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To provide the fundamental skills and knowledge applicable to wheel loader, skid steer, bulldozer, excavator, motor grader, water truck and backhoe operating and to obtain employment in the excavation industry as an entry-level operator.

Weeks to Complete: Full Time - 3 Weeks
Total Hours: 120
Cost of Program:
Registration Fee: $100
Tuition: $7,995
Equipment/Materials: $265
Total Due for the Entire Program:  $8,360.00
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.

22201 - Introduction to Earth Moving

This course provides a broad introduction to the process of planning and executing earth moving activities on various types of construction projects.  The uses of heavy equipment such as bulldozers, scrapers, excavators, and loaders are explained. 

(Lec 2.00 Cl Hrs / Lab 0 Cl Hrs / Ext 0 Cl Hrs / .13 Sem Cr Hrs)  [Prerequisite: Course(s) 22101, 22102, 22103, 22104]

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]

22207 - Excavation Math

Covers formulas and methods used to compute cut and fill requirement on a job, and illustrates techniques used to quickly estimate excavations. Also provides a brief overview of software used to compute excavation requirements.

(Lec 4.00 Cl Hrs / Lab 0 Cl Hrs / Ext 0 Cl Hrs / .26 Sem Cr Hrs)  [Prerequisite: 00102]

22208 - Grades, Part 2

Presents proper practices for setting grades of bench marks and describes methods for setting grades using various types of levels. The Trainee is taught how to read and interpret construction plans to determine grading requirements, and a review of grading operations

(Lec 6 Cl HRS/Lab 2 Cl Hrs/ Ext  0cl Hrs/ .46 Sem Cr Hrs) [Prerequisite: Course 22108]

22209 - Civil Blueprint Reading

Explains how to read site plans to obtain cut and fill information. Also identifies safety and legal issues that are of concern for heavy equipment operators such as underground utilities and property lines.

(Lec 4.00 Cl Hrs / Lab 0 Cl Hrs / Ext 0 Cl Hrs / .26 Sem Cr Hrs)  [Prerequisite: Course 00105]

22302 - Bulldozers

This course introduces the use and maintenance of the bulldozer, bulldozer operating techniques and bulldozer attachments and their uses.  Safer operation of the equipment is emphasized.
 

(Lec 4.00 Cl Hrs / Lab 0 Cl Hrs / Ext 0 Cl Hrs / .26 Sem Cr Hrs)  [Prerequisite: Course(s) 22101, 22102, 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]

22304 - Excavators

Presents the use, safe operation, and maintenance of excavators; describes various operating techniques; explains and demonstrates the use of excavators in ditching, grading, and slope finishing operations. 

(Lec 4.00 Cl Hrs / Lab 0 Cl Hrs / Ext 0 Cl Hrs / .26 Sem Cr Hrs)  [Prerequisite: Course(s) 22101, 22102, 22103, 22104]

22305 - Motor Graders

Introduces concepts and procedures involved in the operation of motor graders; teaches basic daily preventive maintenances, safety checking, and control of the machine; covers main attachment used with motor graders, and the use of motor graders in performing rough grading, ripping, and scarifying operations. 

(Lec 4.00 Cl Hrs / Lab 0 Cl Hrs / Ext 0 Cl Hrs / .26 Sem Cr Hrs)  [Prerequisite: Course(s) 22101, 22102, 22103, 22104]

22306 - Advanced operational Techniques

Describes the elements of a safety program and the safety inspection process, focusing on the safety issues associated with trenching work. Includes coverage of equipment transporting and the procedures associated with working in or near water. Describes machine cycles and their relationship to project cost and productivity.

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

22307 - Finish and Grading

Describes the use of various types of heavy equipment to finish and trim grades and slopes of roads, pads, ditches, and other structures; specifications used for grading, and procedures for checking the final grade. 

(Lec 4.00 Cl Hrs / Lab 0 Cl Hrs / Ext 0 Cl Hrs / .26 Sem Cr Hrs)  [Prerequisite: Course(s) 22101, 22102, 22103, 22104]

22308 - Soils

Addresses problems associated with bridged areas and breakthroughs, as well as soil stabilization; presents the proper use of geotextile materials, reviews soil compaction requirements, and specific procedures for running moisture-density tests; describes methods of fixing compaction problems. 

(Lec 4.00 Cl Hrs / Lab 0 Cl Hrs / Ext 0 Cl Hrs / .26 Sem Cr Hrs)  [Prerequisite: Course 22207]

LAB00021 - 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, dump truck, bulldozer and scraper. 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 52.50 Cl Hrs / Ext 0 Cl Hrs / 1.75 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!