2929 16th Avenue North
Escanaba, MI 49829
Office: 906-789-3123
Toll Free: 800-377-5567
Email: admissions@ncheschool.com

Heavy Equipment Operator Training

SCHEDULE: 4 Weeks, 5 Days, 160 Hours of Instruction
Daily classes are 8am to 4:30pm EST.

CLASS SIZE: To provide students with quality instruction and sufficient time operating heavy equipment, the class size is limited to 12 students for each 4-week program. We take pride in having small classes so our students can get as much time on the machines as possible. We never more than 3 to 1 student to instructor ratio to ensure our students get the attention they need! For 25 years our motto has been Quality not Quantity! 

INSTRUCTORS: North Country Heavy Equipment School has taught Heavy Equipment Operation to thousands of students over the past 25+ years. Our Certified Operator Instructors are highly qualified and experienced operators, ready to help you learn and succeed in this great industry. 

CLASS OBJECTIVES:

Each student will learn to:

  • Operate an excavator, 6-way angle blade dozer, extendahoe backhoe, articulated front-end loader, articulated motor grader, compact track loader, mini excavator, single axle dump truck, and tandem axle dump truck.
  • Practice safety procedures including use of personal safety equipment and safety inspection of equipment, industry termed the “walkaround”.
  • Complete routine maintenance on each piece of heavy equipment.
  • Load and unload heavy equipment and properly secure it using chains and ratchet binders.
  • Use laser and regular transits as well as other various leveling devices.
  • Conduct field staking, benchmarking, offset staking, and squaring.
  • You will also get certified in the Excavation Competent Person Training (ECPT), OSHA-10 Construction, and receive your ECPT Certification by participating in a one day training program which is included in the four-week course on the first day of training.

Each student will learn how to complete the following field work and use the equipment provided, as instructed:

  • Digging, leveling, grading, shaping, trenching
  • Installing a sewer service line
  • Backfilling techniques
  • Compacting soils
  • Using laser transit to set grades
  • Reading grade stakes to get proper elevation
  • Loading, unloading, and hauling materials
  • Digging shallow basement at grade
  • Digging and excavating a pond
  • Proper culvert and pipe installation

INSTRUCTOR’S EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS:

  • Provide information about their experience and skills related to heavy equipment.
  • Discuss their expectation for the class.
  • Attend class each day, reporting on time, alcohol and drug free.
  • Wear proper clothing for weather (rain and cold) and for safety (supplying their own work boots and gloves).
  • Practice all field safety procedures as described in class (wearing hard hats, safety vests, safety glasses, and earplugs which are all provided).
  • Practice daily, routine equipment maintenance and grease, oil and refuel procedures, including walkaround.

INSTRUCTION METHODS: The class objectives will be met through lectures, video presentations, reading handouts, studying equipment operator’s manuals (5% of class time), and actual operation of equipment in the field (95% of the time). The required textbook will be provided the first day of the course, and numerous informative handouts are provided and be can kept by the students.

SCHOOL ACCREDITATIONS:

NCCER

– NCHES is approved by the NCCER to teach operators in all 50 states so they can receive their NCCER credentials.

Michigan/ Wisconsin Boards of Education
– NCHES is located in MI and  to operate in MI we have to be approved by the educational approval board. 

US Department of Veterans Affairs/ MINGSTAP 
-NCHES has been approved by the US Department of Veteran Affairs as an approved training facility since 2005. Eligible VA students and active military students can use their benefits while attending NCHES.

Workforce Offices/ State Employment Agencies
-NCHES has been approved by the WWD, TAA, WIOA, WIA, Michigan Works, Wisconsin Job Center, CEP, and many other programs to help students find funding for the programs approved in many States.

Home Builders Association
– NCHES is also recognized by the Home Builders Association (HBA)

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Veteran Training

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The Equipment

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Heavy Equipment Operator Training Application

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Heavy Equipment Operator Class Graduation Day- North Country Heavy Equipment School Michigan 


