Heavy Equipment Operator

Location(s): Delivery details below

Heavy Equipment Operator is an applied certificate program. It is offered in partnership with Saskatchewan regional colleges, at various locations in the province from April through November each year.

The program provides knowledge and skill development in operating heavy equipment. You must successfully complete the theory courses and two specialty courses.

Each specialty course focuses on one of the following pieces of equipment:

backhoe

crawler tractor

excavator

front end loader

motor grader

motor scraper

skid steer loader

rock truck

Length: Varies

Career Opportunities

Graduates may find employment operating heavy equipment in the construction industry, pipeline and oil patches, forestry industry, or rural and urban municipalities.

For more information about career opportunities related to this program, contact Student Employment Services at the campus nearest you.

Program Details

Start Date(s): Varies

For more information, contact Jim Marcia at (306) 775-7484

Apply Now

Admission Requirements

Valid Class 5 Driver's License

English Language Requirement

Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through a special admission assessment. Interested individuals should still apply. Applicants are automatically considered for special admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met. Refer to the ACCUPLACER^© cut scores and Post Secondary Success Requirements for this program below, and review additional details concerning Special Admission.

ACCUPLACER ^©

ACCUPLACER^© Cut Scores
for this program

Not applicable at this time

Post-Secondary Success

Post-Secondary Success Requirements
for this program

One year post-secondary studies

Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of SIAST programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake.

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year.

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

Learning Method(s)

SIAST offers a variety of learning methods for course delivery. The following learning methods are available for some of the courses in this program.

Instructor-led through continuing education by Saskatchewan's regional colleges

Work-based Training

Please refer to the course descriptions for course specific learning methods.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Availability

SIAST recognizes that adults learn in many different ways and through many different means. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.

Frequently asked questions regarding PLAR for this program are answered in the Fact Sheet. A detailed Candidate Guide, which includes a self-audit for all PLAR-ready courses, has been developed for this program. This information guides a candidate through all steps in the PLAR process.

Transfer Credit

Many SIAST students benefit from transferring credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit from or to another college or university. To learn more, visit our transfer credit web page.

Theory Courses
expand/contract all

HEOP 140 Construction Survey Specifications

You will learn to identify construction symbols and terms, check grades, install a culvert and identify road-building stages.

1.0 Credit Units
15.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Work Based Delivery, Prior Learning

SUPP 152 Heavy Equipment Operator

Your studies will include the minimum training requirements of Saskatchewan Occupational Health and Safety's Power Mobile Equipment Table 14.1 for Operators.

1.0 Credit Units
16.0 Lecture hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Work Based Delivery, Prior Learning

Specialty Courses

HEOP 141 Motor Scraper

You will learn to identify components and controls, and discuss the purposes of a motor scraper. You will also receive hands-on training in operating a motor scraper.

5.0 Credit Units
75.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Work Based Delivery, Prior Learning

HEOP 142 Crawler Tractor

You will learn to identify components and controls, and discuss the purposes of a crawler tractor. You will also receive hands-on training in operating a crawler tractor.

5.0 Credit Units
75.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Work Based Delivery, Prior Learning

HEOP 143 Backhoe

You will learn to identify components and controls, and discuss the purposes of a backhoe. You will also receive hands-on training in operating a backhoe.

5.0 Credit Units
75.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Work Based Delivery, Prior Learning

HEOP 144 Motor Grader

You will learn to identify components and controls, and discuss the purposes of a motor grader. You will also receive hands-on training in operating a motor grader.

5.0 Credit Units
75.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Work Based Delivery, Prior Learning

HEOP 145 Front End Loader

You will learn to identify components and controls, and discuss the purposes of a front end loader. You will also receive hands-on training in operating a front end loader.

5.0 Credit Units
75.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Work Based Delivery, Prior Learning

HEOP 146 Skid Steer Loader

You will learn to identify components and controls, and discuss the purposes of a skid steer loader. You will also receive hands-on training in operating a skid steer loader.

5.0 Credit Units
75.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Work Based Delivery, Prior Learning

HEOP 148 Excavator

You will learn to identify components and controls, and discuss the purposes of an excavator. You will also receive hands-on training in operating an excavator.

5.0 Credit Units
75.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Work Based Delivery, Prior Learning

HEOP 156 Rock Truck

You will learn to identify components and controls and will discuss the purposes of a rock truck. You will also receive hands-on training in operating a rock truck.

5.0 Credit Units
75.0 Other hours

Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Work Based Delivery, Prior Learning

More Information

Phone 1-866-goSIAST