Program Length
- 17 Weeks
Credential
- Certificate
Location Offered
- Nanaimo
Make an impact as a heavy equipment operator
You played with diggers in the sandbox as a kid and you’re not afraid to get a little dirty. As a heavy equipment operator (HEO), you enter a career with a wide range of options.
HEO training at VIU is like pilot training. You gain confidence with the controls in a simulator. Then you have a 40-acre site to practice on. You also get to work with GPS equipment that lets you dig within a millimetre accuracy.
Why Choose VIU for Heavy Equipment Operator Training?
The program includes 100 hours of work experience. You can work with a local contractor, in the oilfields or a mining operation. About 90% of our students get more work from their work experience placement.
Your instructors come from many backgrounds, so you’re exposed to a wide range of career possibilities. We also bring in industry contacts to teach specialized skills.
What jobs can I get as a heavy equipment operator?
HEOs can find work anywhere in the world, and there are lots of opportunities here on the island. As an HEO you can can build a career in many fields including construction, forestry, mining and more
HEO career options
- heavy equipment operator
- civil construction worker
- forestry equipment operator
- pipeline worker
- mining operator
- oilfield worker
- demolition worker
- environmental reclamation specialist
With experience, you can advance to supervisory roles or specialize in GPS and surveying, drones and site plan layouts.
Sign up to learn more
Practical training
Real-world training
Gain hands-on experience with various heavy machinery in a realistic training environment.
Industry certifications
Earn certifications that employers look for
Work experience
Complete a 100-hour work experience placement with industry partners
About the Heavy Equipment Operator program
In this program you get for a total of 10 to 17 weeks of instruction, depending on the machine operator training you choose. You spend 20 percent f your time in the classroom and 80 percent of your time in hands-on training. And you do a four-week work experience segment to put your new skills into practice.
There are three modules in the program:
- Road Builder & Heavy Construction Foundation (4 weeks
- Heavy Equipment Operator Technician (5 weeks),
- Machine Operator Training (1-8 weeks, machine dependent)
You get hands-on training on a 40-acre site where you learn essential skills in
- trenching and sloping
- utility and foundation digs
- road building and rock work
- loading truck, grading and laser work
- GPS operation
- machine servicing and maintenance
- safety theory and grade stakes
- surveying, reading blueprints and layouts
Our state-of-the-art equipment includes GPS-enabled machines and simulators. You learn basic controls and build confidence before operating live machinery. Our faculty, with diverse industry backgrounds, provide personalized guidance based on your career goals.
When you finish the program, you receive a Foundation and Technician Certificate and at least one machine specialty certificate.
Courses and Concentrations
| Heavy Equipment Operator Certificate |
|---|
| RBHC 101T - (Road Builder & Heavy Construction Foundation) |
| RBHC 201T - (Heavy Equipment Operator Technician) |
| Select one or more Specialized Machine Operator Training courses below |
| Specialized Machine Operator Training |
|---|
| HEOE 101T - (Excavator) |
| HEOB 101T - (Backhoe) |
| HEOD 101T - (Dozer) |
| HEOG 101T - (Grader) |
| HEORL 101T - (Articulated Rock Truck/Loader Combo) |
| HEOR 101T - (Articulated Rock Truck) |
| HEOF 101T - (Front End Loader) |
| HEOK 101T - (Skid Steer (Bobcat)) |
| HEOT 101T - (Dump Truck & Pup) |
| HEOW 101T - (Work Experience) |
Admission Information
General Admission Requirements
- Class 5 Driver's License that must be maintained throughout the program
- Interview may be required
- Successful completion of assessment testing
- Personal Profile
- See also Trades general admission requirements
Recommendations for Admission
- Minimum 18 years of age (exceptions may be allowed)
- Grade 12 or equivalent (exceptions may be allowed)
- English 10, Science 10, and either Mathematics 10, Apprenticeship and Workplace Math 10, or Foundations of Mathematics and Pre-Calculus 10
- Physically fit and able to adapt to rugged working conditions
- Strong interest and aptitude for equipment operation
Students should check with the Program Assistant toll-free at 1.888.920.2221 Ext. 6227 for details.