review us on
Fantastic school! Very hands on and engaging. You hit the ground running with the the full trust of your instructors. I highly recommend this course for anyone looking to get into heavy equipment operations!
I just recently graduated from North Country Heavy Equipment School, and I feel that I have come out of the school with more knowledge about heavy equipment and will be able to start a career in a field that I want. The instructors were great and made learning fun and easy. I highly recommend coming to North Country if you would like to start a career in the heavy equipment field.
I just finished my heavy equipment operation class and have nothing but good things to say about there program the instructors are great at teaching you what you need as well as meeting you where your at and expanding your on knowledge. I would recommend this class to enyone going into fields around equipment
I enjoyed every part of the class! And with our class size being so small it made things more hands on than I expected.
Just wrapping up my Heavy Equipment course and have to say the small hands on teaching and learning here is top notch. Very well spirited personnel with training mentality. Highly recommended for all willing to learn
I had a great time here. Great staff, great class. Genuinely had a really fun time and learned a lot at North Country Heavy Equipment School.
Just finished my Heavy Equipment Operator schooling and I loved it. I would recommend anyone that is interested in learning how to operate heavy equipment or even just wonders how it is to invest in yourself and go on down to North Country and get started. They also have CDL schooling as well as lineman schooling if you're interested. You'll have a blast. Don't hesitate to call, just do it. You'll find that the staff/employees are very helpful and kind. Thank you North Country for your help and the delicious food as well. Oops, guess I forget to mention the food.😁
I was part of the first class that went through the line school. I was blown away with the knowledge that I got from learning how to climb to learning how to get an apprenticeship. The instructors were all great people.
North Country Electrical Line School offers a truly enjoyable and enriching experience for anyone looking to pursue a career in the electrical line industry. The school strikes a great balance between learning and enjoyment, with many of us highlighting the excitement of working with actual power lines and equipment. The physical nature of the work, combined with the camaraderie among classmates, makes it a unique and rewarding experience. Students also mention that while the program is demanding, the sense of accomplishment when mastering new skills or completing a project is incredibly fulfilling.
Response from the owner: We believe you can learn and have fun at the same time! Glad you enjoyed the Lineman Training program and thank you for trusting us with your brand new career! Best of luck!
As a new heavy equipment operator, with experience in operating many other pieces of equipment, these guts are very efficient.Lots of seat time like on the job training. That can relate complicated material in easy to understand language.They were highly recomended by multiple people before I applied and niw I know why.Thanks Don, Emil and Dennis.
I had a great experience at NCHES. All the instructors are incredibly patient and helpful when it comes to learning all aspects of operating heavy equipment and learning the best, most efficient ways to do projects.
Fantastic school, hands on experience, real world simulations!
Response from the owner: Thanks so much for the nice words Leo! The electrical line technician program is tough but you did a great job and continue to excel in the course! Job well done!
Instructions are very knowledgeable and super understanding. Very light hearted atmosphere that allows you to make mistakes and learn from them. The only this that’s missing is that I wish the management had closer ties to the students and closer ties to company’s in the area. You’re on your own when it comes to finding a job they’ll show you jobs in your area through indeed.
Response from the owner: Thank you for your feedback Logan. We're glad to hear that you find the instructors knowledgeable and that the learning environment is supportive. We appreciate your suggestion regarding management’s engagement with students and local companies. Building stronger connections in those areas is valuable, and we will take your input into consideration as we strive to enhance our programs. Please feel free to reach out if you have any other thoughts or ideas.
Response from the owner: Thank you for the 5 stars! We really appreciate your support!
10/10 would recommend absolutely recommend!! My experience has been absolutely outstanding and the instructors have been outstanding!!
Response from the owner: Thank you so much for the glowing review! We're thrilled to hear you had an outstanding experience and that our instructors made a positive impact. Your recommendation means the world to us!
Best heavy equipment school around have fun at class everyday great learning environment
Response from the owner: Thank you for the awesome feedback! We're glad to hear you had fun in class and enjoying the learning environment. Your support means a lot to us!
My experience at north country heavy equipment school was great. Instructors were great and always available when needed. A lot of hands on experience.
"I had an great experience at North Country Heavy Equipment School! The instructors were incredibly knowledgeable and patient, ensuring I grasped each aspect of operating heavy machinery safely and efficiently. The hands-on training facilities were top-notch, providing a real-world environment to hone my skills. I highly recommend this school to anyone looking to start a career in heavy equipment operation. Thank you, North Country, for preparing me so well!"
Great instructors I've learned a lot in just a span of 4 weeks would definitely recommend
North Country Heavy Equipment School has been an amazing experience!! Everyone and everything has been great here. From answering and returning phone calls and email quickly, to excellent trainers and training and a fun, but challenging environment to learn in. I cannot stress enough, about how awesome this experience has been! If you are considering a career in heavy equipment operation, or simply want to learn because you're curious, do not hesitate to give the school your business.
Great program, great instructors. Hands on experience everyday! I did the heavy equipment operator program but will be returning for cdl as well!
