Pathway
Heavy Equipment Operator and Operating Engineer
Heavy Equipment Operators and Operating Engineer youth apprentices learn fundamental construction skills for commercial and residential developments, dams, roadways, etc. They learn blueprint reading, site layout, working safely, and the operation of tools and equipment.
Length of the Apprenticeship: One year
Job Competencies
Youth apprentices must complete a total of 14 competencies. Thirteen must be from the list below. If necessary, employers can substitute 1 competency with another occupationally appropriate skill. That skill should be added to the competency list for assessment.
Note the following pieces of equipment are prohibited for use by Youth Apprentices under the age of 18: aerial lift, skid steer, compactor, and forklift.
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YEAR 1 Competencies
- Read blueprints, site plans and specifications
- Define site specific layout needs
- Identify equipment related safety hazards
- Describe uses for each piece of heavy equipment
- Operate generators and compressors
- Perform daily maintenance on equipment (Note: YAs cannot turn on prohibited equipment during daily maintenance)
- Apply math skills to heave equipment operation
- Follow worksite health and safety practices
- Maintain an organized and safe work area
- Use hand and voice signals (Note: YAs cannot use hoisting equipment)
- Assist with repair and maintenance of equipment (Note: YAs cannot turn on prohibited equipment during repair and maintenance)
- Assist with establishing grade
- Assist with clearing and manual excavation of site (Note: For trenches, piers, foundations, and holes excavation is limited to 4 feet in depth or less)
- Operate tools and equipment safely (i.e., drill, torch welder)
Related Instruction
Students must enroll in 1 High School Credit or 3 College Credits of related instruction each year they participate in the Youth Apprenticeship program.
Purpose of Related Instruction
The purpose of choosing a related instruction course is to ensure students are learning technical and academic skills that support the student's ability to perform their work tasks. This should be done concurrently with on-the-job training to make relevant connections between learning competencies and work.
Choosing Related Instruction
You will collaborate with your YA Coordinator and School Counselor to determine the most appropriate option for related instruction. A course within your high school directly related to the career pathway is ideal, especially if dual credits and/or hours related to a potential registered apprenticeship are offered.
If there is not a directly related course in your school district, related instruction in the same career cluster is also acceptable.
If there is not a course within that career cluster in your school district, you may request to register for a college course through the Start College Now program with a local technical college, Early College Credit from a local university, or from an alternative provider such as Destinations Career Academy.
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- Home Improvement
- Intro to Construction
- Home Maintenance
- Building/Construction
- Algebra 2
- Business or Consumer Math
- Technical Math or Math for the Trades
- Oral/Interpersonal Communication
- Speech
- Technical Writing & Communication
- Written Communication
- Computer Literacy
- Career Development/Employability Skills
- Entrepreneurship or Intro to Business
- Leadership and Civic Engagement Courses
- Personal Financial Literacy or Consumer Economics
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- Blueprint Reading
- Welding
- Maintenance & Light Repair
- Engine Repair
- Math for Machine Trades
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- Basic Equipment Fundamentals
- Mobile Equipment Maintenance,
- Basic Grade & Construction Math
- CDL Prep
Post Secondary
There are numerous opportunities to continue your education after completing the Youth Apprenticeship program.
Registered Apprenticeships
The Heavy Equipment Operator & Operating Engineer pathway can bridge into a registered apprenticeship as Heavy Equipment Operator & Operating Engineering