Heavy Equipment Operator Foundation

Why Choose North Island College?

• Ready for a change? Classes are offered on a full-time basis, over 4 weeks, allowing you to get back to work or continue your training as soon as possible!
• Great facilities. Great Instructors. At NIC, you will learn from highly-skilled, industry professionals who understand the trades and what it takes to succeed.
• A system of support. Student advisors are ready to answer your questions about programs, planning, funding options, and more. They’ll provide you with the information you need to make an informed career choice.

Program Highlights

This program follows the Road Builders & Heavy Construction Association Industry recognized pre-employment foundation course, aimed at preparing students for a career in road building and heavy construction.

It also follows the Industry Training Authority (ITA) Road Builder & Heavy Construction Foundation program and encompasses the following modules:

• Industry Orientation (with a focus on safety)
• Tools, Equipment, Operations, and Maintenance
• Civil Engineering Principles 
• Worksite Preparation
• Industry recognized safety tickets and endorsements: Traffic Control, CSTS, OFA Level 1 and WHMIS

Students will be introduced to operator theory and will understand the working conditions of a heavy equipment operator, how to work safely, recognize the tools, equipment, operation and maintenance of machines in the industry, how to properly prepare a worksite and basic civil engineering principles.

Students will also receive the follow safety courses and tickets as part of their training: Traffic Control Person, Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), Occupational First Aid Level 1 and Construction Safety Training System (CSTS).

Upon successful completion of the program, students will write the ITA Road Builders and Heavy Construction exam. A certificate of completion for Road Builder and Heavy Construction Foundation will be issued by the ITA with a passing grade of 70%.

Career Opportunities

The Heavy Equipment Operator Foundation program follows the Road Builders & Heavy Construction Association Industry recognized pre-employment foundation course, aimed at preparing students for a career in road building and heavy construction. This course is also the prerequisite for the Heavy Equipment Operator Machine Training program.

Admission Requirements

1. Minimum C in English 10, or NIC ENG 032, 033 & 034, or equivalent, or successful NIC assessment testing in English; and,
2. Minimum C in Principles or Applications of Math 10, NIC MAT 034 or equivalent, or successful NIC assessment testing at a NIC MAT 034 level; and,
3. Valid Class 5 driver’s license.
4. Students must provide official transcripts, placement testing or instructor permission.

To Be Successful

The following points are highly recommended in addition to the admission requirements:

• Strong aptitude and interest for heavy equipment operation, road building or heavy construction.
• Students are encouraged to contact the instructor for an in-person or telephone interview. The purpose of the interview is to provide advice, answer questions about the program and discuss various career fields and choices.
• The most important key to success is the desire to become a quality heavy equipment operator. The traditional values of hard work, reliability, positive attitude and the desire to do quality work are essential to succeed in the industry.

Program Requirements

• HEO-100 – Heavy Equipment Operator Foundation Course
• MVF-011 - Traffic Control Person
• OFA-001 - WHMIS General
• OFA-010 - Occupational First Aid Level 1
• CTQ-010 – Construction Safety Training System  

Completion Requirements

Maintain 70% or better in all classes.