Meet the Instructors

Andrew ColesAndrew Coles, HEO Instructor, wearing a hard hat and VIU high visibility coveralls

Program Chair/Instructor

Born and raised in B.C., Andrew grew up in a logging family and had three options: school, mill work, or logging. When he was not in school, he was working in a mill or out on a logging block learning the value of a dollar. Working with yarders, skidders, loaders and helicopters at a young age, Andrew grew very comfortable around heavy equipment which pushed him into heavy equipment operation. Working in and around B.C. and Alberta for most of his career, he has experience pushing lease lots, clearing right of way, digging mainline trenches, reclaiming mines, building sub-divisions, digging foundations, building highways/roads, as well as installing, removing, and servicing utilities. Andrew has been both a lead and a member of various crews completing incredible large-scale projects.

Andrew brings 14-15 years of machine operating experience and 8-9 years of training experience from two other training institutions before VIU. Starting his heavy equipment career in the early 2000’s in Heavy Civil Construction, he began running a roller compactor and working on the ground trying to learn as much as he could in the industry. He spent a lot of time watching other operators as well as helping with the pipe crew, ground crew, mechanics, etc. Heavy earth moving machinery became a passion and lead Andrew to different areas of the industry including working with multiple GPS systems, lasers, machine control setups, and simulators.

Andrew has successfully trained hundreds of students of all levels in the safe operation of Excavators, Bulldozers, Graders, Loaders, Articulated Rock Trucks, Backhoes, Zoom Booms (Telehandlers), and Skid Steers in many different environments. Training, inspiring, and helping students meet their goals in the industry is his driving force and he looks forward to welcoming you to the HEO program.

Phone: 236.628.1831
Email: Andrew.Coles@viu.ca

Kevin Levins, HEO InstructorKevin Levins

Instructor

Kevin has been instructing Heavy Equipment Operator students for over 15 years and still finds instructing students very engaging. Prior to teaching, Kevin has an extensive background in operating equipment in different industries such as mining, pipeline, Road-building, oil sands, underground utility, and municipalities throughout B.C. and Alberta. He is always passionate to share his knowledge of heavy equipment operating with students.

Kevin’s qualifications include a B.C. Instructor’s Diploma, Heavy Equipment Certificates of Qualification for Grader, Excavator, Backhoe, Loader, and Dozer, as well as Red Seal in Construction Craft Worker. Kevin keeps current with industry trends by continually operating and researching new technology. His favourite part of being an instructor is the interaction with the students and experiencing their enthusiasm for the industry.

Email: Kevin.Levins@viu.ca

Matt Young, HEO InstructorMatthew Young

Instructor

Originally from Ontario, Matt has been in the industry from a very young age and has worked in many different parts of the industry as well as different parts of the country. He has been an operator, foreman, and an instructor throughout his career thus far. He has experience in civil construction, pipeline construction, powerline construction, landscaping, land reclamation, land clearing, demolition, and paving, as well as various extensive HEO construction related experience. Matt has put hundreds of students to work in Canada and has worked in the industry throughout Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and now British Columbia. 

Email: Matthew.Young@viu.ca