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Heavy Equipment Operator

Canadian Students
International Students

Program Details

  • Heavy Equipment Operator

  • Program Code: 428
  • Credential: Certificate
  • Duration: 22 Weeks
  • School of Natural Resources & Industrial Trades
  • Area: Industrial Trades
  • Domestic Applications: OPEN
  • International Applications: CLOSED
Unavailable Delivery Options
Domestic:
C
Bay St. George|
C
Placentia
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Program Overview

Print Overview
Location/Delivery Modes & Dates
Delivery at St. Anthony campus is on a shared-delivery model with Bay St. George campus; the academic & theory components are delivered at St. Anthony campus; practical takes place at Bay St. George campus.

Bay St. George Campus - On Campus delivery
  • September 2026
Placentia Campus - On Campus delivery
  • September 2026
St. Anthony Campus - On Campus delivery
  • November 2026

This program provides training in the safe and effective operation of Heavy Duty Earth Moving Equipment. Some of the duties include:

  • Explore the operation of heavy equipment
  • Perform preventative maintenance
  • Develop skills necessary to become proficient in the use of the following heavy equipment

EQUIPMENT CATEGORIES
Dozer
Front End Loader
Grader
Tandem Dump Truck
Off-Highway Dump Truck
Tractor-Loader-Backhoe (TLB)
Excavator
OUTCOMES
  1. Demonstrate knowledge of machine capabilities and industry expectations.
  2. Develop servicing procedures and techniques to maximize the life span of construction equipment.
  3. Demonstrate skills in basic machine maneuvering, control and operation in work simulated projects.
  4. Demonstrate knowledge of standards for road construction as well as other municipal projects.
  5. Demonstrate safe work practices and personal protection.

Admission Requirements

Eligibility for admission requires the applicant to meet one of the following academic criteria:

1. High School
High School Graduation
2.  Adult Basic Education
Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with General College Profile (or Business Related College Profile or Degree and Technical Profile). It is strongly recommended that courses include the following:
i. Mathematics 1102A, 1102B, 1102C and 2102A, 2102B, 2102C or 3102A, 3102B and 3102C
ii. Science 3101, 3102, 3103
3. Trades Bridging (prior to 2024, students would have completed Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Trades)
Trades Bridging Certificate
4. College Transition Certificate (prior to 2024, students would have completed Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Transition
College Transition Certificate
5. Mature Student Requirements
Applicants who do not meet the education prerequisites for this program, must be at least 19 years of age at the time of application and out of school for at least one year may be considered on an individual basis under the Mature Student Requirements; for more information regarding the Mature Student Requirements please refer to Procedure AC-102-PR Admission.

International Applicants – English Proficiency
All international applicants must meet the College’s English language proficiency requirements for acceptance into our regular programs; for more information regarding the College’s English language proficiency requirements please refer to AC-102-PR, Admission Procedures, Section 5.2 English Proficiency.

Additional Admission Requirements:

Upon acceptance into the program, students who are selecting Tandem Dump Truck must provide the following additional documentation:
i.  A valid Class 05 License for 12 months prior to acceptance into the Heavy Equipment Operatory program.
ii. A Motor Registration Division Medical Examination Report with a vision test completed by a doctor.
iii. A Driving Abstract record showing no more than four (4) demerit points.

Government of Newfoundland and Labrador - Digital Government and Service NL | Motor Registration Division Online Appointments

Upon starting the program, students will be required to complete a commercial written test successfully. Once completed you will be issued a permit by the Department of Motor Registration Division that allows you to be instructed by a licensed commercial driver in preparation for a Class 03 license.

