Haul Truck Operator

Program Overview Admission Requirements Tuition and Fees Program Structure Future Career Options Student Testimonials

Program Overview

We offer a four-week Haul Truck Operator course, which provides you with the skills and training needed to safely operate a haul truck, based on manufacturers' recommendations and industry standards. The course is made up of theory-based training, computer module training, and practical simulations and exercises.

By completing the course, students will be ready for an entry level position as a haul truck operator in the industry. You likely will be eligible for a work placement opportunity with one of our industry partners. Some of our industry partners have a local residency requirement in place to be eligible for placement opportunities.  

For more information, view our Haul Truck Operator Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), email us, or call the Office of the Registrar 780-791-4801.

The program is conducted at the Suncor Energy Industrial Campus, located at 160 MacKenzie Blvd. in Fort McMurray.

Admission Requirements

 To register for the Haul Truck Operator program, you must provide or obtain:

 High School Diploma or GED

To apply to Keyano College to enter the Haul Truck Operator course, you must show proof of Grade 12 completion OR completion of the General Education Development (GED) test. 

(If you completed Grade 12 outside of Canada, you may need to provide proof of English competency).

 Other Requirements - Must be submitted with the application
  • Copy of your Unrestricted Class 5 Drivers License 
  • Your current driver abstract, with no suspensions and no more than two violations within the last three years
  • Your resume
  • Your completed Keyano College Haul Truck Application
  • Your completed Keyano College Haul Truck Career Profile
  • Successful interview with industry and college representatives
  • Physical demands testing
  • Students must be at least 18 years of age
Application Process

To apply for the Haul Truck Operator program, application and documentation can be sent by mail or courier to:

Keyano College
Office of the Registrar
8115 Franklin Avenue
Fort McMurray, AB T9H 2H7

 

Applications can also be sent via email to haultruck@keyano.ca 

 

Tuition & Fees

Tuition for the Haul Truck Operator program is $7,066.51 (GST included). We require a $250.00 deposit upon acceptance into the course.

If unsuccessful in obtaining a work placement, a refund of $694.57 for the work placement fee will be issued. 

Resources 
Students are required to provide their own CSA-approved, steel-toed safety boots with an eight-inch upper and anti-skid grips before the program begins. 

Program structure

This program is offered as a mixture of instructor guided and computer based learning. Practical simulations are used to facilitate necessary training. There is also an opportunity for a work placement with one of our industry partners. The course is offered monthly between September and June. 

Please note, more intake dates could potentially be added to accommodate increased demand. 

2023-2024 Intake Dates
  • April 15 - May 10, 2024 (FULL)
  • May 13 - June 7, 2024 (FULL)
  • June 10 - July 5, 2024
Course theory
Upon successfully completion of this course, students will gain the training and necessary knowledge on:
  • Work health and safety regulations
  • Alberta Mine Safety Association Certification
  • Mining operations
  • Fatigue management
  • Resume preparation
  • Radio etiquette and communication
Computer modules
Our computer module training teaches the various components needed to properly and safely handle the program's equipment. We provide instructor resources to help support computer learning.

The course's modules include:

  • Brakes System - Testing Procedure
  • Caterpillar 797 Mechanical Truck
  • Defensive Driving
  • Emergency Response
  • Field Level Risk Assessment
  • Fire Extinguisher
  • Introduction to the Oil Sands
  • Komatsu 980 Electric Truck
  • Legislation Awareness
  • Loading - Dumping
  • Lube and Service
  • Machine Controls
  • Noise Hazard
  • Operator Care
  • Rules of the Road
  • Safety
  • Fatigue Management
  • Startup - Shutdown
  • Symbols - Hand Signals
  • Tire Care
  • Vital Information Management System
  • Walk-around Inspection
 Practical applications
As part of the practical component, students will engage with Caterpillar 797 and Komatsu 980e mining truck simulators. 
Work Placement

After completing the program, students may be eligible for a work placement with one of our industry partners. Some of our industry partners have local residence requirements for work placements. We also have industry partners for out of town candidates that will offer camp accommodations and flights. Work placements are usually four to six months long and are fully paid, with a possible extension (however the program certificate only recognizes a three-month term completion). Rate of pay ranges from $30.00 - $40.00 per hour.

We have confirmed commitment from Suncor Energy, Syncrude Canada, and our local contract partners in the region for work placements. 

Students that are selected from the interviews will be eligible for placement upon successful completion of the course and employer pre-screening prior to placement. 

There are no guarantees for placement, and students must successfully complete the course to start their work placement. 

 Prerequisites for Work Terms
If eligible for a work placement with our industry partners, various pre-employment tests may be required by the employer, including:
  • Medical and drug screening

Career Opportunities

suncor employee

As a haul truck operator, you will be ready for employment with companies in mining and energy, and construction. 

 

 

               

Student Testimonials

Brigitte's video testimonial

View Brigitte's video testimonial about the program:

Erika's testimonial

"I took the Keyano course in 2014. I had no knowledge or experience in the mining industry and was looking for a career change.

Having taken the Keyano course, it gave me knowledge, understanding, required safety training and skills to obtain full-time employment. Because of the Keyano course, I obtained full-time employment with Suncor Energy driving heavy haul trucks.

I have now been with Suncor for just over two years and I'm loving my new career. I highly recommend this course!"

- Erika

Jim's testimonial

"I took the haul truck course in January of 2015. The course was a Suncor sponsored course. I am presently working full-time as a heavy equipment operator at Suncor and loving it. I wish I could have taken the course 20 years earlier."

- Jim

Tiffany's testimonial

"I took the Haul Truck Operator course back in 2015. Since then I have been working at Suncor. I got hired full-time and my schedule is six on and six off. I LOVE my schedule, with six days off, plus vacation time and stats you get so much free time to do things such as travelling. It's wonderful.

The fact that this course is only four

weeks long and then you have an opportunity to work with companies such as Suncor and Syncrude is astonishing. You aren't just getting a new job in the end, it's a career that a lot of people dream of having. You can't beat the schedules, the work is enjoyable (nice air conditioned truck in the summer and you get to stay warm in the winter), and comfort in knowing you are setting yourself up for a great retirement!

I think taking the Haul Truck Operator course was one of the best decisions I've ever made!"

- Tiffany

Michael's testimonial

"I took the course in April 2013, did my co-op at Syncrude, Aurora and got hired in July 2014."

- Michael

Shania's testimonial

"After taking the course I was able to immediately go through the testing process for Suncor. I made it through that and was granted an interview shortly after. It was a month or so after the interview I was called back to begin my co-op term with Suncor. Now, two years late I'm still working for Suncor.

The course was an awesome way to get a foot in the door for a wicked career."

- Shania

If you are a company looking to hire a Keyano College student from the Haul Truck Operator program, please call 780-799-8634.