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Heavy Equipment Operator
The Heavy Equipment Operator program at Lake Area Tech prepares you for work in construction and earthmoving, where skill and control matter every day. This is hands-on training from the start, focused on operating and maintaining the equipment that keeps projects moving.
Students can complete an 11-month diploma in Excavation Operations or continue into a 20-month Associate of Applied Science degree in Heavy Equipment Operations. The first year builds a foundation in equipment maintenance, including hydraulics, electrical systems, engines, and controls, along with core operating skills like digging, grading, ditching, and backfilling.
In the second year, training expands into operating a wider range of equipment, including crawler tractors, motor graders, scrapers, and cranes. You’ll continue developing the precision and awareness needed to handle real job site conditions and more complex work.
The program is also Build Dakota eligible, offering a pathway into a high-demand field where operators are needed across commercial and industrial construction.
If you plan to continue your education, tools like Transferology can help you understand how your coursework applies toward a four-year degree and explore your next steps.
Heavy Equipment Operator Program Learning Outcomes
- Read grade stakes and basic construction plans.
- Complete pre-checks and general maintenance on equipment.
- Demonstrate safety procedures when operating equipment.
- Maintain attendance requirements.
- Demonstrate teamwork and verbal and written communication skills.
Articulation AGREEMENTS:
Heavy Equipment Operator Careers
Below are several careers you could pursue with an Heavy Equipment Operator degree. Visit our job board to see job opportunities in the Heavy Equipment Operator sector.
Heavy Equipment Operator
Graduates of the Heavy Equipment Operator program can pursue careers as Heavy Equipment Operators, working with the powerful machinery used to build roads, move earth, prepare job sites, and support major construction projects. In this role, you'll operate equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, loaders, and graders while helping projects stay on schedule and meet safety standards. It's an excellent career path for individuals who enjoy hands-on work and seeing the results of their efforts take shape.
Where you might work:
• Construction companies
• Site development contractors
• Earthmoving operations
• Utility construction firms
• Heavy civil construction projects
Road Construction Operator
As a Road Construction Operator, you'll help build and maintain the transportation infrastructure that connects communities and supports commerce. Graduates can expect to operate specialized equipment used for grading, paving, excavation, and road preparation while working as part of a team on highway, street, and transportation projects. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to highly visible projects that have a lasting impact.
Where you might work:
• Highway construction companies
• Road and bridge contractors
• State and local transportation agencies
• Infrastructure development firms
• Public works departments
Mining Equipment Operator
Mining Equipment Operators use specialized heavy machinery to extract and move materials in mining and aggregate operations. In this role, you'll safely operate large-scale equipment, monitor site conditions, and help maintain efficient production processes. This career is ideal for graduates who enjoy working with advanced machinery in challenging and dynamic environments.
Where you might work:
• Surface mining operations
• Aggregate and gravel pits
• Quarry operations
• Material extraction companies
• Natural resource industries
Pipeline Equipment Operator
As a Pipeline Equipment Operator, you'll operate and support the heavy equipment used to install, maintain, and repair underground pipeline systems. Graduates can expect to work on projects involving energy, water, and utility infrastructure while helping ensure projects are completed safely and efficiently. This role combines technical equipment operation with critical infrastructure development.
Where you might work:
• Pipeline construction companies
• Utility contractors
• Energy infrastructure projects
• Water and wastewater system contractors
• Oil and gas service companies
Degree Pairings
Explore relevant classes and certificates below to see how they can increase hirability post-graduation.
Heavy Equipment Operator+ Uncrewed Aerial Systems (Drones) Certificate
August start only.
There is a fast-growing demand for workers who can operate and maintain uncrewed aircraft systems in our region. The Uncrewed Aerial Systems (Drones) Certificate coursework will equip students with the necessary skills to be employed as uncrewed aerial system operators/pilots and technicians. Graduates will learn the laws and ethical procedures for operating Uncrewed Aerial Systems and will have the knowledge and skills to become a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Certificated Remote Pilot (Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate). Beginning fall 2025, Uncrewed Aerial Systems is an 18-credit, two-semester certificate delivered in a hybrid format with both online and on-campus components.
