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Heavy Equipment Operator

Prepare for an exciting, demanding career as a heavy equipment operator. Our reputation in this field and the hands-on experience you will obtain will help you to stand out from the crowd.

Program Information

Start Date

March 31, 2025

Domestic Availability

Waitlisted

International Availability

Closed

Program Code

HEO

Delivery

Hybrid

Credential

Ontario College Certificate

Location

Frost Campus

Program Contact

Jordan Dysart

Program Coordinator

Domestic Tuition

$11237.4 per semester*

International Tuition

$19627.61 per semester*

Apply Now

Canadian Students

View Curriculum

June 30, 2025

Domestic Availability

Accepting Applications

International Availability

Closed

Program Code

HEO

Delivery

Hybrid

Credential

Ontario College Certificate

Location

Frost Campus

Program Contact

Jordan Dysart

Program Coordinator

Domestic Tuition

$11179.74 per semester*

International Tuition

$19481.99 per semester*

Apply Now

Canadian Students

View Curriculum

September 29, 2025

Domestic Availability

Accepting Applications

International Availability

Closed

Program Code

HEO

Delivery

Hybrid

Credential

Ontario College Certificate

Location

Frost Campus

Program Contact

Jordan Dysart

Program Coordinator

Domestic Tuition

$11329.09 per semester*

International Tuition

$19481.99 per semester*

*Domestic tuition amounts shown are from the 2024-2025 academic year and are subject to change.

*International tuition amounts shown are from the 2024-2025 academic year and are subject to change.

Apply Now

Canadian Students

View Curriculum

March 30, 2026

Domestic Availability

Accepting Applications

International Availability

Closed

Program Code

HEO

Delivery

Hybrid

Credential

Ontario College Certificate

Location

Frost Campus

Program Contact

Jordan Dysart

Program Coordinator

Domestic Tuition

$11329.09 per semester*

International Tuition

$19481.99 per semester*

*Domestic tuition amounts shown are from the 2024-2025 academic year and are subject to change.

*International tuition amounts shown are from the 2024-2025 academic year and are subject to change.

Apply Now

Canadian Students

View Curriculum

June 29, 2026

Domestic Availability

Accepting Applications

International Availability

Closed

Program Code

HEO

Delivery

Hybrid

Credential

Ontario College Certificate

Location

Frost Campus

Program Contact

Jordan Dysart

Program Coordinator

Domestic Tuition

$11329.09 per semester*

International Tuition

$19481.99 per semester*

*Domestic tuition amounts shown are from the 2024-2025 academic year and are subject to change.

*International tuition amounts shown are from the 2024-2025 academic year and are subject to change.

Apply Now

Canadian Students

View Curriculum

In this 12-week program you will learn about the operation and preventative maintenance of heavy construction equipment. The Heavy Equipment Operator program is all about hands-on learning. You'll develop the skills you need using bulldozers, rubber-tired loaders, tractor loader backhoes, hydraulic excavators, rock trucks, skid steers and various other construction site equipment. What you will learn in the classroom will focus on the essentials to help you master your operating skills. Courses include personal, work site and equipment safety, earthmoving technology, equipment maintenance, and heavy equipment operating techniques.

Funding to train your employees may be available through the Canada-Ontario Job Grant. Train your employees at one-third of the cost.

I grew up around heavy equipment and I've always been interested in it. My Dad is in the construction business and he suggested I take the Heavy Equipment Operator program. I'm glad I did. I learned a lot and the focus on worksite and equipment safety really made me aware of how important it is to work safely. When I graduated, I was hired by Fleming College to work in the program in a support role, doing simulator training and assisting with field operations.

Evan Fudge, Heavy Equipment Operator graduate from Cambray (City of Kawartha Lakes), Ontario.

You'll want to choose Fleming for this program because of our strong ties to the industry - and dedicated corporate partners.

  • The Centre for Heavy Equipment Technology at Fleming College is the only one of its kind. We're sponsored by the Canadian Association of Equipment Distributors (CAED), Ontario Chapter - with its 200 member companies who sell, service, and use heavy equipment.
  • We are known for our up-to-date equipment, quality programs, evaluation to meet industry training standards, and skilled, knowledgeable instructors.

Meet Our Faculty

If you want to operate heavy equipment - and have a responsible, safety-conscious attitude you're on the right track. Attributes required to be an operator include:

  • Good physical condition.
  • A high degree of physical coordination, full range of body motion.
  • Correctable hearing and vision to an acceptable range.
  • Manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand and foot coordination.
  • Mechanical aptitude.
  • Communication skills.
  • Computer skills.
  • Problem-solving ability.
  • Self-discipline; ability to work independently.
  • Willingness/ability to work as part of a team.
  • Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time.

Operating heavy equipment requires a high level of attention and presence of mind. Due to the highly safety-sensitive environment our students are in, and to ensure the safety of all members of the program, anyone found to be under the influence of a drug, prescription or otherwise, that precludes them from operating or interferes with their ability to operate heavy equipment safely, may be permanently removed from the program after review of the incident by the Program Coordinator and the Academic Chair.

When you've completed this program, you'll be able to work on construction work sites, quarries, in waste management or for municipalities.

Three textbooks are required and are available for purchase at our Frost Campus Bookstore.

  • Safely operate and perform daily maintenance on a variety of heavy equipment according to machinery capability, limitations and specifications, current industry standards, health, safety, and environmental laws, and best practices.
  • Pre- and post-inspect equipment and document findings of heavy equipment to ensure safe operation.
  • Use basic survey techniques to interpret grade elevation for correct grade control and proper earth moving.
  • Assess a work site for possible hazards and risks and report all findings prior to the operation of machinery.
  • Accurately record required information in logs, inspection checks, and other required documentation for machinery and site maintenance.
  • Contribute to a healthy and productive work site by communicating effectively with others including customers to achieve organizational and work goals.
  • Protect self by wearing the correct Personal Protective Equipment according to current safety standards, environmental conditions, and best practices.

Students applying to Heavy Equipment Operator must meet the following requirements:

  • OSSD with majority of credits at the Workplace (E) level including Gr 12 (E)English

PC / Windows

  • Operating System:
    Windows 10
  • Processor:
    Core i5 - 1.6Ghz minimum
  • Memory:
    8GB minimum
  • Hard Disk:
    160GB minimum

Internet Connection: 2.5 Mbps Download and 3.0 Mbps Upload (minimum)

Students are required to have their own computer, internet access, webcam and microphone.

Program Code: SBL

Ontario College Certificate

Frost Campus

May 2025, September 2025, May 2026

Program Code: FEO

Certificate of Successful Completion

Frost Campus

September 2025, January 2026

Program Code: RDB

Ontario College Diploma

Frost Campus

January 2025, September 2025, January 2026

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