Heavy Equipment Operator
Are You Ready to Dig into an Exciting Career?
This 300-hour course prepares you for high-demand, entry-level careers in road construction, infrastructure, and heavy excavation. CFCC trains students in direct collaboration with the leading regional employers and placement partners featured below.
In this hands-on course, you will learn to
- Operate mini excavators, excavators, bulldozers, and articulated dump trucks safely
- Apply job site safety practices and complete Confined Space training
- Read and interpret civil drawings
- Use practical excavation math on the job site
- Analyze soils and stake grades accurately
- Perform routine machine inspections and basic preventive maintenance
- Connect directly with local construction leaders and hiring managers
Registration is Now Open!
The following upcoming session(s) for Heavy Equipment Operator are currently active and accepting registrations:
Featured Employment and Placement Partners
Financial Assistance Available
Scholarship opportunities are available for eligible students. Funding is limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Email workforceinfo@cfcc.edu to ask about the EWD Honeycutt Scholarship.
Employment Opportunities
Annual Median Wage $45,380
Heavy equipment operation is a fast-growing career field. Review regional wage and job outlook data on NCCareers.org .
Location and Schedule
Training Sites North Campus and the Rocky Point construction facility
Class Times MTWTH, 8am — 4pm (1 hour lunch)
New Evening classes TWTHF, 5:30 — 9:30pm, Saturday classes 9am — 3:30pm (Vary)
Certifications Earned
- NCCER Core Heavy Equipment Construction
- Forklift Operator Certification
- Confined Space Safety
- Work Zone Flagger
- OSHA 10 Construction Safety
- National OSHA Skid Steer Certification
Course Requirements
- Age 18 or older
- Pass a 5-panel drug screen
- Sturdy work boots
- Durable work gloves
- Weather gear suitable for rain, heat, and cold conditions
What to Expect
- Classes meet at CFCC North Campus and an outdoor site in Rocky Point
- Most training takes place outdoors in real-world dusty and muddy conditions
Program Tuition and Fees
- $875 registration fee (includes all equipment safety certifications and testing materials)
- $407.40 required textbook package
- $50 rapid drug screening fee
Total Program Cost $1,332.40
Course Technical and Physical Requirements
To succeed in this program, students must be able to complete the following daily tasks
- Operate machinery outdoors in intense summer heat, winter cold, rain, dust, and mud
- Follow strict safety rules, recognize site hazards, communicate around machinery, and lift heavy items
- Handle routine contact with equipment fuels, grease, and machine fluids safely
- Work productively in high-noise construction settings
WIOA Scholarships
Call or visit your local NCWorks Career Center today to learn if you qualify for WIOA sponsorship! Eligibility factors apply. Ask to speak to a WIOA Title I Specialist. Learn more on the Financial Assistance page.
