The Heavy Equipment Operator Technician program is an apprenticeship designated by the Industry Training Authority (ITA). The program combines two weeks of in-class theory instruction covering the following six pieces of heavy equipment: articulating rock truck (ART), backhoe, dozer, excavator, grader and loader. This is followed by two weeks of practical equipment lab training on the following four pieces of heavy equipment: ART, dozer, excavator and loader. The final five weeks will be spent specializing on one piece of heavy equipment – ART, Backhoe, Dozer, Excavator or Loader.
The course will provide the necessary theoretical knowledge for the occupation as well as practical skills for entry level into the trade.
The Heavy Equipment Operator Apprenticeship requires both the logging of practical equipment seat time and the achievement of specified competencies. These are recorded in program specific logbooks issued to the apprentices at the conclusion of in school training.
The required seat time hours are:
- Articulating Rock Truck 200 hours
- Backhoe 200 hours
- Dozer 200 hours
- Excavator 400 hours
- Grader 600 hours
- Loader 300 hours
Upon Program Completion, apprentices will receive:
- ITA Certificate of Qualification with an endorsement on the specialized piece of equipment
- Endorsements for completing prerequisite competencies for multiple machines
- Preferential hiring and enrollment in industry training programs
Program Admission Requirements:
- Successful completion of the RBHC Foundation Program, or
- Successful completion of the OETA Trade Assessment Exam, or
- Employer sponsorship
- Valid Driver’s License with air brake endorsement
Course costs:
| Tuition | Registration Fee | Book Fee | Total Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Member | $15,400 | $300.00 | $300.00 | $16,000 |
| Member | $0 | $0 | $300.00 | $300.00 |
Program Overview:
Weeks 1 – 4:
- Heavy Equipment Types and Operations
- Heavy Equipment Inspection and Maintenance
- Diesel Engines and Hydraulic Systems
- Work Procedures and Planning
- Interpretation of Grades and Stakes
- Transportation of Equipment
- Environmental Protection
- Aggregates and Compaction
- Drainage and Erosion Control
- Equipment Maintenance Cycles
- Basic Operation of Each Type of Heavy Equipment
Weeks 5 – 9:
- Communications / Human Relations
- Practical (Field) Training
- Operating Techniques
- Safety
- Hydraulics
- Grades and Stakes
- Site Inspection
- Regulations
- Rigging
- Environmental Concerns
- Machines and Attachments
- Service and Preventative Maintenance
If you are interested in this program:
- Contact the Training Association office and ask for an application package
- Complete an application for training and submit it to the nearest Operating Engineers Office to be forwarded to the Operating Engineers Training Association. Include with your application a resume, appropriate reference materials and a copy of your drivers abstract.
- Successful completion of the OETA Trade Assessment Examination is required of all applicants.
CONTACT INFORMATION
When completed, your application must be submitted to the Training Coordinator. Please ensure you attach a copy of your resume, reference material, drivers abstract, etc. Qualified applicants files will go before a selection committee. Successful applicants will be assigned to the class upon confirmation of their ability to attend.
JEFF GORHAM (604) 473-5255
RANDY GRISEWOOD (604) 473-5270
300-4333 Ledger Ave. Burnaby, BC V5G 3T3