The first cohort of students has been busy learning through the new heavy equipment operator (HEO) course at the Southeast College’s Estevan campus.

Eight started learning April 26. They began with two weeks of safety courses and associated studies programs, and now they’re into the actual HEO curriculum course work and the simulator operation. 

“It’s been going really well,” said Sheena Onrait, the college’s manager of marketing and communications. “The students seem to be really excited about the program, excited that they’re the very first … class that the Southeast College has for this program.”

Six weeks of classroom time and six weeks spent in the field are provided for each cohort. The program is recognized by the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association. 

During the classes, the students learn the operations of a number of pieces of heavy equipment, such as a grader, excavator, front-end loader, rubber tire hoe and other commonly used machines.

“They learn safety, mechanical operation, maintenance and those kinds of things,” said Onrait.

The simulators are a highlight of the program, as they allow the students to experience the operations.  

When Onrait was in a session last week, one student was using a simulator to load a truck, so he was digging with a backhoe and filling the truck repeatedly. 

“It times you and it grades you, so it grades your simulation work, and you have to get a certain percentage before you pass that equipment,” said Onrait. “It’s very cool and integrated, and a very interesting way to get experience with a piece of equipment, without actually being on the piece of equipment.” 

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