Heavy Equipment Operator Certificate
What can you expect from our program?
Olds College’s Heavy Equipment Operator Certificate is an Alberta Advanced Education papers approved program. Our comprehensive program is developed with industry to keep up with the demands in the workforce. The mix of classroom theory and practical skills are a balance supported by industry.
We work closely with employers and industry and in many ways:
- Industry advisory group - to help update curriculum as industry needs change
- Industry guest speakers and field trips to connect our students to employers
- Industry loaned equipment keeps the tuition costs affordable for our students while providing the employer early access to a pool of qualified new operators. In addition this affords the company a Gift in Kind tax deduction.
For more information regarding industry partnering opportunities, please contact coned@oldscollege.ca

The Heavy Equipment Operator classes are small which lends itself to a cohesive work climate simulating real-life job sites. Industry-standard COVID safety procedures are implemented and enforced, this prepares students to know what to expect when they enter the industry. Seat time is maximized for students as online instruction supplements the real-life scenarios set out to give you industry-related project experience. Our instructors have experience in a variety of industry work environments and have significant expertise to share with students.
The Heavy Equipment Operator program is constructed to ensure entry-level operators attain a professional standard in a twelve-week program, followed by a two-week practicum. Our program has a graduation requirement practicum of eighty (80) hours where students will further develop their skills in an industry-related work site position where they apply new skills from their education and training.
Some equipment you may learn on includes a skid steer, compactor, loader, dozer, grader, and excavator, and rubber-tired hoe.
The program is delivered as face-to-face, on-site practical instruction with an online component. This training takes place over a twelve week period from Monday to Friday with two groups to maximize seat time that students spend in equipment. Group 1 is scheduled from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Group 2 is scheduled from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.; this program observes Statutory Holidays. Some times may vary with prior notice. Keep in mind there are assignments and reading so use your time wisely.
Important attributes of an operator include mathematical ability, excellent vision, and a high degree of physical coordination, as well as:
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Are you eligible for the $10,000 Alberta-Canada Job Grant? If you are employed, then under the Canada-Alberta Job Grant, employers will cover a minimum of one third of direct training costs, with up to a maximum of $10,000 in government contributions. Find out more information on your eligibility!
As this program is approved by Alberta Education - then admitted students are eligible to receive student loans. Please note though, that student loans will not cover the full cost of the program. Please contact your provincial student aid office to determine your eligibility.
What will you learn?
Upon completion of the Heavy Equipment Operator Certificate, you will be prepared to:
- Demonstrate general principles of operations of selected pieces of equipment
- Demonstrate the correct procedures for preventative maintenance of selected pieces of equipment
- Demonstrate employability skills and professional conduct
- Demonstrate workplace skills in an industry-related environment
- Demonstrate required fieldwork and jobsite fundamentals
- Employ current Occupational Health and Safety and relevant industry standards and procedures in the workplace
- Apply the skills required in industry standard safety certificates and programs
- Communicate interactively in a professional manner with industry associates
- Gain successful employment in the heavy equipment operation industry
Visit ALIS to find Occupational Profiles with current wages, industry trends and more!
Program at a glance
Length of Program:
12 Weeks
Program Intakes:
Fall and Winter
Delivery:
Olds Campus
Applications Open:
October 1, April 1
Tuition & Fees:
$12,220*
Credential: Certificate
Length of Program: 12 Weeks
Directed Field Study/Work Term/Practicum: 80-hour practicum is completed at the end of the program.
Program Intakes:
Winter 2021 Intake: March 8 - May 28, 2021 *APPLICATIONS OPEN, Program Full & Waitlist Started*
Fall 2021 Intake: September - November 2021 *APPLICATIONS OPEN*
Winter 2022 Intake: March - May 2022 *APPLICATIONS OPEN*
PROGRAM DATES: Please visit our Dates & Schedules page to confirm start and end dates of your desired program and confirm campus closures.
Applications Open:
- Applications open October 1 for Fall Intake
- Applications open March 1 for Winter Intake
Selection Process for Admission: First qualified, first accepted
Tuition, Mandatory Fees, Books, and Supplies: Please refer to the current Fee Schedule for details.
- Tuition & Fees: $12,220 / Books & Supplies: $1,000
*These fees are provided as estimates only for the purposes of budgeting. Please note that this is an estimate for domestic students (international students should refer to the Fee Schedule) and all fees are subject to change.
International Students will require a Co-Op Work Permit as well as a Study Permit for this program.
What do I need to apply?
Admission Requirements:
- High School Diploma or its equivalent
- Minimum of 18 years of age upon completion of the program
- Meet the English Language Proficiency Requirement (completed at minimum 3 years of formal education taught entirely in English or provide the results of a recognized English Language Proficiency exam)
- Personal Profile Submission (link to electronically submit your profile)
- Answer three (3) questions for your personal profile:
- Do you have any experience in relation to the program you have chosen, such as operating construction or agricultural equipment, construction worksite activities, mechanical duties, or utility installation? Please provide details.
- Receiving your Certificate of Completion is only one step of becoming successful in the workforce. What are other attributes or qualities you possess that would be beneficial in assisting you in gaining employment?
- What research have you done in relation to the program you have chosen; provide details? What are your plans after completing this course?
- Class 5 Driver’s License
- Please submit a copy of your Class 5 Driver’s License (GDL licenses are accepted). It is recommended that you have a full Class 5 License as it improves your employability, however it is not required for entrance into the program. Please note: restrictions such as a blow box on your license is not acceptable to enter into the program.
- Driver’s Abstract
- Please submit a recent copy of your Driver's Abstract (current within three months of start of the program)
Academic Upgrading and High School Applicants: Applicants currently in high school or who are completing academic upgrading must submit proof of enrollment and any available interim/midterm marks. Final marks must be submitted within one month following the completion of the course(s) and no later than one month prior to the program start date.
Alternate Admission Option: Alternate Admission status may be offered to applicants who have not or will not complete one of the academic admission requirements. To be considered under Alternate Admission Status, applicants will be asked to provide the following:
- (Required) Transcript(s) showing any completed high school and post-secondary courses
- (Required) Letter of Introduction and Intent, outlining the following:
- Introduce yourself
- Indicate why you wish to enrol in the program
- Elaborate on your career goals
- Detail your experience relevant to this program and the industry
- (Required) A resume of your work history, extracurricular activities, volunteer service, etc. for the last 5 years
- (Optional) Include copies of any tickets and/or certificates you currently hold (e.g.: first aid, safety tickets, etc.)
- (Optional) Letter(s) of reference from current or past employers/coaches/etc. (maximum of two letters)
*Submitting Alternate Admission material does not guarantee admission*
Out of Province Applicants: Please refer to the Provincial Equivalency Chart for course equivalencies.
International Applicants: Olds College welcomes applications from international applicants and those who have completed their high school education outside of Canada. Please note, it is still necessary to meet all of the noted admission requirements, including English Language Proficiency. Further information can be found on our website under International Students.