Heavy Equipment Operator

A heavy equipment operator (or driver) drives or controls construction equipment including bulldozers, forklifts, cranes, backhoes, dump trucks, and cargo trucks. At PHILLY-TECH students will learn how to drive or control field equipment machines such as: bulldozers, forklifts, backhoes, dump trucks, hydraulic truck cranes and static cranes. Students will operate such equipment to assist in the construction of structures, including bridges, roads, and buildings.

PHILLY-TECH’s heavy equipment operator training provides students with practice in using earthmoving equipment such as excavators, loaders, rollers, backhoes, graders and scrapers which are used for construction projects involving earthworks, digging foundations, landscaping, and transporting loads. Students will learn about and practice the CDL learning permit and driver’s license tests.

This program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to operate heavy construction equipment safely and effectively.

Certificate in Heavy Equipment Operator Program

Duration: 6-12 weeks (may vary)

Module 1: Introduction to Heavy Equipment Operations (1-2 weeks)

HEQOS 100: Occupational Safety

Workplace safety regulations and practices
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Recognizing and avoiding hazards

HEQP 100: Heavy Equipment Familiarization

Overview of common heavy equipment types (bulldozers, excavators, loaders, etc.)
Equipment terminology and basic controls
Introduction to pre-operation inspections

HEQSPRE 100: Site Preparation

Reading construction blueprints
Site layout and preparation
Soil types and conditions

Module 2: Basic Equipment Operation (2-4 weeks)

HEQBUL 100: Bulldozer Operations

Bulldozer controls and operation

Grading and leveling techniques

Trenching and backfilling

HEQEO 100: Excavator Operations

Excavator controls and operation
Digging, trenching, and loading techniques
Safe excavation practices

HEQLO 100: Loader Operations

Loader controls and operation
Loading and unloading materials
Stockpiling and material handling

Module 3: Advanced Equipment Operation (2-4 weeks)

HEQGO 100: Grader Operations

Grader controls and operation
Road and surface grading techniques
Blade maintenance and adjustments

HEQCO 100: Crane Operations (if applicable)

Crane setup and operation
Rigging and load handling
Lift planning and safety

HEQATO 100: Articulated Truck Operations

Articulated truck controls and operation
Off-road hauling and dumping
Load securement

Module 4: Safety and Maintenance (1-2 weeks)

HEQSEM 100: Safety Procedures and Emergency Response

Safe equipment shutdown and parking
Accident prevention and response
Fire safety and first aid

HEQMAT 100: Equipment Maintenance

Daily, weekly, and monthly equipment inspections
Lubrication and fluid checks
Routine maintenance and minor repairs

HEQEF 100: Operational Efficiency

Fuel efficiency and conservation
Load optimization and material management
Minimizing equipment wear and tear

Module 5: Final Evaluation and Certification (1 week)

HEQTES 100: Practical Assessments

Operate heavy equipment under supervision
Demonstrate safe and efficient operation
Perform preoperative and postoperative inspections
Test of knowledge on equipment operation and safety procedures
Certificate Award

Successful completion of the program leads to the award of the Certificate in Heavy Equipment Operator.

This program duration may vary depending on the specific equipment covered and the program’s intensity. Graduates of this program will be prepared for entry-level positions as heavy equipment operators.

Elective Courses

Students have to contact the school administration if they want to take extra credits or transfer credits to pursue the Diploma Certificate or Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree in their field of interest. Students will select required number courses in each of the areas listed to meet general education requirements graduation for the A.A.S. Some of these courses can be transferred directly from and to the university system and may be substituted for recommended courses on the outline. Students should speak with an advisor before doing so these selective courses are required for all students.

Selected Communication Course (Choose two for Diploma or three for the Associate)

ENGL 100: Fundamentals of Speech

CPL 100: Career Planning

CPL 101: Communications and Career Strategies

ENGL 101: Composition

ENGL 102: composition

Selected Mathematics Course (Choose two for Diploma or three for the Associate)

MATH 100:General Math

MATH 101:Intermediate Algebra

MATH 102:College Algebra

Selected Social Science Course (Choose two for Diploma or four for the Associate)

ECON 105:Leadership

ECON 101:Principles of Microeconomics I

ECON 102:Principles of Macroeconomics II

SOC 101:Introduction to Sociology

PSYC 101: Introduction to Psychology

HIST 101: History