Transfer from other institutions
Students who have taken the Heavy Equipment Operator Foundations program may qualify for advanced placement and should check with the HEO Program Assistant toll-free at 1.888.920.2221 Ext. 6227.
Domestic Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees - RBHC 101T and RBHC 201T | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (RBHC 101T and RBHC 201T) | 1,698.60 |
| Student Activity fee (6.75 credits x $9.98 per credit) | 67.37 |
| Student Services fee (9 weeks x $5.6225 per week) | 49.59 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (3 months x $38.87 per month) | 116.61 |
| Approximate costs for textbooks | 240.00 |
| Approximate costs for personal attire* | 150.00 |
| Total | 2,322.17 |
| Fees - Specialized Machine Operator Training: Excavator | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (8 weeks x $2111.17 per week) | 16,889.36 |
| Student Activity fee (2 months x $20.37 per month) | 40.74 |
| Student Services fee (8 weeks x $5.6225 per week) | 44.98 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (2 months x $38.87 per month) | 77.74 |
| Approximate costs for textbooks | 240.00 |
| Approximate costs for personal attire* | 150.00 |
| Total | 17,442.82 |
| Fees - Specialized Machine Operator Training: Backhoe | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (6 weeks x $2111.17 per week) | 12,667.02 |
| Student Activity fee (6 weeks x $20.37 per month) | 30.56 |
| Student Services fee (6 weeks x $5.6225 per week) | 33.74 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (6 weeks x $9.72 per week) | 58.32 |
| Approximate costs for textbooks | 240.00 |
| Approximate costs for personal attire* | 150.00 |
| Total | 13,179.64 |
| Fees - Specialized Machine Operator Training: Dozer | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (6 weeks x $2111.17 per week) | 12,667.02 |
| Student Activity fee (6 weeks x $20.37 per month) | 30.56 |
| Student Services fee (6 weeks x $5.6225 per week) | 33.74 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (6 weeks x $9.72 per week) | 58.32 |
| Approximate costs for textbooks | 240.00 |
| Approximate costs for personal attire* | 150.00 |
| Total | 13,179.64 |
| Fees - Specialized Machine Operator Training: Grader | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (6 weeks x $2111.17 per week) | 12,667.02 |
| Student Activity fee (6 weeks x $20.37 per month) | 40.74 |
| Student Services fee (6 weeks x $5.6225 per week) | 33.74 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (6 weeks x $9.72 per week) | 58.32 |
| Approximate costs for textbooks | 240.00 |
| Approximate costs for personal attire* | 150.00 |
| Total | 13,189.82 |
| Fees - Specialized Machine Operator Training: Articulated Rock Truck & Loader Combo | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (4 weeks x $2111.17 per week) | 8,444.68 |
| Student Activity fee (4 weeks x $20.37 per month) | 20.37 |
| Student Services fee (4 weeks x $5.6225 per week) | 22.49 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (4 weeks x $9.72 per week) | 38.88 |
| Approximate costs for textbooks | 240.00 |
| Approximate costs for personal attire* | 150.00 |
| Total | 8,916.42 |
| Fees - Specialized Machine Operator Training: Articulated Rock Truck | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (3 weeks x $2111.17 per week) | 6,333.51 |
| Student Activity fee (3 weeks x $20.37 per month) | 15.28 |
| Student Services fee (3 weeks x $5.6225 per week) | 16.87 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (3 weeks x $9.72 per week) | 29.16 |
| Approximate costs for textbooks | 240.00 |
| Approximate costs for personal attire* | 150.00 |
| Total | 6,784.82 |
| Fees - Specialized Machine Operator Training: Front End Loader | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (3 weeks x $2111.17 per week) | 6,333.51 |
| Student Activity fee (3 weeks x $20.37 per month) | 15.28 |
| Student Services fee (3 weeks x $5.6225 per week) | 16.87 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (3 weeks x $9.72 per week) | 29.16 |
| Approximate costs for textbooks | 240.00 |
| Approximate costs for personal attire* | 150.00 |
| Total | 6,784.82 |
| Fees - Specialized Machine Operator Training: Skid Steer (Bobcat) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (3 weeks x $2111.17 per week) | 6,333.51 |
