HEO 104 – Safety/First Aid (1 Credit) 

HEO 101 – Introduction to Construction Theory (2 Credits) 

HEO 178 – Survey/Blueprints Practicum (3 Credits) 

HEO 289 – Construction Solutions and Communication (2 Credits) 

HEO 110 – Shop Practices (3 Credits) 

HEO 172 – Basic Equipment Theory (3 Credits) 

HEO 172L – Basic Equipment Theory Lab (3 Credits) 

HEO 122 – Preventative Maintenance (4 Credits) 

Total: 21 Credits 
 

HEO 220 – Loader and Backhoe Operations (4 Credits) 

HEO 123 – Excavation and Trenching Operations (4 Credits) 

HEO 238 – Grading and Dozer Operations (4 Credits) 

HEO 208 – Soils and Compaction (4 Credits) 

Total: 16 Credits 
 

HEO 102 – Operations and Construction Practicum (5 Credits) 

HEO 252 – Project Management (3 Credits) 

Total: 8 Credits 
 

Written or Oral Communications (6 Credits) 

ENGL 110 – College Composition I (3 Credits) 

ENGL 120 – College Composition II (3 Credits) 

or ENGL 125 – Introduction to Professional Writing (3 Credits) 

or COMM 110 – Fundamentals of Public Speaking (3 Credits) 

Arts and Humanities/Social and Behavioral Sciences (3 Credits) 

Business/Math/Science/Technology (6 Credits) 

 

This comprehensive course is taught in a dynamic, hands-on way with industry-leading content  

to meet OSHA First Aid Standard 29 CFR 1910.151. Provides vital knowledge to recognize and  

respond to emergencies. Proper use of standard safety practices and personal protection equipment (PPE) effectively 

 

Introduction to engineering and construction definitions and concepts. Students gain a broad overview of concrete and asphalt, and soils, grades, as well as understand construction concepts, especially how communities work with engineering and construction companies to design and build infrastructure. 

 

Gain an understanding of regulations and standards of civil engineering and surveying. Topics include planning, zoning, site development, and stormwater management. Additionally, students will learn to read and interpret project plans and blueprints. Students will also develop a basic understanding and how to use survey equipment. 

 

A person cannot communicate what they do not understand. This course covers the civil engineering industry, what is required of heavy equipment operators and students will begin to develop the skills needed to work as part of a team.  

 

Maintenance and repairs are often on a job site, but a maintenance shop provides a central area housing all the resources needed to perform minor maintenance and safety checks. Students will become familiar with basic shop procedures. Prior to learning about any of the pieces of equipment, students should learn about the tools and resources needed to properly maintain equipment.  

 

HEO 172/HEO 172L – BASIC EQUIPMENT THEORY & LAB (3 CREDITS EACH, 6 CREDITS TOTAL) 

During this class, students will learn how to operate light equipment, such as skid steers, forklifts, and utility tractors. The skills learned in this course will translate to larger pieces of equipment. Introduction to Dump Truck operations.  

 

HEO 101 – INTRODUCTION TO CONSTRUCTION THEORY,  

HEO 104 – WORK SITE SAFETY & FIRST AID                                            

HEO 208 – SOILS AND COMPACTION                                                         

HEO 110 – NUTS AND BOLTS OF SHOP PRACTICES                               

 

This course is designed to help students develop common practices that will assist in making them better heavy equipment operators and employees. Students will learn maintenance techniques that minimize unscheduled repairs by investigating how and what to look for. This course helps students learn to identify how to maintain operating costs within a budget. 

 

The first pieces of equipment students should be introduced to, is the Front End Loader and Backhoe. These two pieces of machines are scaled up versions of the utility tractor and skid steer. And there operations are similar to their smaller counterparts. Part two of Dump Truck operations.  

 

Pre-Requisite:  

HEO 172 – BASIC EQUIPMENT THEORY 

HEO 172L – BASIC EQUIPMENT LAB 

 

HEO 123 – EXCAVATION AND TRENCHING OPERATIONS (4 CREDITS))  

The next level is to learn the basic operations and backfilling operations of an excavator. There are a number of different types and sizes of excavators. Understanding that digging a trench at a specific grade is a complex process and takes several lessons to meet the objectives. Dump truck can be used by trained students during this course.  

 

Pre-Requisite:  

HEO 172 – BASIC EQUIPMENT THEORY 

HEO 172L – BASIC EQUIPMENT LAB 

 

HEO 238 – GRADING & DOZER OPERATIONS (4 CREDITS)  

When it comes to pushing dirt, creating a level surface, or conducting road work, the more complex machines are that of the motor grader and bulldozer. Because their functions and capabilities are drastically different than the other pieces of equipment, these two pieces of equipment should be the final pieces of equipment covered. The techniques and controls of these pieces of equipment require additional time reviewing course material and working with an instructor.            

             

Most work conducted by heavy equipment is earthwork. Working with the dirt. In this course, students will learn what soil is and how it reacts to compaction and moisture. This gives students an additional level of knowledge not normally held by new employees entering the workforce. 

 

The core objectives are to familiarize students with the basic operating procedures of various pieces of equipment. Gain hands-on instruction, such as controls, systems, and functions. It introduces students to the major manufacturers. Use of manuals, attachments, and test equipment are covered. This class consists of 20% Lecture and 80% hands-on operation. Pass or Fail class, by the end of the course, be able to explain the basic operations of each equipment, and safely demonstrate digging a trench, backfilling, and grading techniques, as well as load a dump truck and spread dump.

   

This course provides study in construction project management. Students will study, develop and apply workplace interpersonal skills, construction documentation, trades and resource scheduling and control and construction planning.