Program Objective:

The objective of the Heavy Equipment Operations Technician program is to provide quality educational training designed to meet the current and future needs of the heavy equipment operations industry. To accomplish this, the following guidelines are established: assist student to choose, prepare for, enter, and be gainfully employed in the heavy equipment field; offer a program which emphasizes sound fundamentals while responding to the needs of this particular industry; and provides courses to meet current and specific needs of the student and this industry .

Occupational Outlook

O*NET Program Detail

Curriculum Framework

Program Outlook:

The Heavy Equipment Operations Technician program provides students with the technical knowledge and skills for employment as an operator in the Heavy Equipment industry. Instruction  includes a combination of classroom theory and practical experience. Students will be instructed in digging, ditching, sloping, stripping, grading, backfilling, clearing excavating, equipment maintenance and safety.

Program Content:

The content includes but is not limited to, communication skills, leadership skills, human relations and employability skills, safe and efficient work practices, and skills to operate and maintain a variety of heavy equipment. The program content also includes:

• Heavy Equipment Maintenance
• Operator Training for Bulldozer, Wheel Loader, Backhoe Loader, Motor Grader, Excavator, and Skid Steer
• Preparation for Forklift Operator Certification
• Preparation for NCCER Certifications
• 10 Hour OSHA Training Certification
• Employability Skills and Safety

Length of Program:

The Heavy Equipment Operations Technician program consists of 1200 hours. However, the school is currently offering Occupational Completion Points A (Heavy Equipment Maintenance) and B (Tractor Operator) and C (Off-road). The average length of this program is 600 hours (approximately 6 months) for full-time students.

Admission Requirements:

• Adult students must be at least 18 years old and not enrolled in high school.
• Application
• Interview by guidance counselor
• Must pass DOT Drug Test
• Fees for supplies and textbooks are required

Entrance Dates:

Classes begin approximately every 13 weeks. Please call (305) 557-1100 to obtain information on starting dates. For information call and speak to a counselor.

Graduation Requirements:

• Completion of all Occupational Completion Points (OCP’s)
• Satisfy Minimum Basic Skills Requirements
  Mathematics 8        Language 8       Reading 8
• No financial obligations
• Students must complete the Clearance packet to receive program certificate.

Program Cost:

• In-state residents—$2.56 per hour (Subject to change)
• Out of state resident—$10.25 per hour (Subject to change)
• $20.00 application fee
• Material fee—Varies by program
• Identification Card fee—$5.00 per trimester
• Students must purchase books/kits and/or uniforms, if applicable

Program Hours:

Monday—Friday 7:20 am—1:00 pm

Approximately Total Cost:

$3,320.00

Employment Requirements:

• Heavy Equipment Operators usually have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Employers prefer that Heavy Equipment Operators complete a program at a professional technical college.
• Some heavy equipment, such as cranes, loaders and bulldozers, require a license or certification to operate.
• Many employers require heavy equipment operators to have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) so that they can drive the truck and trailer that transport the equipment to and from the job site

Salary:

The average wage for this career in Florida is $20.44 hourly or $42,520 annually.

Job Outlook:

Overall employment of construction equipment operators is projected to grow 5% from 2020 to 2030.