Heavy Equipment Operator Program

Build a career operating heavy machinery, safely and confidently

Launch your career in construction, mining, and industrial operations with Keyano College’s 8-week Heavy Equipment Operator Program. This hands-on training program prepares you for a career operating heavy machinery including excavators, bulldozers, graders, wheeled loaders, and articulating trucks.

Important - new application fee starting July 4, 2025
A non-refundable application fee of $54 will be required for all applicants to the Heavy Equipment Operator program. Please review admission requirements before submitting your application. Fees will not be refunded even if applicants do not meet eligibility requirements.

Heavy Equipment Operator

Using Caterpillar computer modules and simulators, you’ll learn to operate complex equipment in a safe, controlled environment. Then, take your skills into the field with real-world, on-site machine training under expert guidance.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade your skills, this program gives you the practical experience and safety knowledge to begin working immediately in high-demand roles.

Program Details

Duration: 8 weeks

Format: In-person, hands-on learning at Keyano College

Required Gear: Steel-toe boots (Canadian Standards Association (CSA) approved), hard hat, safety glasses, reflective vest

Minimum Age: 18+

Tuition and fees: $11,600 + $5 (Tech) + $580.25 (GST) = $12,185.25

Application Fee: $54 (non-refundable)

Intake Dates: 

  • Oct 27 - Dec 19, 2025
  • Apr 27 - Jun 19, 2026

Apply Now

What You’ll Learn

By the end of the program, you’ll be able to:

  • Operate a variety of heavy equipment including:
    • Wheeled loader
    • Dozer
    • Excavator
    • Grader
    • Articulating truck
  • Demonstrate safe operating procedures based on manufacturer specs and industry standards
  • Complete Caterpillar simulator and computer-based training modules
  • Identify and address common safety risks and field challenges
  • Gain hands-on training on live equipment in a controlled, supervised site

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Heavy Equipment Operator program may find work in:

  • Mining and oil sands operations
  • Road building and infrastructure projects
  • Pipeline and utility construction
  • Residential and commercial construction
  • Municipal works and public services

Admission Requirements

To register for the Heavy Equipment Operator Program, you must:

Fulfill the following minimum requirements (any one of the following):

  • Be at least 18 years of age by the course start date.
  • Hold a Grade 12 diploma, or have taken the General Educational Development Test (GED), or have 10 years of work experience.
  • Provide a valid unrestricted Class 5 driver’s license (not GDL) and a 3-year clean driver's abstract (no suspensions, no more than two violations in the past 3 years).

Please note: You must provide your own CSA-approved, steel-toed safety boots with an eight-inch upper and anti-skid grips, hard hat, safety glasses, reflective vest before the program begins.

Hear From Our Students

The instructors are very helpful, and the education system is similar to back home, making it an easy transition.

– Benjamin Fonkou

I love the mix of diversity at the College and how the cultures come together as a family.

 – Sapna Sharma

What I like most about studying here is how my instructors are always there to help.

– Chioma Igbokei

Frequently Asked Questions

The program runs full-time for 8 weeks.

You’ll operate a range of equipment including excavators, dozers, graders, loaders, and articulating trucks, both in simulators and real worksite conditions.

Yes. Students must provide CSA-approved steel-toed boots, a hard hat, safety glasses, and a reflective vest. 

The Patrick Poitras Memorial Scholarship is awarded to the highest-achieving students in the Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) open-registration program.

Value: $5,000 

Number of Awards: 2 

Donor: Fort McMurray First Nation Group of Companies 

Eligibility: 

  • Enrolled in Keyano College’s HEO program
  • Reside in, or within 150 km of, Fort McMurray, AB (proof of residency required)
  • Not available to students in corporate training sessions commissioned by employers 

Once you have the relevant documents prepared, fill out the Heavy Equipment Operator Application. 

Learn more about Scholarships and Bursaries.

Related Programs You Might Be Interested In

Explore other programs that share similar career paths, skill sets, or industry connections. Whether you're looking for a next step, a laddering opportunity, or an alternate focus, these programs can help you reach your goals.

Heavy Equipment Technician - Apprenticeship

Keep heavy machinery running smoothly with hands-on training through Keyano College’s Heavy Equipment Technician Apprenticeship program.

Heavy Equipment Technician Apprenticeship

For those interested in repairing and maintaining the very machines they operate — a natural complement to the HEO program.

Class 3 Driver Training

Adds flexibility to your skills by qualifying you to drive smaller commercial vehicles, often required on job sites.

Occupational Health & Safety Certificate

Deepen your knowledge of workplace safety — especially relevant for equipment operators working in high-risk environments.

Ready to Get Started?

Secure your seat and start your journey towards a high-demand career as a heavy equipment operator.

For more information, contact heo@keyano.ca or call +1-780-791-8901.

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