Additional Requirements Upon Acceptance:

  • Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) legislation requires the use of an approved respirator when there is potential for exposure to airborne hazards. This program requires respirator use and you must be fit tested on the respirator approved for your program. A fit test ensures the respirator is suitable to you, sized appropriately, and provides a tight seal. It will also educate you on respirator use and care. Facial hair impacts the fit of respirators, therefore, students with facial hair will be required to be clean shaven at the time of fit testing and every time you wear a respirator. Your instructor will arrange fit testing. If you have a medical condition that could affect your ability to wear a respirator, you must be assessed by a health care provider before being fit tested. Your provider will need to confirm that it is safe for you to use a respirator. If you are unable to pass a fit test, alternative respirator options may be available; however, these options are more expensive, and students are responsible for any associated costs.

Courses

CODE TITLE  
Level 1 Pre-Employment Hrs
TS1520 WHMIS 6
TS1530 Standard First Aid 14
HE1110 Safety 12
HE1102 Equipment Operation Safety 15
HE1130 Heavy Equipment Certification Requirements 6
HE1601 Air Brakes 15
HE1140 Tools and Equipment 4
HE1160 Hoisting and Rigging 19
HE1170 Survey Indicators 9
HE1121 Slopes and Grades 9
HE1180 Methods of Approach for Worksite Job Planning 4
HE1190 Trade Related Documents 12
HE1210 Drawings and Plans 4
HE1220 Soil Fundamentals 4
HE1202 Scheduled and Preventative Maintenance 45
HE1230 Pre- and Post-Operational Inspections 12
HE1240 Troubleshooting and Basic Repairs 8
HE1250 Transportation of Equipment 10
HE1260 Environmental Protection 8
HE1611 Introduction to Professional Driver Improvement (PDIC) 6
HE1621 Powerline Hazards 6
HE1631 Transportation of Dangerous Goods 6
OL1605 Traffic Control Person 6
AM1001 Introduction to Skills for Success 9
AM1101 Math Essentials 42
AM1171 Heavy Equipment Operator Math Fundamentals 42
CM2161 Communication Essentials 36
SD1761 Workplace Essentials 24
MC1062 Computer Essentials 15
AP1102 Introduction to Apprenticeship 12
     
Three courses from the following: Hrs
HE1502 Dozer 80
HE1512 Grader 80
HE1522 Tractor Loader Backhoe (TLB) 80
HE1532 Front End Loader 80
HE1542 Tandem Dump Truck 80
HE1552 Off-Highway Dump Truck 80
HE1562 Excavator 80

 

Careers & Pathways

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Graduates may find employment in the following areas:

  • General contractors
  • Paving companies
  • Pipeline companies
  • Logging
  • Mining
  • Landscaping

Tuition & Fees

Canadian Students
The confirmation fee is due within two weeks of receipt of your Letter of Acceptance. It is required in order to hold your seat in the program.
Mandatory Fees

Application Fee - $30.00 (per program)

A non-refundable fee required for each application submitted to the College | Application Page

Application fees are only refundable if the program does not go ahead, and the applicant does not want to transfer the application to another program.

Confirmation Fee - $105.00 (per program annually)

A non-refundable annual fee due upon confirming acceptance into each program. This covers registration and student association services and must be paid each academic year.

Academic Audit Fee - $50.00 (once per program)

A one-time fee assessed for auditing academic records during your program.

Technology Fee - $83.00 (per semester)

A semester-based fee to support student access to software, internet, and digital services across all campuses.

Full-Time Student Fees
Certificate & Diploma Programs:
School Regular Term
(15 weeks)		 Intersession
(up to 7 weeks)
Heavy Equipment Operator $1,927.00 (per semester) $129.00 (per week)
Part-Time Student Fees
Certificate & Diploma Programs:
Program Type Tuition Fee
Heavy Equipment Operator $129.00 (per 30 hours)
Regulations

All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term. These dates can be found in the Academic Calendar .

  • Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of award on the first day of classes. These students may defer payment until aid is received, at which time fees must be paid in full.
  • Students who do not pay fees within the prescribed time may have their registration cancelled.
  • Students with outstanding balances are:
    • Ineligible for future term registration
    • Unable to receive diplomas, transcripts, or grade reports
    • Denied access to online grades until the balance is paid in full

It is the student's responsibility to clear all balances and contact their campus Student Services office with any account inquiries.

