our international students programs.

Career Potential

After successful completion of the Heavy Equipment Operator program, you will be qualified to work in the oil and gas, construction and road building industries.

Credentials

Certificate

Admission Requirements

Educational

  • English Language Arts 10-2
  • Math 10-3 or Science 14

Students who do not meet admission requirements can contact student services regarding opportunities for placement testing. Students will need to submit an application to the program to start the process.

Other

  • Valid Class-5 driver's licence or equivalent

Use this chart to check Provincial high school equivalencies accepted at Portage College. Note: This is just a guide.


Transferability N/A

Program Start Date 

March 3 - June 20, 2025

Location
Boyle Campus

Domestic Student Fees
Application Fee $53.50

Fall Term

Tuition $11,924.00
Student Association $116.70
Dental Insurance Fee $158.50
Health Insurance Fee $158.50
Technology Fee $82.71
Recreation Fee $54.57
Total $12,494.98

Winter Term

Tuition $11,924.00
Student Association $116.70
Dental Insurance Fee $158.50
Health Insurance Fee $158.50
Technology Fee $82.71
Recreation Fee $54.57
Total $12,494.98

Visit  Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies

Need help funding your education? Check out our funding options.

You may opt-out of the Dental and Health Insurance plan if you provide proof of comparable coverage for an extended health and/or dental care benefits plan.

Any questions regarding SA Fees including the Health and Dental Insurance fees should be directed to the SA Office 780-623-5609.

Fee Explanations

Technology Fee This is a mandatory fee assessed to students enrolling in any credit course (except for apprenticeship programs) at Portage College. The fee supports the on-going maintenance and upgrades to administrative systems that support the entire College infrastructure.

As such, it is considered a “mandatory non-instructional fee” and, therefore, is subject to Alberta Advanced Education Public Post-Secondary Institutions’ Tuition Fees Regulations. Visa students are charged the same rate as Canadian residents for this fee.

Athletics & Recreation fees are collected to provide recreation and leisure opportunities that promote students’ physical, social, and emotional well-being, whether online or through in person facilities. Check out your +region in the link, to see what is offered at your campus or online.

Students’ Association Fees These fees are authorized by student referendum and the Board of Governors. They are collected by the College on behalf of the Students’ Association in accordance with the Post Secondary Learning Act.

Other purchases may be necessary in order for students to complete their courses/program.

For technical requirements, visit our Moodle page.

2022 - 2023

Audit Fee - 50% of Course Fee

Document re-issuance Fee - such as, student ID, meal card, certificates etc. (Non-refundable)
Fee is per document - $10

GED Exam Fee (refundable if writing is cancelled)
Writing Fee - $200
Re-write Fee - $190

Invigilation Fee (Non-refundable)
Administration Fee - $25
Invigilation Fee per hour - $25

Prior Learning Assessment Fee (Non refundable)
Cost recovery, minimum $250/course

Supplemental/Deferred Exams (Non-refundable) - $25

Transcript Evaluation Fee - not applicable to dual credit high schools (non-refundable)
External Advanced Credit  - $50

Transcript Fee - $10

Tuition Deposit (non-refundable for oversubscribed programs and international only)
Domestic Students - $100
International Students - $500
Paramedicine - $1500

Heavy Equipment Operator

  • BASIC SOILS & ENVIRONMENT AWARENESS

    Course ID: HEO110

    Name: BASIC SOILS & ENVIRONMENT AWARENESS

    Hours: 20

    Credits: 1

    This is a 20-hour introductory course comprised of both theory and lab components.
    Participants are introduced to the types and composition of soils that are
    encountered by equipment operators working in north-eastern Alberta, and to the
    factors that can affect machine operation, maintenance, and safety. The course also
    looks at environmental considerations and guidelines that operators must know,
    understand, and comply with.

  • SURVEYING & MAPPING

    Course ID: HEO112

    Name: SURVEYING & MAPPING

    Hours: 20

    Credits: 0.5

    Surveying and mapping is a 20-hour introductory course comprised of both theory and lab components. Students will review the origins and evolution of mapping in Alberta and learn how to read the legal-land-classification system map and use it to identify locations in Alberta. Students will also learn roadbuilding fundamentals, including basic stages of construction and survey stake reading.

