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To provide the fundamental skills and knowledge applicable to wheel loader, skid steer, and backhoe operating and to obtain employment in the excavation industry as an entry-level wheel loader, tractor, or backhoe operator.

Weeks to Complete: Full Time - 3 Weeks
Total Hours: 120
Cost of Program:
Registration Fee: $100
Tuition: $6,995
Equipment/Materials: $265
Total Due for the Entire Program:  $7,360.00
Credits: 5.00

Books, Tools and Supplies
Required books, tools and supplies are provided to students at an additional charge.  A Training Binder containing the program curriculum is checked-out to students upon enrollment and students check-in the Training Binder at program completion.  There is an additional fee for any Training Binder that is lost or damaged at program completion.

00101 - Basic Safety

This module introduces basic construction and maintenance safety by stressing how to follow Safe work practices and procedures, to inspect safety equipment before use, and to use safety equipment properly.  Recognizing that the typical construction site has many hazards, trainees will learn that a job site does not have to be a dangerous place to work.  Basic safety begins by eliminating hazards in the equipment and the workplace. 

(Lec 5.00 Cl Hrs / Lab 0 Cl Hrs / Ext 0 Cl Hrs / .33 Sem Cr Hrs)  [Prerequisite: None]

00102 - Introduction to Construction Math

This module introduces basic mathematical procedures commonly used in the construction and maintenance crafts.  It relates the use of math to various career options available in the industry.  The information is tied to everyday activities that trainees are likely to encounter on the job and illustrates how mathematics is a valuable tool for the workers. 

(Lec 5.00 Cl Hrs / Lab 0 Cl Hrs / Ext 0 Cl Hrs / .33  Sem Cr Hrs)  [Prerequisite: None]

00105 - Introduction to Blueprints

This module introduces basic blueprint terms, components, and symbols.  It presents different types of construction drawings commonly found on job sites and describes why each type of drawing is important.  The module covers standardized information contained on blueprints such as identification, revision status, symbols, project titles, dimension, and scale.  It shows the importance of reading and interpreting blueprints to visualize a project before actually starting to build it. 

(Lec 4.00 Cl Hrs / Lab 0 Cl Hrs / Ext 0 Cl Hrs / .26 Sem Cr Hrs)  [Prerequisite: None]

00106 - Basic Rigging

This module introduces basic principles and practices behind safe and efficient rigging operations.  At this level of training, no trainee should perform rigging operations.  Only a qualified person should perform the rigging and moving of any size load on a job.  Trainees need only be aware of basic equipment requirements and selection criteria at this stage of their training.  They will be introduced to factors such as load stress in this module. 

(Lec 4.00 Cl Hrs / Lab 0 Cl Hrs / Ext 0 Cl Hrs / .26 Sem Cr Hrs)  [Prerequisite: None]

00108 - Employability Skills

This module helps the trainee identify the roles of individuals and companies in the construction industry. It introduces the trainee to critical thinking and problem solving skills and computer systems and their industry applications. It also reviews effective relationship skills, effective self-presentation, and key workplace issues such as sexual harassment, stress and substance abuse. 

(Lec 2 Cl Hrs / Lab 0 Cl Hrs / Ext 0 Cl Hrs / .13 Sem Cr Hrs)  [Prerequisite: None]

22102 - Safety

Provides a comprehensive overview of safety requirements on job sites, with emphasis on OSHA and NIOSH requirements.  Presents basic requirements, for personal protections, safely driving equipment, and HAZCOM.

(Lec 4.00 Cl Hrs / Lab 0 Cl Hrs / Ext 0 Cl Hrs / .26 Sem Cr Hrs)  [Prerequisite: None]

22103 - Identification of Heavy Equipment

Introduces the ten most used pieces of heavy equipment such as dump trucks, backhoes, and bulldozers.  Describes the functional operation and uses for each piece of equipment. 

(Lec 2.00 Cl Hrs / Lab 2.50 Cl Hrs / Ext 0 Cl Hrs / .21 Sem Cr Hrs)  [Prerequisite: None]

22104 - Basic Operational Techniques

This module provides basic instruction for the safe operation and preventive maintenance on each type of equipment, including proper mounting, startup procedures, and basic movements of the machine and its attachments. The module is intended to provide the first hands-on experience with each type of machine.

(Lec 2.00 Cl Hrs / Lab 2.0 Cl Hrs / Ext 0 Cl Hrs / .21 Sem Cr Hrs)  [Prerequisite: None]

22108 - Grades, Part 1

This course introduces the concept of preparing graded surfaces using heavy equipment.  Covers identification of construction stakes and interpretation of marks on each type of stake.  Describes process for grading slopes.

(Lec 4.00 Cl Hrs / Lab 0 Cl Hrs / Ext 0 Cl Hrs / .26 Sem Cr Hrs)  [Prerequisite: None]

22205 -Loaders

Here the student will be presented an introduction to the use and maintenance of the loader, periodic maintenances, safer operation, and operator safety.  The different type of loaders are described along with the various attachments that loaders may utilize. 

(Lec 2.00 Cl Hrs / Lab 0 Cl Hrs / Ext 0 Cl Hrs / .13 Sem Cr Hrs)  [Prerequisite: Course(s) 22101, 22103, 22104]

22303 - Backhoe

This course presents types and designs of backhoe excavators, safer operating techniques of the backhoe and front bucket tractor, and use of the backhoe for trenching and digging foundations.  Setting up the backhoe safely is emphasized. 

(Lec 2.00 Cl Hrs / Lab 0 Cl Hrs / Ext 0 Cl Hrs / .13 Sem Cr Hrs)  [Prerequisite: Course(s) 22101, 22103, 22104]

LAB00011 - Equipment Operation and Maintenance

This lab is designed for the trainee to put into action what they have learned in the classroom. The trainee will rotate between various pieces of equipment including the backhoe, front-end loader, skid-steer, tractor and dump truck. The trainee will perform tasks with each of these machines enhancing their skills and better preparing them for employment as an entry level equipment operator. The trainee will also perform the necessary preventative maintenance required by these machines to keep them functioning properly.
 

(Lec 0 Cl Hrs / Lab 58.0 Cl Hrs / Ext 0 Cl Hrs /1.93 Sem Cr Hrs)  [Prerequisite: None]

LAB00012 - Project Site Layout

This lab is constructed to introduce the trainee to simple site work layouts at first, and then become progressively more complex. The trainee will interpret simple civil drawings, figure areas and volumes, then layout the project using grade stakes. After laying out the project the trainee will calculate existing grade, then compute cuts and fills. The trainee will then use this information to estimate the amount of material needed for that project.   

(Lec 0 Cl Hrs / Lab 21.50 Cl Hrs / Ext 0 Cl Hrs / .71 Sem Cr Hrs)  [Prerequisite: None]

Education Pays!

We encourage all students to obtain as much schooling as possible. When it comes time to find employment or negotiate salary with an existing employer, the more knowledge and experience you have on a wide variety of machinery, the better you'll look to an employer - and that translates to more money for you and your family!