Heavy Equipment Operator Training

Get certified as a heavy equipment operator in Canada by enrolling in a training and certification course offered by a community college, vocational, or trades school. There are a lot of advantages to enrolling in a certification course. Certification from an accredited institution gives credence to your skill as an operator and serves as a proof that you have completed the required training program. Plus, a certified and experienced heavy equipment operator is more likely to land a prospective job and receive a competitive pay rate compared to other applicants.

In Canada, there are community colleges and trade schools in the provinces that provide essential training in heavy equipment operation. There are variations in the syllabus of the training institutions but there are core programs that are considered essential. Key training topics include introduction to heavy equipment operation, preventive maintenance, and safety procedures.

Instructors implement classroom-based and work site learning methodologies. Aside from theory courses, hand-on application of heavy equipment such as bulldozers, backhoes, excavators, and front-end loaders are included in the training programs. Specialty courses on specific heavy machinery may be offered to those who are interested. Others provide optional apprenticeship programs which links up learners with industries that can provide customized hands-on training.

The Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology, Vancouver Island University in British Columbia, Nunavut Arctic College, Cambrian College of Applied Arts and Technology in Ontario, and Carlton Trail Regional College in Saskatchewan are just some of the colleges and institutions that offer certification courses on heavy equipment operation.

Admission requirements may vary from institution to institution. Some of the schools require their applicants to take or submit proof of completion of Math and English or Reading aptitude tests. Grade level completion requirements also vary, however, exceptions are allowed in some cases. In general, all of the training institutions require their applicants to have a valid Class 5 driver’s license that must be maintained while enrolled in the program.

Certification from an accredited training institution can improve an applicant’s chances of landing a job. A graduate of a certification program may find work in heavy construction, industrial and commercial, oil and gas, and forestry and mining industries. Heavy equipment operators are in demand since day-to-day operations in these industries rely primarily on heavy equipment.