    Educational Grade 10 equivalency including English 10-2 or equivalency, Math 10-3 or Math 10 (Applied or Pure) and Science 10 or Science 14; or CAAT C testing (Reading, Comprehensive, Math (numbers, problem solving), Mechanical Reasoning with a Stanine of 4 or better in each area. Valid Class 5 driver’s license or equivalent. Program area interview.

  • RADIO ETIQUETTE

    Course ID: HEO113

    Name: RADIO ETIQUETTE

    Hours: 8

    Credits: 0.5

    Radio Etiquette is an 8-hour course that provides the student with essential oral
    communication skills to professionally communicate over a 2-way radio while in the
    field. During this course, the student will learn the basic language, rules, and
    dialogue used in industry.

    Educational Grade 10 equivalency including English 10-2, Math 10-3 or Math 10 (Applied or Pure) and Science 10 or Science 14; or
    CAAT C testing (Reading, Comprehensive, Math (numbers, problem solving), Mechanical
    Reasoning with a Stanine of 4 or better in each area. Valid Class 5 driver's license or
    equivalent. Program area interview.

  • EMPLOYMENT PREPARATION

    Course ID: HEO117

    Name: EMPLOYMENT PREPARATION

    Hours: 8

    Credits: 0.5

    Employment Preparation is a course in which students develop employability and
    personal skills for future employment. Students develop a personal employment
    portfolio including a resume and cover letter and develop essential skills in computer
    use and oral communication. The student will acquire knowledge about workplace
    requirements, rights and responsibilities, the importance of personal image and work
    readiness, as well as become familiar with the interview process.

    Educational Grade 10 equivalency including English 10-2, Math 10-3 or Math 10 (Applied or Pure) and Science 10 or Science 14; or
    CAATC testing (Reading, Comprehensive, Math (Numbers, problem solving), Mechanical
    Reasoning with a Stanine of 4 or better in each area. Valid Class 5 driver's license or
    equivalent. Program area interview.

  • HEAVY EQUIPMENT GENERAL SAFETY

    Course ID: HEO118

    Name: HEAVY EQUIPMENT GENERAL SAFETY

    Hours: 113

    Credits: 4

    This course is comprised of multiple safety tickets including: Construction safety,
    pipeline safety, diversity awareness, standard first aid, transportation of dangerous
    goods, WHMIS, H2S alive, flag person training, and ground disturbance. It is
    designed to promote safe operation of heavy equipment in a variety of situations and
    job settings. While safety training and expectations are embedded in almost every
    aspect of the HEO program, the course will provide information on legislation,
    regulations and practices of safety procedures used in the workplace. It also includes
    practical application.

    Educational Grade 10 equivalency including English 10-2, Math 10-3 or Math 10 (Applied or Pure) and Science 10 or Science 14; or
    CAAT C testing (Reading, Comprehensive, Math (numbers, problem solving), Mechanical
    Reasoning with a Stanine of 4 or better in each area. Valid Class 5 driver’s license or
    equivalent. Program area interview.

  • HEAVY EQUIPMENT SERVICE & MAINTENANCE

    Course ID: HEO120

    Name: HEAVY EQUIPMENT SERVICE & MAINTENANCE

    Hours: 50

    Credits: 1.5

    This is a 50-hour course comprised of 20 hours of theory instruction and 30 hours of
    practical lab work. Although all major repair and servicing of heavy equipment is
    carried out by specialized technicians, regular preventive inspection and
    maintenance must be regularly and carefully conducted by equipment operators in
    order to ensure that minor problems or regular wear-and-tear do not cause damage
    to equipment that can result in costly repairs and lost productivity. Students will learn
    and conduct appropriate checks and preventive maintenance procedures on a
    variety of machines used in the construction industry.

    Educational Grade 10 equivalency including English 10-2, Math 10-3 or Math 10 (Applied or Pure) and Science 10 or Science 14; or
    CAAT C testing (Reading, Comprehensive, Math (numbers, problem solving), Mechanical
    Reasoning with a Stanine of 4 or better in each area. Valid Class 5 driver’s license or
    equivalent. Program area interview.

  • HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATION MOTOR GRADER

    Course ID: HEO124

    Name: HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATION MOTOR GRADER

    Hours: 64

    Credits: 1

    This is an 64-hour course comprised of 10 hours of theory instruction and 54 hours
    of motor grader operation as practical lab work. The motor grader is one of the most
    versatile machines used in earth moving projects, and is also sometimes called a
    grader, road grader, blade, or a maintainer. It is used to level new construction sites,
    finish new roads, maintain existing roads, ditch, trim slopes, and plow snow.
    Students will learn and conduct appropriate checks, preventive maintenance
    procedures, and safe operating procedures used in the construction industry.

