<< All Construction Programs

To provide the fundamental skills and knowledge applicable to loader & backhoe operating and to obtain employment in the excavation industry as an entry-level loader, backhoe, dozer or skid steer operator.

Weeks to Complete: Full Time - 3 Weeks
Credits: 6.42
Cost: Please call for current tuition and fees

Books, Tools and Supplies

10000 - Orientation

In this class; policies, procedures, training hours and safety requirements are explained to the students.  (Lec 4.00 Cl Hrs / Lab 0.0 Cl Hrs / Ext 0.0 Cl Hrs / .27 Sem Cr Hrs) [Prerequisite:  None]

10099 - Equipment Preview/Project Overview

This class introduces the students to the equipment that they will be trained on and the grade projects they will complete.   (Lec 4.00 Cl Hrs / Lab 0.0 Cl Hrs / Ext 0.0 Cl Hrs / .27 Sem Cr Hrs) [Prerequisite:  None]

22302-06 - Dozers

This course introduces the use and maintenance of the bulldozer, bulldozer operating techniques and bulldozer attachments and their uses.  Safer operation of the equipment is emphasized.  (Lec 4.00 Cl Hrs / Lab 0 Cl Hrs / Ext 0 Cl Hrs /.27 Sem Cr Hrs  [Prerequisite: None]

22303-06 - Backhoes

This course presents types and designs of backhoe excavators, safer operating techniques of the backhoe and front bucket tractor, and use of the backhoe for trenching and digging foundations.  Setting up the backhoe safely is emphasized.  (Lec 4.00 Cl Hrs / Lab 0 Cl Hrs / Ext 0 Cl Hrs /.27 Sem Cr Hrs  [Prerequisite: None]

22205-06 - Loaders

Here the student will be presented an introduction to the use and maintenance of the loader, periodic maintenances, safer operation, and operator safety.  The different type of loaders are described along with the various attachments that loaders may utilize.  (Lec 4.00 Cl Hrs / Lab 0 Cl Hrs / Ext 0 Cl Hrs / .27 Sem Cr Hrs [Prerequisite: None]

22106-05 - Grades, Part 1

This course introduces the concept of preparing graded surfaces using heavy equipment.  Covers identification of construction stakes and interpretation of marks on each type of stake.  Describes process for grading slopes.  (Lec 8.00 Cl Hrs / Lab 0 Cl Hrs / Ext 0 Cl Hrs / .53 Sem Cr Hrs [Prerequisite: None]

22207-06 - Excavation Math

Students will learn how to calculate the volume of material and its weight for safety reasons and for efficient scheduling of workers and equipment.  Additionally, students will learn to identify basic geometric shapes; calculate the surface area of squares, rectangles, triangles, circles and trapezoids using formulas; calculate the volume of cubes, rectangular objects, cylinders and prisms; calculate the excavation volume of a job using information supplied on the building plans and; calculate the weight of an excavation from its volume.  (Lec 6 Cl Hrs / Lab 0 Cl Hrs / Ext 0 Cl Hrs / .40 Sem Cr Hrs  [Prerequisite: None]

22209-06 - Civil Blueprint Reading

Students will learn to describe the types of drawings usually included in a set of plans, and list the information found on each type; identify the different types of lines used on drawings; define common abbreviations and symbols used on plans; read and interpret drawings to determine the type of excavations needed to prepare the site; describe the operator's duties to ensure that the job is completed safely and according to the plans. .  (Lec 6 Cl Hrs / Lab 0 Cl Hrs / Ext 0 Cl Hrs / .40 Sem Cr Hrs [Prerequisite: None]

22308-06 - Soils

Provides an overview of soil composition and characteristics.  Describes different types of soil classification methods and how to use them.  Introduces concept of soil compaction in highway and building construction.  (Lec 4.00 Cl Hrs / Lab 0 Cl Hrs / Ext 0 Cl Hrs /.27 Sem Cr Hrs  [Prerequisite: None]

TSS001 Trenching & Shoring Safety

This course focuses on OSHA-regulated safety measures and best practices related to excavation-site work. Core topics covered include: Underground installations; Access and egress; Exposure to falling loads; Hazardous atmospheres; Protection from hazards with water accumulation; Stability of adjacent structures; Protection from loose rock or soil; Inspections; Protection of employees in excavations; Design of sloping and benching systems; Design of support, shield and other protective systems and Installation and removal of support. (Lec 8.00 Cl Hrs / Lab 0 Cl Hrs / Ext 0 Cl Hrs / .53  Sem Cr Hrs [Prerequisite: None]

00106-04 - Basic Rigging

This module introduces basic principles and practices behind safe and efficient rigging operations.  At this level of training, no trainee should perform rigging operations.  Only a qualified person should perform the rigging and moving of any size load on a job.  Trainees need only be aware of basic equipment requirements and selection criteria at this stage of their training.  They will be introduced to factors such as load stress in this module.  (Lec 8.00 Cl Hrs / Lab 0 Cl Hrs / Ext 0 Cl Hrs / .53 Sem Cr Hrs  [Prerequisite: None]

GA001 - Green Awareness

This course covers the impacts of the built environment on the green environment.  It introduces methods to reduce the impact on the green environment and explains how to apply the principles of a green building rating system.  (Lec 8.00 Cl Hrs / Lab 0 Cl Hrs / Ext 0 Cl Hrs / 0.53 Cr Hrs [Prerequisites:  None]

10013 - Green Certification Examination

The Green Environmental  examination will be given.    (Lec 4 Cl Hrs / Lab 0 Cl Hrs / Ext 0 Cl Hrs / .27 Sem Cr Hrs  [Prerequisite:  Successfully complete the Green Awareness class.]

10016 - OPCAT Written Examination

The exam is administered by a certified OPCAT Examiner. (Lec 4 Cl Hrs / Lab 0 Cl Hrs / Ext 0.0 Cl Hrs / .27 Sem Hrs [Prerequisite: None]

LAB00011 - Equipment Operation and Maintenance

This lab is designed for the trainee to put into action what they have learned in the classroom. The trainee will rotate between various pieces of equipment including the backhoe, front-end loader and dozer. The trainee will perform tasks with each of these machines enhancing their skills and better preparing them for employment as an entry level equipment operator. The trainee will also perform the necessary preventative maintenance required by these machines to keep them functioning properly. (Lec 0 Cl Hrs / Lab 48.00 Cl Hrs / Ext 0 Cl Hrs / 1.60 Sem Cr Hrs [Prerequisite: None]

Our training programs are designed to provide an introduction to the heavy equipment industry and basic heavy equipment operation.

This training opens employment opportunities in many types of companies, including (but not limited to): excavation companies, utility contractors, underground contractors, plumbing, electrical, sand and gravel pits, landscapers, construction, mining operations, pool contractors, etc.

Education Pays!

We encourage all students to obtain as much schooling as possible. When it comes time to find employment or negotiate salary with an existing employer, the more knowledge and experience you have on a wide variety of machinery, the better you'll look to an employer - and that translates to more money for you and your family!