Program Details, Costs, and Admission Requirements


  • Program Length 
    17 Weeks
  • Credential 
    Certificate
  • Location Offered 
    Nanaimo

Do you want a job operating large machines like bulldozers, graders or excavators? Heavy Equipment Operator training is for those hands-on people who think big and aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty.

Vancouver Island University's heavy equipment operator school provides the foundation for success in this industry. This program provides intensive, hands-on, real-life training in the operation of heavy equipment, delivered by experienced instructors who will work with you one-on-one to help you succeed. The heavy machine operator training also covers routine maintenance of machinery, and the practical field operations of excavating, land clearing, grading and road building.

The Heavy Equipment Operator Certificate Program

The Heavy Equipment Operator Certificate Program includes the Road Builder & Heavy Construction Foundation (4 weeks), the Heavy Equipment Operator Technician (5 weeks), and Machine Operator Training (1-8 weeks, machine dependent) for a total of 10 to 17 weeks of instruction. Students will be granted a Foundation and Technician Certificate as well as a machine(s) specialty certificate(s). Graduates will gain knowledge and skills in both a classroom and hands-on setting that will help them to be successful as they continue within the industry. They will also participate in a four week work experience segment gaining meaningful industry experience.

Heavy Equipment Operator Certificate

RBHC 101T - (Road Builder & Heavy Construction Foundation)

RBHC 201T - (Heavy Equipment Operator Technician)

Select one or more Specialized Machine Operator Training courses below

Specialized Machine Operator Training

HEOE 101T - (Excavator)

HEOB 101T - (Backhoe)

HEOD 101T - (Dozer)

HEOG 101T - (Grader)

HEORL 101T - (Articulated Rock Truck/Loader Combo)

HEOR 101T - (Articulated Rock Truck)

HEOF 101T - (Front End Loader)

HEOK 101T - (Skid Steer (Bobcat))

HEOT 101T - (Dump Truck & Pup)

HEOW 101T - (Work Experience)

Updated 
Monday, November 9, 2020

General Admission Requirements

  • Class 5 Driver's License that must be maintained throughout the program
  • Interview may be required
  • Successful completion of assessment testing
  • Personal Profile
  • See also Trades general admission requirements

Recommendations for Admission

  • Minimum 18 years of age (exceptions may be allowed)
  • Grade 12 or equivalent (exceptions may be allowed)
  • English 10, Science 10, and either Mathematics 10, Apprenticeship and Workplace Math 10, or Foundations of Mathematics and Pre-Calculus 10
  • Physically fit and able to adapt to rugged working conditions
  • Strong interest and aptitude for equipment operation

Students should check with the Program Assistant toll-free at 1.888.920.2221 Ext. 6227 for details.

Transfer from other institutions

Students who have taken the Heavy Equipment Operator Foundations program may qualify for advanced placement and should check with the HEO Program Assistant toll-free at 1.888.920.2221 Ext. 6227.

Students who are successful in completion of the Foundation, Technician, and Specialized Machine Operator Training will be well positioned to gain employment as a Backhoe, Dozer, Excavator, Front End Loader, Articulated Rock Truck, Grader, Skid Steer or Dump Truck & Pup Operator. This program has been identified as a preferred pre-requisite by Industry Employers for entry into the Road Builder & Heavy Construction Trade.

Domestic Fees

Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees

When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.

When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.

Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.

Fees - RBHC 101T and RBHC 201T

Amount

Tuition (RBHC 101T and RBHC 201T)

1,632.64

Student Activity fee (6.75 credits x $9.79 per credit)

66.08

Student Services fee (9 weeks x $5.41 per week)

48.69

VIU Students' Union fee (3 months x $26.59 per month)

79.77

Approximate costs for textbooks

240.00

Approximate costs for personal attire*

150.00

Total

2,217.18

Fees - Specialized Machine Operator Training: Excavator

Amount

Tuition (8 weeks x $2029.19 per week)

16,233.52

Student Activity fee (2 months x $19.58 per month)

39.16

Student Services fee (8 weeks x $5.41 per week)

43.28

VIU Students' Union fee (8 weeks x $6.65 per week)

53.20

Approximate costs for textbooks

240.00

Approximate costs for personal attire*

150.00

Total

16,759.16

Fees - Specialized Machine Operator Training: Backhoe

Amount

Tuition (6 weeks x $2029.19 per week)

12,175.14

Student Activity fee (6 weeks x $19.58 per month)

29.37

Student Services fee (6 weeks x $5.41 per week)

32.46

VIU Students' Union fee (6 weeks x $6.65 per week)