| Student Activity fee (3 weeks x $20.37 per month) | 15.28 |
| Student Services fee (3 weeks x $5.6225 per week) | 16.87 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (3 weeks x $9.72 per week) | 29.16 |
| Approximate costs for textbooks | 240.00 |
| Approximate costs for personal attire* | 150.00 |
| Total | 6,784.82 |
| Fees - Specialized Machine Operator Training: Dump Truck and Pup | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (2 weeks x $2111.17 per week) | 4,222.34 |
| Student Activity fee (2 weeks x $20.37 per month) | 10.19 |
| Student Services fee (2 weeks x $5.6225 per week) | 11.25 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (2 weeks x $9.72 per week) | 19.44 |
| Approximate costs for textbooks | 240.00 |
| Approximate costs for personal attire* | 150.00 |
| Total | 4,653.22 |
| Fees - Specialized Machine Operator Training: Work Experience | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (1 month x $509.18 per month) | 509.18 |
| Student Activity fee (1 month x $20.37 per month) | 20.37 |
| Student Services fee (4 weeks x $5.6225 per week) | 22.49 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (4 weeks x $9.72 per week) | 38.88 |
| Approximate costs for textbooks | 240.00 |
| Approximate costs for personal attire* | 150.00 |
| Total | 980.92 |
* Students are required to provide personal attire to meet WCB regulations: steel-toed boots, hardhat, hearing protection, safety vest, and gloves. Students are also responsible for transportation costs to worksites.
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
Domestic (Canadian)
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ongoing | Nanaimo | ||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Chair Contact:
Name: Andrew Coles Email: andrew.coles@viu.ca
Co Chair Contact:
Name: Dean Cadieux Email: dean.cadieux@viu.ca
Coordinator Contact:
Name: Ashley Faulkner Email: ashley.faulkner@viu.ca |
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| Ongoing | Nanaimo | ||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
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| Ongoing | Nanaimo | ||
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Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
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| to | Nanaimo | ||
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Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
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Try an HEO class for yourself
Curious about what it might be like to join us at VIU? You can shadow a class and get a taste of the HEO program.
Email the program chair to arrange to shadow a class.
Frequently asked questions
PCTIA is only for private companies. Vancouver Island University is a publicly-funded institution so we are not PCTIA registered.
Yes, VIU instructors all have industry experience. Meet the Instructors.
Yes, the VIU HEO program and related competencies were developed with industry.
Heavy Equipment Operator training classes run Monday to Thursday from 8 am to 3 pm.
$200 is non-refundable for the Road Builders Program.
Yes, there are funding options available for the HEO program. See VIU Financial Aid & Awards for more information.
Some graduates get equipment operating jobs immediately, while others start at entry level positions in the industry. As students come from all over BC and elsewhere, a person must have good skills and be willing to travel to where the work is. This is especially true for if you are new to this field of work.
Foundation and Technician students can expect 2 to 3 hours of homework per week.
You need to provide your own personal protective equipment (PPE):
- hard hat
- steel-toed boots
- high-visibility vest
- hearing protection
- pack of 10 gloves (cheap ones)
- safety glasses.
Also required:
- an eye level
- a 3-ring binder,
- paper
- pens,
- highlighter
- basic calculator.
The HEO training site is in a remote location so please bring your own food, coffee, etc.
The first 6 weeks of the program are taught at:
VIU Nanaimo Campus
900 Fifth Street
Nanaimo, BC
The remaining weeks are taught at:
VIU HEO worksite
3800 Ninatti Road
Nanaimo, BC
There is no public transportation to the worksite.