Additional Notes
  • If the College cancels a program, all tuition and fees will be fully refunded.
  • Out-of-sequence students registering or withdrawing mid-term will be charged on a pro-rated basis.
  • Students taking additional courses beyond a standard load must pay for each extra course.
  • Senior citizens (60+) receive a 50% discount on confirmation fees and tuition.
  • Students auditing a course must pay:
    • 50% of tuition
    • 100% of any applicable technology fees

International Students
A fee, which is applied toward program tuition and compulsory fees and includes a deposit fee, is due within two weeks of receipt of your Letter of Acceptance.
Mandatory Fees

Application Fee - $100.00 (per program)

A non-refundable fee required for each application submitted to the College | Application Page

Confirmation Fee - $105.00 (per program annually)

A non-refundable annual fee due upon confirming acceptance into each program. This covers registration and student association services and must be paid each academic year.

Deposit Fee - $1,500.00 (Included in First Semester Tuition)

A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit required to secure your seat. Included in first semester tuition.

Academic Audit Fee - $50.00 (once per program)

A one-time fee assessed for auditing academic records during your program.

Technology Fee - $83.00 (per semester)

A semester-based fee to support student access to software, internet, and digital services across all campuses.

Full-Time Student Fees
School Regular Term
(15 weeks)		 Intersession
(up to 7 weeks)
Natural Resources & Industrial Trades $4,685.00 (per semester) $2,344.00 (per semester)
Exceptions for Industrial Trades
Heavy Equipment Operator $5,311.00 (per semester)
$354.00 (per week)		 $354.00 (per week)
Commercial Driver $5,311.00 (per semester)
$354.00 (per week)		 $354.00 (per week)
All Other Industrial Trade Programs $313.00 (per week) $313.00 (per week)
Part-Time Student Fees
Certificate & Diploma Programs:
Program Type Tuition Fee
Certificate & Diploma Programs $1,046.00 (per course)
Estimated Program Costs

The document below provides a summary of estimated program costs for international students applying to the 2026–2027 academic year. Please note that all amounts are approximate and subject to change without notice. These costs apply only to international applicants.

Download Estimated Program Costs (PDF)

Making Payments

Application Fee

If applying online, the application fee must be paid via credit card during the submission of your application to College of the North Atlantic.

Tuition and Other Payments

College of the North Atlantic has partnered with PayMyTuition for all international tuition payments. All tuition payments, unless otherwise noted, can be paid via PayMyTuition.

  • Payments can be made from any bank, in any country, and in any currency.
  • Offers better than bank exchange rates.
  • Fast, secure, and cost-effective.
Please note that you can only use PayMyTuition once you have been assigned a CNA student number.

Regulations

All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term. These dates can be found in the Academic Calendar .

  • Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of award on the first day of classes. These students may defer payment until aid is received, at which time fees must be paid in full.
  • Students who do not pay fees within the prescribed time may have their registration cancelled.
  • Students with outstanding balances are:
    • Ineligible for future term registration
    • Unable to receive diplomas, transcripts, or grade reports
    • Denied access to online grades until the balance is paid in full

It is the student's responsibility to clear all balances and contact their campus Student Services office with any account inquiries.

Additional Notes
  • If the College cancels a program, all tuition and fees will be fully refunded.
  • Out-of-sequence students registering or withdrawing mid-term will be charged on a pro-rated basis.
  • Students taking additional courses beyond a standard load must pay for each extra course.
  • Senior citizens (60+) receive a 50% discount on confirmation fees and tuition.
  • Students auditing a course must pay:
    • 50% of tuition
    • 100% of any applicable technology fees

College of the North Atlantic reserves the right to cancel or alter the delivery date and location of any program offering and delivery method, and will do so in a timely manner in order to minimize the impact on applicants.

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