The purpose of this program is to provide students with practical skills for enhanced employment opportunities in heavy equipment operations, such as mining, construction, oil fields, etc. Areas of study include safety, orientation to the trade, earth moving, finishing and grading, and excavators. A field practicum is required.

The Heavy Equipment Program began when area contractors and construction companies (such as Oftedal, Western Energy, Mr. Pipe Tech, Sanjel, and more) approached Miles Community College with a work force need; “We need qualified heavy equipment operators!” Thus began an active partnership between these businesses and Miles Community College to develop a program to train people for these exciting career opportunities.

The nationally recognized curriculum is from the National Center for Construction Education and Research. In 2006 the average yearly earnings of operating engineers and other construction equipment operators were $40,560, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The program course requirements are presented in sequence. Part-time students and others who cannot follow this sequence should check course descriptions in the Catalog to determine prerequisites and, in addition, should consult their academic advisor regarding the order in which they take classes.