Heavy Equipment Operator

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:

100% in person

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 program.

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 day 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
• Simulator equipment students will train on: heavy dump truck, front-end loader, excavator, skid steer

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

Getting Started

Step 1: Create a Profile

Create a student profile. Click here to create a profile.

Step 2: Tuition Assistance

Complete the CCWA Tuition Assistance Eligibility Application if interested in seeing if you qualify to have the last 1/3 of your tuition cost paid for.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Submit your completed application and the Tuition Assistance team will contact you within 48-72 business hours. For questions about tuition assistance please email tuitionassist@ccwa.vccs.edu.

If you have any questions, give us a call at 804-523-2296.

Contact

John McGarry Coordinator, Trades & Construction
804-523-2284
jmcgarry@ccwa.vccs.edu