The school instructed by Don, Emil, and the occasional Dennis was exactly what I wanted and needed. The scaled instruction and problems given to build skills and confidence in the equipment were both enjoyable and appropriately scoped. The school was very accommodating when needing extra instruction or time. I left a much more confident operator and was even successful at clearing my own property, putting in a driveway, septic, and clearing a building site purely from the skills and lessons learned in this program. It’s difficult to truly express how accommodating and supportive the school is to students voiced concerns and needs which was the most impressive part for me.
Excellent school would recommend to first time users
The heavy equipment operator course is a good course. You spend the majority of class time in the seat of various pieces of heavy machinery. The instructors and support staff are very helpful. You are given plenty of time to practice on each piece of equipment before completing the practical exercises. I would strongly recommend NCHES if you are considering becoming a heavy equipment operator.
An absolute blast! Helpful and entertaining instructors, that make sure you understand the know’s and the why's for every piece of machinery.
Wonderful place to learn lots of educational stuff great class atmosphere!!!
Attended one week Grader class. Great class, great instructors. Hopefully be back for other training. Highly recommend.
Just finished up my class at North Country Heavy Equipment School. The staff and instructors are top notch! Great course and great environment. Thank you all!!
Excellent instructors, and a Great place to learn how to operate heavy equipment! Very pleased with this company, and the help!
Response from the owner: Thank you for your kind words, Angela! Happy to have you with us! 🙂
This school is hands down the best. The instructors love their job and are definitely happy to teach. They are also understanding. They get you ready for real life on the job training. I struggle learning new things on paper especially. Don and Dennis do everything they can to make sure I understand. It also helps they expect mistakes at first because you're new to the equipment but they also teach you how to correct your mistakes. If your looking to get your the best experience out of you certification training.This is the place to go. YOU WON'T REGRET IT!!
Response from the owner: We appreciate your feedback Codey! We get it, life gets hard but we're here for our students every step of the way.
The teachers are great and very helpful. The school provides great training.
Response from the owner: Jake, thanks for leaving a five star review! We are happy to be able to provide year-round training in our indoor facility, even in Michigan's January winter weather!
The teachers are great and very helpful. The school provides great training.
Response from the owner: Thank you!
Wow, what a great experience! I learned more than I was anticipating and I'm looking forward to using this knowledge in the field. The instructors were awesome to work with. We had a good time on an off site project as well. I'm thankful for the opportunity and want to thank North Country Heavy Equipment School.
Response from the owner: Michael, you were a pleasure to have in class! Thank you for spending the last month with us, we enjoyed it as much as you!
I am so glad that I made the decision to attend this school. It has been a great experience and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to get into heavy equipment. The instructors are very knowledgeable and great people.
Response from the owner: Thank you Ethan! We are glad that you made the decision to attend Heavy Equipment Operator Training with us as well! Wishing you the best!
I’m currently enrolled at North Country Heavy Equipment school located in Escanaba. This has been a life changing opportunity that will create many career paths for me. My favorite piece of equipment is the excavator. Thank you for giving me this opportunity and providing a lot of memories; from learning a new trade to making friends with similar interests.
Response from the owner: We love to see our students make connections and friendships that carry on after graduation! Thank you for the five star review Nate, it has been a pleasure working with you!
Very helpful instructors.
Response from the owner: Thank you Josh, we're lucky to have our instructors. 🙂
Great place. Awesome instructors!
Response from the owner: Thanks! Having students willing to work hard and dedicate their time means our instructors do the same!
Great instructors and environment. Lots of time with each piece of equipment. All around great experience, would recommend.
Response from the owner: Thank you David! Hands-on training is a huge priority at the school and we're glad you had a great experience! Thank you for choosing North Country Heavy Equipment School and good luck in all of your future endeavors!
Very hands on and fun class to attend
Response from the owner: Hands-on training is a huge priority at the school & we have fun doing it! Thank you for choosing North Country Heavy Equipment School!
Excellent school! The staff and instructors are very professional and knowledgeable, highly recommend this school if you're thinking of starting a career as an operator.
Response from the owner: Stephen, thank you for the kind words & great review! We are glad to hear that you enjoyed your time as a student with us & we thank you for choosing North Country Heavy Equipment School!
Loved this school, the instructors are very knowledgeable on what they teach and very understanding of the students different experience levels.
Response from the owner: Madisen, thank you for the great review and congratulations on achieving your heavy equipment certifications!
Great school, lovely instructors, very supportive. Thank you
Response from the owner: Thank YOU Hunter! Please let us know if you ever need anything!
Im about to graduate this program, and it has been a great experience. Everyone is amazing, friendly instructors and office staff. The instructors are the best, if you are think about taking this course I highly recommend this school.
Response from the owner: Thank you for the great review! We are happy to have been a part of your heavy equipment education and wish you the best of luck in your future!
Knowledgeable instructors and staff that designed training for real world applications. Students get plenty of seat time on each piece of equipment ensuring confidence in their abilities. Instructors observe operations without looking over your shoulder allowing the students the time they need to learn controls without being rushed. Military friendly training. A++ training.
Response from the owner: Wesley, we are grateful for your thoughtful review of our program and we are happy that you enjoyed your time as a student with us!
Great instructors, I've learned a lot in just a span of 4 weeks. 100 out of 10 would definitely recommend
Response from the owner: We enjoyed being a part of your heavy equipment education! Thank you for the fantastic review!
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906-789-3123

admissions@ncheschool.com

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