Heavy Equipment Operator

Program Description

The Heavy Equipment Operator Pathway is one of all a few offered in the entire state and prepares students for well-paying high demand careers in this field. Students will participate in a blend of face-to-face instruction, online curriculum, virtual practice via state-of-the-art simulators, and hands on experience operating real bulldozers and excavators.

  • Program Criteria

    Clients participating in the Heavy Equipment Operator program must have: 

    • 6th grade reading/math level or above
    • Ability to perform all tasks and operations 
  • Training and Experience
    An RWS student working on a forklift.

    Clients will utilize the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) approved SimScholar nationally recognized curriculum through direct instruction and online modules. As part of the training process, students will practice their skills on simulators that are modeled after authentic Caterpillar bulldozer and excavator controls, and certificates will be earned for passing required simulator tasks as well as the aligned curriculum tests. At the end of the program, students will participate in a Capstone project where they will be observed and graded by certified industry professionals on a construction site.

  • Career Outcomes

    Articulated Dump Truck Operator, Backhoe Operator, Bulldozer Operator, Excavator Operator, Forklift Operator, Heavy Equipment Service Technician, Construction Site Manager

  • Certifications

    SImScholar certificates are earned for the successful completion of required performance tasks (on our virtual simulators) and earning a passing score on the correlating curriculum assessments. Additionally, students will complete a hands-on Capstone Project operating actual equipment