Heavy Equipment Operator: 6 piece

The Heavy Equipment Operator program at 5th Wheel Training Institute prepares individuals with the foundational skills, knowledge, and safety practices required to begin a career operating heavy equipment across multiple industries. Designed to meet employer safety obligations mandated by law and enforced by the Ministry of Labour, the program equips students with both practical experience and industry-recognized certifications. Delivered over approximately six weeks (200 hours) at the London–Sarnia and North Bay–Timmins campuses, the training emphasizes safe work procedures, job-site awareness, and the technical understanding needed to operate equipment effectively in demanding environments.

Students gain hands-on experience operating a variety of machinery, including backhoe-loaders, bulldozers, excavators, skid steers, dump trucks, forklifts, and chainsaws. In addition to equipment operation, the program provides extensive safety training and certification wallet cards covering areas such as occupational health and safety, confined spaces, working at heights, rigging and hoisting, powerline safety awareness, and WHMIS. Graduates are prepared to pursue employment opportunities in sectors such as road construction, mining, oil and gas pipelines, forestry, landscaping, demolition, public utilities, transportation, and municipal operations, with lifetime job placement assistance available to support their career goals.

Dates subject to change.

Admission Requirements

• 18 years of Age or Hold an Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
• Ontario Secondary School Diploma or Grade 12 English or Completion of equivalency testing.

What You’ll Learn

• Safely operate heavy equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, skid steers, backhoe-loaders, and dump trucks.
• Apply industry safety standards including WHMIS, working at heights, lockout/tagout, and confined spaces.
• Perform job-site tasks such as excavation, grading, material handling, and equipment operation.
• Follow workplace safety regulations and best practices used across construction, mining, and industrial sectors.