Specialized Machine Operator Training

This intensive hands-on training program at our 40-acre site provides students with the operating fundamentals and ‘seat time’ experience to develop entry-level competency as a heavy equipment operator. Students learn essential operating fundamentals by completing practical earth moving exercises on real equipment, not simulators. A step-by-step progression introduces increasingly advanced skills and operating principles. Pre-operational checks, equipment maintenance, as well as safe operating techniques specific to each machine, interpretation of drawings and grades stakes, basic grade checking instruments, and constant reinforcement of safety are important elements of the training.

Training can be customized to meet individual needs, as well as those of employers and industry. Contact the HEO Program Assistant at 250.740.6227 or HEO@viu.ca to arrange for specialized machine schedules.

1 to 8 weeks, depending on machine choice.

(HEOE 101T) Excavator (8 weeks)

Course Competencies include: Orientation to Operators Manual, Walk around, Pre-Start/Shutdown, Operating Controls, Load & Unload Machine, Trench & Backfill, V-Trench & Backfill, Road Building, Load Truck, Clean Out Ditches, Trim & Fill Slope, Trim & Cut Slope, Excavate Under-Buried Pipe, Culvert Installation, Culvert Removal, Land Clearing, Place Rip Rap, Road Deactivation, Mass Excavation & Backfill, Strip & Stockpile, Hoe Chucking.

(HEOB 101T) Backhoe (6 weeks)

Course Competencies include: Orientation to Operators Manual, Walk around, Pre-Start/Shutdown, Operating Controls, Load & Unload Machine, Trench & Backfill, V-Trench & Backfill, Excavate Septic System & Backfill, Load Truck, Clean Out Ditches, Trim & Fill Slope, Trim & Cut Slope, Excavate Under-Buried Pipe, Culvert Installation, Culvert Removal, Place Rip Rap.

(HEOD 101T) Dozer (6 weeks)

Course Competencies include: Orientation to Operators Manual, Walk around, Pre-Start/Shutdown, Operating Controls, Load & Unload Machine, Trim Slopes, Road Building, Land Clearing, Stripe & Stockpile, Doze Out Excavation/Backfill, Doze Fill to Place, Open a Cut (Pioneering), Pull Ditches.

(HEOG 101T) Grader (6 weeks)

Course Competencies include: Orientation to Operators Manual, Walk around, Pre-Start/Shutdown, Operating Controls, Load & Unload Machine, Trim Slopes, Clean Out Ditches, Form & Handle a Windrow, Construct a Crowned Road, Road Maintenance.

(HEORL 101T) Articulated Rock Truck/Loader Combo (4 weeks)

Course Competencies include: Orientation to Articulated Rock Truck Operators Manual, Walk around, Pre-Start/Shutdown, Operating Controls, Articulated Rock Truck Fundamentals, Load & Unload Machine, Orientation to Front End Loader Operators Manual, Walk around, Pre-Start/Shutdown, Operating Controls, Load & Unload Machine, Load Truck, Tram Stockpiled Material, Tram Bank Material, Build Road on Stockpile, Grade Area/Cut & Fill.

(HEOR 101T) Articulated Rock Truck (3 weeks)

Course Competencies include: Orientation to Operators Manual, Walk around, Pre-Start/Shutdown, Operating Controls, Articulated Rock Truck Fundamentals, Load & Unload Machine.

(HEOF 101T) Front End Loader (3 weeks)

Course Competencies include: Orientation to Operators Manual, Walk around, Pre-Start/Shutdown, Operating Controls, Load & Unload Machine, Load Truck, Tram Stockpiled Material, Tram Bank Material, Build Road on Stockpile, Grade Area/Cut & Fill.

(HEOK 101T) Skid Steer (Bobcat) (3 weeks)

Course Competencies include: Orientation to Operators Manual, Walk around, Pre-Start/Shutdown, Operating Controls, Load & Unload Machine, Load Truck, Tram Stockpiled Material, Tram Bank Maintenance, Build Road on Stockpile, Grade Area/Cut & Fill, Construct/Clean Out Ditches.

(HEOT 101T) Dump Truck & Pup (1 to 2 weeks)

Course Competencies include: Orientation to Operators Manual, Walk around, Pre-Start/Shutdown, Operating Controls, Dump Truck & Pup Fundamentals

Program Costs

See Current fees

Additional Costs

List of additional supplies and costs.

Admission Requirements

  • Valid Driver's Licence ("N" is acceptable)
  • 18+ years of age (exceptions may be considered)
  • Grade 12 education (exceptions may be considered)
  • Air brakes & Class 1 license required for Dump Truck & Pup

Apply

To become a student in the Specialized Machine Operator Training, apply to VIU.
Or
For additional information, or to register, contact the HEO Program Assistant at 250.740.6227 or HEO@viu.ca.