Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice

Operator Training

The Heavy Equipment Operator Program teaches the safe, efficient operation and basic maintenance of construction equipment. During field training apprentices are assigned to a specific machine and under the supervision of a skilled and experienced instructor. Over the course of the program, field training includes instruction on at least 5 major types of heavy equipment. During classroom instruction apprentices receive training in safety, equipment maintenance, mechanical systems and GPS machine-control systems, as well as techniques used in the operation of various machines.

Apprentices must attend five to seven weeks of Classroom and Hands-On classes at the Training Site each year. The term of apprenticeship is a minimum of four years and 4,000 hours of on-the-job-training.

Mechanic Training

Apprentices in the Heavy Equipment Mechanic Technician Program develop the skills necessary to maintain, troubleshoot and perform repairs of various mechanical systems on a wide range of equipment. This includes everything from engines and transmissions on backhoes and bulldozers to hydraulic and electrical systems on cranes and graders. While attending classes at the Training Site Mechanic Technician apprentices receive both classroom and hands-on instruction in the latest methods of equipment maintenance and repair. The term of apprenticeship in the Mechanic Technician program is 6,000 hours of on-the-job training and from five to seven weeks of instruction per year at the Training Site.

To learn more, check out our website: Western PA Operators Training Program