Heavy Equipment Operator

Heavy Equipment Operator

Apprenticeship Training

Heavy equipment operators maintain and lubricate the equipment operated by them. They set and check grades, efficiently plan and lay out projects, and operate a variety of heavy equipment.

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    Program Outline

    Term 1
    Course # Course Title Credits
    5044751000 Heavy Equipment Operator - Classroom Level I
    Description

    This course introduces students to the basic terminology and equipment used in the heavy equipment trade. This course also introduces the student to working around heavy equipment in a safe and responsible manner. The student will learn how to use personal protective equipment, set up barricades and barriers, and use flags and paddles to control traffic. This course also covers trenching and excavation safety precautions. The student will learn what to expect from an apprenticeship program in heavy equipment and what makes a good operator.

    2.25
    5044751100 Heavy Equipment Operator Hands On Training Level I
    Description

    In this course, the student will learn about the pre-operational checks and operator maintenance tasksfor heavy equipment. The student will learn basic startup procedures and will be introduced to basic operation of various heavy equipment machines. This course will provide students with an opportunity for hands-on machine operation time on primarily level ground. Students will learn the basic concepts and procedures related to the use of heavy equipment by performing earthmoving work. Students will identify and select the most appropriate types of equipment for a given task and then operate the heavy equipment to perform the work. Prerequisite: 5044751000 Heavy Equip Operator Classrm Level I (C or better) (concurrent enrollment allowed).

    2.25
    5044751200 Heavy Equipment Operator - Classroom Level II
    Description

    This course introduces students to the primary components of a rough-terrain forklift, on-road dump trucks, and skid steers along with prestart inspections, preventive maintenance, and the proper operating procedures. It also provides training on the formulas and calculations used to determine the amounts of soil and other material to be removed from or added to a job-site excavation, focusing on volume and weight calculations. The course also covers the work involved in preparing a site for excavation and construction, along with introducing students to the various types of soils, their properties, and how these properties affect the heavy equipment operator. Prerequisite: 5044751100 Heavy Equip Operator Hands On Level I (C or better).

    2.25
    5044751300 Heavy Equipment Operator - Hands On Training Level II
    Description

    In this course, the student will continue to learn about the pre-operational checks and operator maintenance tasks for heavy equipment. The student will continue to advance learning startup procedures and will be performing basic operation of various heavy equipment machines. This course will provide students with an opportunity for hands-on machine operation time on both level ground and introduce them to inclined ground. Students will learn general concepts and procedures related to the use of heavy equipment by performing earthmoving work. Students will identify and select the most appropriate types of equipment for a given task and then operate the heavy equipment to perform the work. Prerequisite: 5044751200 Heavy Equip Operator Classrm Level II (C or better) (concurrent enrollment allowed).

    2.25
    5044751400 Heavy Equipment Operator - Classroom Level III
    Description

    This course introduces students to common types of equipment and instruments used for finish grading, materials and methods used to stabilize soils and control soil erosion, and finishing and grading methods used for various applications. Students will be able to identify and describe the common uses, types, components, instruments, and controls of backhoes, off-road dump trucks, dozers, wheel loaders, compaction equipment, and excavators. Prerequisite: 5044751300 Heavy Equip Oper Hands On Train Lev II (C or better).

    2.25
    5044751500 Heavy Equipment Operator - Hands On Training Level III
    Description

    In this course, the student will continue to advance in startup procedures and will be performing more advanced operation of various heavy equipment machines. This course will provide students with an opportunity for hands-on machine operation time on both level and advance inclined ground excavation techniques. Students will learn higher level concepts and procedures related to the use of heavy equipment by performing earthmoving work. Students will identify and select the most appropriate types of equipment for a given task and then operate the heavy equipment to perform the work. Prerequisite: 5044751400 Heavy Equip Operator Classrm Level III (C or better) (concurrent enrollment allowed).

    2.25

    At A Glance

    How You'll Learn

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    On Campus

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    On Location Training

    What You'll Learn

    • Operate heavy equipment
    • Demonstrate a safe working environment
    • Perform preventative maintenance procedures on heavy equipment

    Your Potential Careers

    • Heavy Equipment Operator
    • Foreman
    • Superintendent
    • Estimator
    • Project Manager

    Median Annual Salary

    $58,605 $64,161 $49,464
    Local State National

    EMSI 2022.1

    Become A Heavy Equipment Operator

    Learn how to apply for an apprenticeship through ABC of Wisconsin. Click on "Get Started" below for more information or call 608-244-6056.
    ABC WI  |  5330 Wall Street  |  Madison, WI

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    Related Programs

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    Continue Your Education

    The Department of Workforce Development - Bureau of Apprenticeship and Standards (BAS) governs apprenticeship programs, deriving its authority from Chapter 106 of the Wisconsin Statutes. This law determines all requirements of students, employers, and apprenticeship training programs. Registration assures that the employer has a qualified employee and that the apprentice receives a thorough grounding in the knowledge and skills required in his/her selected field. BAS's supervision assures that training meets the standards of the trade.