Heavy Equipment Operator

Credential

Non-credit Certificate

Length

8 weeks

Delivery

In-person

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.

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.

What You'll Learn as a Heavy Equipment Operator

Heavy Equipment Operations

Learn to safely operate a variety of heavy equipment, including loaders, dozers, excavators, graders, and articulating trucks.

Simulator & Technical Training

Complete Caterpillar simulator exercises and computer-based operator training modules.

Industrial Safety & Site Procedures

Apply safe operating procedures using manufacturer specifications and industry safety standards.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Heavy Equipment Operator Program are prepared for opportunities in construction, mining, and industrial operations. Example career paths include:

Heavy Equipment Operator Excavator Operator Dozer Operator Loader Operator Articulating Truck Operator

Graduates may find employment in industries such as mining, oil sands, road construction, utilities, infrastructure, and municipal services.

A student operates an articulating rock truck simulator while an instructor provides guidance.

Program Details

Be at least 18 years of age by the course start date.
Satisfy at least one of the following educational or work experience criteria:

High school diploma (International credentials must be assessed as equivalent to a Canadian high school diploma)
General Education Development (GED) or Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC)
Minimum 10 years of work experience

Provide a valid unrestricted Class 5 driver’s licence (not GDL)
Provide a Driver’s Abstract (no suspensions, no more than two violations in the past 3 years)

English Language Proficiency Requirement:

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

CLBPT - minimum score of 6
CAEL - minimum score of 60
IELTS - minimum score of 6.5 (min 5.5 per band)
TOELF iBT - minimum score of 71 (min 17 per section)
Duolingo - minimum score of 95
PTE (academic) - minimum score of 50

*Please refer to the Credit Calendar for additional ELP options.

Tuition & Fees (2026–27)
Term	Domestic Students
Total program cost	$11,600 + GST

Please note

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.

Refunds, Withdrawals, and Deposits

For information about withdrawals, tuition refunds, program cancellations, and deposit policies, please refer to the Refund Policy page.

Class Dates
October 26 - December 18, 2026
April 26 - June 18, 2027

iCourse offerings may change throughout the year. Check back regularly for updates

Frequently Asked Questions

What equipment do I get to train on?

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

Is the program hands-on?

Yes. The program combines classroom instruction, simulator training, and hands-on equipment operation to build practical skills.

What safety gear do I need?

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.

Patrick Poitras Memorial Scholarship

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.

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Ready To Apply?

Start your application and take the next step toward your program

Have questions about applying? Contact heo@keyano.ca or 780-792-5618.

Apply Now