Heavy Equipment Operation

person wearing a welding mask while welding with sparks flying from the metal

Missoula College - Industrial Tech

Heavy Equipment Pathway

Certificate of Applied Science (CAS)

The Heavy Equipment Operation Program provides ��ֱ�� with a basic understanding of fundamental machine functions and capabilities and is designed to develop apprentice-level skills in the safe operation of heavy equipment.

The mission of the Heavy Equipment Operation Program is to provide the regional workforce with credentialed, skilled, and competent heavy equipment operators and to be responsive to emerging workforce needs. Students develop an understanding of basic surveying techniques, receive extensive training in safety regulations and procedures, and learn techniques for safe, knowledgeable machine operation. Students are trained to safely and properly operate and maintain a variety of heavy equipment including:

Backhoes
Crawler-Tractors
Dump Trucks
Excavators
Front-end Loaders
Scrapers

The program also promotes an awareness of proper machine operation in a construction environment with emphasis on the ability to complete a task assigned verbally or from job plans and grade stakes on the site. The importance of understanding the work ethic expected by employers in the construction industry is also taught.

A Certificate of Applied Science is awarded after the program is successfully completed.

This is a Fall semester entry program and enrollment is limited. Prospective ��ֱ�� are encouraged to apply early. Contact Larry Reinholz, Program Director, at 406-243-7643 or larry.reinholz@mso.umt.edu for more information.

West Campus Location

Industrial Technology program classes are taught across town at our West Campus location: 2795 37th Ave, Missoula MT, 59804. Transportation is not provided.