Heavy Equipment Operator

Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) Apprentice Program

What is it?

The Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) Technician Program consists of four (4) weeks of in-school training followed by work-based practical experience within the industry. Individuals completing both components of the program will receive a provincial Certificate of Qualification with an endorsement for the qualifying machine from the Industry Training Authority.

Why would I want to enroll in this program?

Over the next 5 years, BC will experience a shortage of approximately 2,670 heavy equipment operators, which means there will be about 534 openings per year. We are already experiencing severe shortages with grader, excavator, loader, dozer, and heavy articulate rock truck operators. Backhoe operators are currently experiencing a moderate shortage of operators. With the introduction of major infrastructure projects like the Gateway Project, these numbers are likely to become even greater over the next several years.

This program is the first apprentice program for heavy equipment operators in BC and is one of the most progressive apprentice programs in Canada.

How is the program structured?

Several training facilities located around the province offer the in-school training (see our Registration Info Page for Approved Training Providers and course start dates).

Week One and Two

Heavy Equipment – Core Theory Module

This module reviews important information regarding: heavy equipment safety, types and operation, equipment inspections, systems, equipment maintenance cycles, work planning, transportation of the equipment, interpretations of grades and stakes, environmental protection, aggregates and drainage, and erosion control.

Week One and Two

Heavy Equipment – Core Equipment Lab Module

These modules cover the equipment systems and operation of four to six pieces of heavy equipment, including:

  • Excavator (mandatory)
  • Dozer (mandatory)
  • Heavy Articulate Rock Truck (mandatory)
  • Loader (mandatory)
  • Backhoe (optional)
  • Grader (optional)

All modules must be successfully completed to receive credit for the in-school requirement.

Work-Based Practical Industry Training

Once the apprentices have successfully completed the in-school modules, they will be required to achieve between 200 – 600 hours of logged equipment time; in addition, they must achieve the necessary competencies for the individual machine type they have chosen to be endorsed on. Competencies are specific to machine type, and the hours required for each machine are as follows:

Dozer200 hours
Heavy Articulate Rock Truck200 hours
Loader300 hours
Excavator400 hours
Backhoe200 hours
Grader600 hours

Students not able to achieve certain competencies necessary for endorsement will be granted permission to seek those competencies through an Industry Training Authority designated training provider.

The apprentice can be endorsed on multiple machine types and will be permitted to log hours and competencies on multiple machine types at the same time.

Apprentices who complete all required hours and competencies, signed off by an approved supervisor and/or training provider with sponsor attestation will be granted their Certificate of Qualification with an endorsement for the machine type specified.

Are there pre-requisites for the HEO Program?

Program Challenge Requirements
150% of documented endorsement hours of directly related work experience and sponsor attestation required to challenge the Provincial Heavy Equipment Operator endorsement examinations. See Registration Info page for further Challenge information and Application.

Interested? Need More Information?

Please email customerservice@itabc.ca