Heavy Equipment Operator – Comprehensive

Overview

This 300 hour program focuses training on the Backhoe Loader, Dozer, Motor Grader, Front End Loader, and Excavator. These are the five pieces of heavy equipment most used by companies and local governments on various new construction projects as well as existing infrastructure. Utilizing immersive simulators, this training allows the individual to learn how to perform a safety and maintenance walk-around of the equipment, gain understanding and confidence of the machine controls, and how to perform basic tasks properly and safely.

The use of state-of-the-art simulators and curriculum allows the individual to understand the capabilities and limitations of each piece of equipment without risk of damaging actual pieces of machinery as well as eliminating fuel consumption and reducing maintenance costs of actual heavy equipment. Additionally, the use of simulators allows actual equipment to stay working on the job site while individuals are training.

The Heavy Equipment Operator program is supported by:

Truist Logo

Truist Foundation logo

 

Program Type

Training Certificate

How to Enroll

To pursue this certificate, please click on the courses below to see availability. You can register for courses online, and you do not have to apply to the college!

Talk to us
Tuition Assistance
Training Resources

Questions?
Call 803.732.0432 to talk to us about this program, or email cce@midlandstech.edu

Print Plan

Sample Program Plan and Costs

On-Campus Traditional. Classes meet on campus.
Virtual 100% online. Meets with a live instructor and classmates on specific days, at specific times. Uses web conferencing software, like Zoom.
Hybrid Some classes on campus. Some classes online or virtual.
Online 100% online. Due dates for projects and assignments. Self-paced work on your time.
CEUs Class Hours Course Title Cost
6.00 60

Level 1 Bulldozer

Using a state-of-the-art Caterpillar simulator, the student will initially learn to perform a safety walkaround of a bulldozer. Students will then learn the fundamentals of operation, including narrow and wide steering, level and straight dozing, slot dozing, blade steering, backfilling, ripping, dozing over a highwall and more.

Classroom

ID: CEHEO-502

View Available Courses
No sections currently available. For information on Training classes, contact our Corporate and Continuing Education Department (CCE) at 803.732.0432 or cce@midlandstech.edu.
$999.00
6.00 60

Level 1 Excavator

Using a state-of-the-art Caterpillar simulator, the student will focus on the safe and effective operation of medium-sized tracked Hydraulic Excavators and learn to perform a safety walkaround of an excavator. Students will then learn travel control, truck loading, and loading the machine on a low-boy trailer. Students will then learn excavator operations such as bucket placement, raking the green, over the moon, trenching, and backfilling. Additionally, students will learn how to truck and bench load, exchange equipment with a quick coupler, and install a trench box and pipe.

Classroom

ID: CEHEO-503

View Available Courses
No sections currently available. For information on Training classes, contact our Corporate and Continuing Education Department (CCE) at 803.732.0432 or cce@midlandstech.edu.
$999.00
6.00 60

Level 1 Motor Grader

Using a state-of-the-art Caterpillar simulator, the student will initially learn to perform a safety walkaround of a motor grader. Students will then learn the fundamentals of driving, including straight frame operation, articulated turning, and crab steering. Students will also learn rough and finish grading, v-ditching, ripping , scarifying, and other activities that require control over the placement of terrain.

Classroom

ID: CEHEO-501

View Available Courses
No sections currently available. For information on Training classes, contact our Corporate and Continuing Education Department (CCE) at 803.732.0432 or cce@midlandstech.edu.
$999.00
6.00 60

Level 1 Backhoe Loader

Using a state-of-the-art Caterpillar simulator, the student will initially learn to perform a safety walkaround of a backhoe. Students will then learn the fundamentals of operation, including maneuvering, driving, braking, backfilling, trenching, and lifting materials with a backhoe loader.

Classroom

ID: CEHEO-500

View Available Courses
No sections currently available. For information on Training classes, contact our Corporate and Continuing Education Department (CCE) at 803.732.0432 or cce@midlandstech.edu.
$999.00
6.00 60

Level 1 Front End Loader

Using a state-of-the-art Caterpillar simulator, the student will initially learn to perform a safety walkaround of a front end loader. Students will then learn the fundamentals of operation, including driving, loading, carrying and stockpiling material, truck loading, and utilizing the quick coupler and accessories.

Classroom

ID: CEHEO-504

View Available Courses
No sections currently available. For information on Training classes, contact our Corporate and Continuing Education Department (CCE) at 803.732.0432 or cce@midlandstech.edu.
$999.00
 
Estimated Cost
Tuition Assistance
$4,995.00
Not including fees and equipment

Careers

Heavy Equipment Operators

Operate one or several types of power construction equipment, such as motor graders, bulldozers, scrapers, compressors, pumps, derricks, shovels, tractors, or front-end loaders to excavate, move, and grade earth, erect structures, or pour concrete or other hard surface pavement. May repair and maintain equipment in addition to other duties.

Projected Job Growth

+3.9%

Average Annual Salary

$38,801
According to EMSI data as of 2022

Where Can I Work?

  • Construction Companies
  • Utility Companies
  • Local and State Government
  • Transportation Construction Companies

Careers

Landfill Heavy Equipment Operator

Landfill Heavy Equipment Operator - Responsible for the safe operation of heavy equipment at a recycling center, landfill or transfer station for the purpose of transferring, spreading, covering, loading and/or compacting waste or soil in an efficient and safe manner.

Projected Job Growth

+3.9%

Average Annual Salary

$38,801
According to EMSI data as of 2022

Where Can I Work?

  • Local and State Government

Careers

Motor Grader Operator

The primary function at the site of work is to construct, maintain, or repair highway, heavy civil, or building type structures; equipment operators are also expected to assist in other duties around the jobsite as needed.

Projected Job Growth

+8.1%

Average Annual Salary

$38,854
According to EMSI data as of 2022

Where Can I Work?

  • Construction Companies
  • Local and State Government
  • Transportation Construction Companies

Careers

Excavator Operator

Primary function is to operate an Excavator at the site of work to construct, maintain, or repair highway, heavy civil, or building type structures; equipment operators are also expected to assist in other duties around the jobsite as needed.

Projected Job Growth

+1.3%

Average Annual Salary

$39,809
According to EMSI data as of 2022

Where Can I Work?

  • Transportation Construction Companies
  • Utility Companies
  • Construction Companies
  • Local and State Government

What’s next after I complete this program?

Enter the Workforce After Graduation

Operate one or several types of power construction equipment, as a Heavy Equipment Operator. Work in construction, local or state government or a utility company.

Continue at MTC with another credential

Students can continue their education by taking the next step and completing the Commercial Driver’s License course with MTC.

Want more information?

Academic programs count as academic credit for a certificate, diploma or degree and may transfer toward future academic endeavors at four-year colleges and universities.
Training programs can be completed in a matter of weeks or months, are focused on career training, and provide credentials and certificates needed in the specific fields of study. Coursework does not transfer.
Not sure: Check out these resources to explore what fits your goals.

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