Heavy Equipment Operator Training opens doors

Assiniboine Community College (ACC) offers Heavy Equipment Operator Training which provides students with a combination of training in fundamental heavy equipment operator skills as well as related training in surveying, safety and equipment servicing.

There are four students currently in the program out of ACC’s Brandon Victoria Avenue East campus. Students train on simulators representing heavy equipment such as loaders, excavators, and dozers.

Until recently, the only way to train heavy equipment operators was on real machines in real work environments. “The simulators used in the program is an inexpensive way of improving traditional operator training programs,” said Gerald Cathcart, the Business Development Coordinator at Assiniboine Community College. Simulator-based training offers a safe, inexpensive way of training individuals while teaching core skills.

Confidence is the most beneficial outcome to students. “I like passing on the knowledge that I’ve learned to the next generation, sending these guys out with a sense of confidence that when they take on employment they have some experience under their belt,” said Kevin Blanchard, Heavy Equipment Operator Instructor at ACC. “Hopefully this will help employers as well.”

“The simulators are fantastic because you can get in there, learn and not hurt anybody,” said Dale Young current student in the Heavy Equipment Operator program.

Students can practice on the simulators first. If they make a mistake they simply try again without risking a mishap on a costly piece of equipment. “This equipment is big and powerful. You can get yourself in trouble in a hurry if you don’t know what you are doing,” said Blanchard. The students gain confidence in their skills quicker and in a much safer environment.

The safety aspects of working with this machinery are emphasized throughout the program. “Some of the most important concepts we have learned so far is the ground disturbance part of the program,” said Dale. “Learning the dos and don’ts of digging.”

“This program has shown me how to perform certain tasks safely and efficiently which in turn will make the employer happy,” said Dustin Turnbull, current student in the Heavy Equipment Operator program.

ACC’s program provides training on how to operate heavy equipment in a safe manner, carry out preventative maintenance, complete inspections, remove and install attachments, load and unload equipment, and read and interpret legislation, site plans, and manufacturer manuals.

Blanchard is excited about the future of the program, stating anyone should take it. “This is not a gender specific industry,” said Blanchard. “It’s one of my pet projects to see more women taking on heavy equipment operating as they have great depth perception and respect for what they are doing.”

“I think it is great that ACC is doing this program. I hope they continue to do so,” said Charles Cooper, current student in the Heavy Equipment Operator program. “Hopefully more students get into it as it’s a good trade.”

There are ample jobs in multiple industries for these students. “Heavy equipment has machines in lots of different industries from oil field, mining, highway construction even forestry. So it doesn’t matter what is going on with the economy in any given time there will always be work,” said Dale. “This training opens lots of doors”.

“The heavy equipment operator program is something I have always wanted to do and never took the opportunity to do it until now. I heard it was being offered at ACC, I jumped on it. It’s my way out of truck driving,” said Cooper.