39.90

Approximate costs for textbooks

240.00

Approximate costs for personal attire*

150.00

Total

12,666.87

Fees - Specialized Machine Operator Training: Dozer

Amount

Tuition (6 weeks x $2029.19 per week)

12,175.14

Student Activity fee (6 weeks x $19.58 per month)

29.37

Student Services fee (6 weeks x $5.41 per week)

32.46

VIU Students' Union fee (6 weeks x $6.65 per week)

39.90

Approximate costs for textbooks

240.00

Approximate costs for personal attire*

150.00

Total

12,666.87

Fees - Specialized Machine Operator Training: Grader

Amount

Tuition (6 weeks x $2029.19 per week)

12,175.14

Student Activity fee (6 weeks x $19.58 per month)

39.16

Student Services fee (6 weeks x $5.41 per week)

32.46

VIU Students' Union fee (6 weeks x $6.65 per week)

39.90

Approximate costs for textbooks

240.00

Approximate costs for personal attire*

150.00

Total

12,676.66

Fees - Specialized Machine Operator Training: Articulated Rock Truck & Loader Combo

Amount

Tuition (4 weeks x $2029.19 per week)

8,116.76

Student Activity fee (4 weeks x $19.58 per month)

19.58

Student Services fee (4 weeks x $5.41 per week)

21.64

VIU Students' Union fee (4 weeks x $6.65 per week)

26.60

Approximate costs for textbooks

240.00

Approximate costs for personal attire*

150.00

Total

8,574.58

Fees - Specialized Machine Operator Training: Articulated Rock Truck

Amount

Tuition (3 weeks x $2029.19 per week)

6,087.57

Student Activity fee (3 weeks x $19.58 per month)

14.69

Student Services fee (3 weeks x $5.41 per week)

16.23

VIU Students' Union fee (3 weeks x $6.65 per week)

19.95

Approximate costs for textbooks

240.00

Approximate costs for personal attire*

150.00

Total

6,528.44

Fees - Specialized Machine Operator Training: Front End Loader

Amount

Tuition (3 weeks x $2029.19 per week)

6,087.57

Student Activity fee (3 weeks x $19.58 per month)

14.69

Student Services fee (3 weeks x $5.41 per week)

16.23

VIU Students' Union fee (3 weeks x $6.65 per week)

19.95

Approximate costs for textbooks

240.00

Approximate costs for personal attire*

150.00

Total

6,528.44

Fees - Specialized Machine Operator Training: Skid Steer (Bobcat)

Amount

Tuition (3 weeks x $2029.19 per week)

6,087.57

Student Activity fee (3 weeks x $19.58 per month)

14.69

Student Services fee (3 weeks x $5.41 per week)

16.23

VIU Students' Union fee (3 weeks x $6.65 per week)

19.95

Approximate costs for textbooks

240.00

Approximate costs for personal attire*

150.00

Total

6,528.44

Fees - Specialized Machine Operator Training: Dump Truck and Pup

Amount

Tuition (2 weeks x $2029.19 per week)

4,058.38

Student Activity fee (2 weeks x $19.58 per month)

9.79

Student Services fee (2 weeks x $5.41 per week)

10.82

VIU Students' Union fee (2 weeks x $6.65 per week)

13.30

Approximate costs for textbooks

240.00

Approximate costs for personal attire*

150.00

Total

4,482.29

Fees - Specialized Machine Operator Training: Work Experience

Amount

Tuition (1 month x $489.41 per month)

489.41

Student Activity fee (1 month x $19.58 per month)

19.58

Student Services fee (4 weeks x $5.41 per week)

21.64

VIU Students' Union fee (4 weeks x $6.65 per week)

26.60

Approximate costs for textbooks

240.00

Approximate costs for personal attire*

150.00

Total

947.23

Notes

* Students are required to provide personal attire to meet WCB regulations: steel-toed boots, hardhat, hearing protection, safety vest, and gloves. Students are also responsible for transportation costs to worksites.

The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.  

All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.

Updated
Monday, April 3, 2023

Domestic (Canadian)

Program Start Date Accepting Applications Location
Anticipated intake for someone applying today
Aug 26, 2024
Application Fee
$44.27
Accepting Late Applications
Yes
Testing Required
Yes
Chair Contact

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

Comments

If an intake indicates 'FULL' go ahead and apply.  If spots free up in the FULL intake they will be offered 'first come, first served' which means all application requirements have been completed.  

Anticipated intake for someone applying today
Apr 22, 2024
Application Fee
$44.27
Accepting Late Applications
Yes
Testing Required
Yes
Chair Contact

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