    Educational Grade 10 equivalency including English 10-2,Math 10-3 or Math 10 (Applied or Pure) and Science 10 or Science 14; or
    CAAT C testing (Reading, Comprehensive, Math (numbers, problem solving), Mechanical
    Reasoning with a Stanine of 4 or better in each area. Valid Class 5 driver's license or
    equivalent. Program area interview.

  • HEAVY EQUIPMENT DOZER CRAWLER

    Course ID: HEO126

    Name: HEAVY EQUIPMENT DOZER CRAWLER

    Hours: 63

    Credits: 1

    The HEO Crawler Dozer course is a 63-hour course comprised of 10 hours of theory
    instruction in machine safety and operation and 53 hours of practical application in
    operating a crawler dozer for a variety of different functions and earth work projects.

    Educational Grade 10 equivalency including English 10-2, Math 10-3 or Math 10 (Applied or Pure) and Science 10 or Science 14; or
    CAAT C testing (Reading, Comprehensive, Math (numbers, problem solving), Mechanical
    Reasoning with a Stanine of 4 or better in each area. Valid Class 5 driver’s license or
    equivalent. Program area interview.

  • HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATION EXCAVATOR

    Course ID: HEO128

    Name: HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATION EXCAVATOR

    Hours: 63

    Credits: 1

    This is an 63-hour course comprised of 10 hours of theory instruction reviewing
    machine safety and operation, and 53 hours of practical lab work operating an
    excavator. Students will learn to operate an excavator in a safe and controlled
    manner for maximum possible efficiency in a variety of specified operations.

    Educational Grade 10 equivalency including English 10-2, Math 10-3 or Math 10 (Applied or Pure) and Science 10 or Science 14; or
    CAAT C testing (Reading, Comprehensive, Math (numbers, problem solving), Mechanical
    Reasoning with a Stanine of 4 or better in each area. Valid Class 5 driver’s license or
    equivalent. Program area interview.

  • ADDITIONAL MACHINE AWARENESS ROCK TRUCK, PACKER, SKID STEER

    Course ID: HEO130

    Name: ADDITIONAL MACHINE AWARENESS ROCK TRUCK, PACKER, SKID STEER

    Hours: 15

    Credits: 1

    Although students will receive targeted training on three major machines used in
    heavy equipment operations, there are several additional machines operators are
    likely to encounter, depending on the job site. This 15-hour supplementary course
    will provide participants with exposure to some alternative pieces of equipment,
    subject to availability. Students will have an opportunity to review and discuss
    equipment manuals and to complete walk-around procedures for these machines.

    Educational Grade 10 equivalency including English 10-2, Math 10-3 or Math 10 (Applied or Pure) and Science 10 or Science 14; or
    CAAT C testing (Reading, Comprehensive, Math (numbers, problem solving), Mechanical
    Reasoning with a Stanine of 4 or better in each area. Valid Class 5 driver’s license or
    equivalent. Program area interview.

  • FIELD PLACEMENT

    Course ID: HEO131

    Name: FIELD PLACEMENT

    Hours: 160

    Credits: 4

    This course provides the student with the operating time required to obtain their
    Heavy Equipment Operator certificate. Practicum training will cover a total of one
    month (approximately 160 hours) on a county or construction site. Students perform
    tasks under supervision, and in doing so gain valuable practical experience. Most
    HEO practicum placements are unpaid. Students may assist with finding their own
    field placement but will require approval of Portage College. Students will be asked
    to sign a declaration that they understand they cannot refuse a field placement
    offered to them as this course is required to pass the program.

    Educational Grade 10 equivalency including English 10-2, Math 10-3 or Math 10 (Applied of Pure) and Science 10 or Science 14; or
    CAAT C testing (Reading, Comprehensive, Math (numbers, problem solving), Mechanical
    Reasoning with a Stanine of 4 or better in each area. Valid Class 5 driver's license or
    equivalent. Program area interview.

We acknowledge that Portage College’s service region is on the traditional lands of First Nation Peoples, the owners of Treaty 6, 8 and 10, which are also homelands to the Métis people. We honour the history and culture of all people who first lived and gathered in these lands.
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