Heavy Equipment Operator, CTS

This program prepares students to enter the equipment operations career field as entry-level operators. The program contains instruction and hands-on experience on bulldozers, backhoes, track excavators, wheel loaders, skid steers, motor graders, rollers, tractors, water tankers, dump trucks, and equipment transports. Students will also gain familiarity in interpreting construction grade stakes, safety procedures, and equipment maintenance. Class “A” Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training and testing are an integral part of this program. Students will have the opportunity to test for a Class B (Bus) license.

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to

• Operate heavy equipment (dozer, grader, loader, excavator, backhoe, skid steer, roller, tractor) and drive commercial trucks over 26,000 lbs. to National Center for Construction Education Research (NCCER) and Department of Transportation (DOT) standards in a job site environment;
• Maintain and service heavy equipment;
• Read and interpret grade and survey markings and stakes;
• Apply critical thinking skills to evaluate and solve problems;
• Understand requirements associated with a Class A and Class B license;
• Demonstrate proper operating procedures related to safe operation of a tractor trailer; and
• Apply general knowledge, driving and backing skills, and pre-trip inspection in order to successfully pass the Class A license exam.