Course Background Information:EQUIPMENT OPERATOR C

In 2002 the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities introduced the apprenticeship trade of Heavy Equipment Operator.  This trade focuses on earth moving equipment – the excavator, the dozer and the backhoe/loader.  The first classroom component required for this program is called the Common Core 1.  

As northwestern Ontario’s approved provider of the classroom portion for this trade, our Heavy Equipment Operator’s Course now follows this trade’s provincially-set curriculum.  As a result, our students complete both the new Common Core 1 and the Surface Mine Common Core (theory) for their in-class training.  Our course also includes a practical training component on the three pieces of equipment identified by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. 

For more information on the apprenticeship program for Heavy Equipment Operators, please click HERE.

Total Length of Course: 5 weeks

Type of Equipment:  We use new mid-sized John Deere equipment.  Currently we train on the dozer, excavator and backhoe/loader.

Course Content: Common Core 1, Surface Mine Common Core and

In-Field Practical Training

NOTE!  Students at Northwestern are able to train on an excavator simulator in addition to the hands-on training received on the equipment.  This unique simulator, housed in an excavator cab complete with joysticks, allows students to practice various scenarios ranging from learning basic excavator control commands to performing complex tasks such as loading a dump truck.  Students are able to practice specific skills at their own learning pace, reinforcing and strengthening their overall operating ability.

Classroom Content: -- 80 hours in total

• Introduction And Safety
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Mounting and Dismounting
• Safe Operating Practices
• Hand Signals and Communication
• Fundamentals of Earthmoving
• Road-Building
• Fundamentals of Snow Removal
• Site Plan Information/Drawings
• Basic Surveying
• Government Legislation
• Basic Rigging and Lifting
• Safe Equipment Transport

• Pre-Operation Inspection
• Pre-Start Inspection
• Lock-Out/Tag-Out Procedures
• Machine Inspection Reports 

• General Preventative Maintenance
• Basic Maintenance Procedures
• Lubrication Procedures
• Lubricants
• Maintenance Reports

In-Field Practical Training – 75 hours in total

The practical training applies classroom theory with hands-on experience.

• Students receive a total of 75 hours hands-on training divided between the excavator, dozer and backhoe loader. 

• In-field skills specifically covered:
• Pre-start inspection
• Trenching
• Excavating
• Ditching
• V-Ditching
• Sloping
• Leveling to grade
• Surveying

Student Requirements: 

• Grade 12 if following the apprenticeship route; Grade 10 if not following the apprenticeship route
• 18 years of age or older

For more information, please contact us.