Class Description
CCWA built this program because employers asked for it. Operators are hard to find and contractors are hiring.
You train on simulators that replicate real operating conditions — rotation-motion platforms with high-resolution 3D displays for excavator and wheel loader work. You practice controls, loading and unloading, excavating, and trenching before you ever climb into a cab.
You start with NCCER Introductory Craft Skills, the 40-hour CORE credential, and move into Heavy Equipment Operator Level 1 the day after it ends. You register for both at the same time.
Format
Hybrid — online coursework plus in-person simulator and lab sessions
Total Course Hours:
40 hours CORE + 104 hours Heavy Equipment Operator Level 1
Full Tuition Cost:
FastForward price for Virginia residents: $366 (CORE) + $1,150 (HEO Level 1)
Course Structure & Schedule
This is an in-person hybrid program. You will be in the lab for hands-on work and online for coursework.
Location: Henrico, VA - Reynolds Community College Parham Rd. Campus
Credential: NCCER CORE and NCCER Heavy Equipment Operator Level 1
Schedule: Evening classes
Part 1 — NCCER Introductory Craft Skills (CORE), 40 hours
You cover:
- Basic safety
- Hand tools and power tools
- Construction drawings
- Construction math
- Basic communication and employability skills
Part 2 — NCCER Heavy Equipment Operator Level 1
Starts the dat after CORE ends. You cover:
- Orientation to the trade
- Heavy equipment safety
- Identification of heavy equipment
- Basic operational techniques
- Utility tractors
- Introduction to earthmoving
- Interpreting civil drawings
- Simulator exercises: basic controls, loading and unloading, excavating, trenching
Already have your CORE credential? Call us — you may be able to enter Level 1 directly.
What's Included in Tuition?
- Instructor-led classroom and lab training for both CORE and Level 1
- Course materials
- Simulator lab access
- NCCER CORE credential upon successful completion
- NCCER Heavy Equipment Operator Level 1 credential upon successful completion
- Registration in the NCCER Registry
Upcoming Class Dates
Hybrid — CORE + Heavy Equipment Operator Level 1
- Starts 10/20/2026, finishes 01/27/2027
- CORE: 10/20/2026 – 11/17/2026
- Heavy Equipment Operator Level 1: 11/18/2026 – 01/27/2027
Getting Started
Step 1:
Complete the CCWA Financial Assistance Application if interested in seeing if you qualify to have the last 1/3 of your tuition cost paid for.
If you have any questions, give us a call at 804-523-2296.
John McGarry Coordinator, Trades & Construction 804-523-2284
jmcgarry@ccwa.vccs.edu