Every class, every semester. Find the right pathway to achieve your degree on your timing.
Getting all of this straight can be tough – but you're not alone. Our representatives are here to help.
"1997-1999 were two of the greatest years of my life! I am just AMAZED at what this school has accomplished and continues to do!"
Estimated Cost
At Lake Area Tech, there are no surprises. View expected expenses below, so you can plan ahead for a successful year.
| Tuition | $9,715 |
| State Fees | $3,263 |
| Departmental Fee | $7,432 |
| Campus Support Fee | $2,248 |
| Course Fees | $1,425 |
| Tools | $1,950 |
| Books | $650 |
| Laptop (What laptop should I get?) | $1,190 |
| Total Estimated Program Cost: | $27,873 |
We know that college is a significant investment in your future. Our goal is to offer you the most transparent look at potential costs associated with your degree.
Note that other indirect costs, such as housing, food, transportation, personal and other miscellaneous costs will vary for each student’s situation, and are not included in this estimate. You can find these estimates and a semester breakdown in the PDF cost breakdown worksheet.
We strive to offer a variety of financial aid options, as well as helpful resources regarding outside financial aid options.
Heavy Equipment Operator FAQs
Get the details you need to decide if this program is the right fit for you.
What does Lake Area Tech’s Heavy Equipment Operator program qualify me for?
Lake Area Technical College’s Heavy Equipment Operator program prepares graduates for entry-level positions in construction, transportation, and earthmoving industries. Career opportunities include equipment operator, grade staker, truck driver, soil tester, and positions with county highway departments, state departments of transportation, and private construction contractors. Graduates are trained to safely and efficiently operate heavy machinery on real job sites.
What degree or certificate do I earn in the Heavy Equipment Operator program?
Students can choose between a one-year certificate or a two-year Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Heavy Equipment Operations. In addition to the credential, students earn a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and Crane Certification, giving them a strong advantage in the job market.
How long does Heavy Equipment Operator training take?
The program can be completed in one year for the certificate or two years for the A.A.S. degree, depending on your career goals. Both options are designed to prepare students for immediate employment in the heavy equipment and construction industries.
What equipment will I learn to operate in the Heavy Equipment Operator program?
Students receive hands-on training with a wide range of industry-standard equipment, including:
- Dozers
- Small, medium, and large excavators
- Compact and medium wheel loaders
- Skid steer loaders
- Off-road haul trucks
- Scrapers
- Compaction equipment
- Dump trucks
- On-road tractor trailers
This broad equipment exposure ensures graduates are prepared for a variety of job sites and employer needs.
What are the job prospects after graduating from the Heavy Equipment Operator program?
Job prospects are excellent. The Heavy Equipment Operator program consistently reports 100% job placement, reflecting the high demand for skilled operators and the extensive hands-on experience students gain during training.
Do I need prior experience before enrolling in Heavy Equipment Operator training?
No prior experience is required. The program is designed for beginners as well as students with some background in construction. Training starts with the fundamentals and progresses to advanced equipment operation and real-world projects.
Is safety training included in the Heavy Equipment Operator program?
Yes. Safety is a core component of the program. Students earn multiple industry-recognized safety certifications, including OSHA 8-hour certification, MSHA New Miner certification, HAZMAT training, and CPR certification. These credentials are essential for working safely and legally on construction and mining sites.
Can I start a construction career immediately after completing the Heavy Equipment Operator program?
Yes. Graduates are fully prepared to begin a construction career on day one after completing the program. The combination of classroom instruction, simulator training, and real equipment operation ensures students are job-ready at graduation.
Does Heavy Equipment Operator training include hands-on, real-world experience?
Absolutely. Students log many hours on advanced equipment simulators to build confidence and skills before moving to live machinery. First-year students complete 150+ hours operating real equipment in the program’s training “sandbox.” Second-year students work on real earthmoving projects in the Watertown area and complete a summer internship between the first and second year, adding even more “seat time” and real-world experience.
Heavy Equipment Operator Staff
Field-tested. Student-ready. Our esteemed staff is prepared to walk with you through every step of your collegiate career.
