Which Schools in Colorado Have Heavy Equipment Training Programs?

Education and Training for Careers Working With Heavy Equipment in Colorado

Individuals interested in either operating or servicing heavy equipment may utilize heavy equipment training. Both careers require formal education and, possibly, on-the-job training. Heavy equipment operators, such as construction equipment operators, may complete training found at technical or vocational schools. They may also learn through apprenticeships, which can take up to 4 years to complete. Mobile heavy equipment mechanics or technicians often obtain training through certificate or associate degree programs. You typically need to be 18 years of age and have a high school diploma to enroll in these programs.

You may also be required to obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL) to transport heavy equipment. Certification is often preferred by many employers to ensure their employees meet OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards. Two associations offering certification are the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) and the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER).

Salary and Job Outlook for Heavy Equipment Operators and Technicians in Colorado

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicted construction equipment operators and heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians nationwide would see employment increases of 23% and 16% respectively between 2010 and 2020. According to the BLS, Colorado had around 6,700 construction equipment operators employed as of May 2011; these professional workers earned mean annual wages of near $44,000 during that year. The 2,600 heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians employed in Colorado in 2011 earned mean wages of almost $49,000, stated the BLS.

Colorado Schools with Heavy Equipment Training Certificate Programs

Pickens Technical College

• Program Name: Medium and Heavy Trucks/Diesel Mechanics Certificate
• Program Length: 1 year (full-time) or 2 years (part-time)
• Tuition: $76/credit hour resident; $152 non-resident (effective 2012-2013)
• Admission Requirements: At least 16 years of age
• School Type: 2-year, public; around 1,300 students (all undergraduate)
• Address: 500 Airport Boulevard, Aurora, Colorado 80011
• Phone: 303-344-4910

The medium and heavy trucks diesel mechanics certificate program consists of 6 individual classes related to heavy/medium trucks - each resulting in certificates of completion. The areas of study include brakes, steering and suspension, preventative maintenance, electronics and computers, diesel engines and diesel mechanics. You also have a choice of completing a special topics class or an internship. Upon completion of each class, you'll receive a certificate; completion of all 6 classes results in the medium and heavy trucks/diesel mechanics certificate.

Trinidad State Junior College

• Program Name: Heavy Equipment Diesel Maintenance Certificate
• Program Length: 1.5 years
• Tuition: $98/credit hour (effective 2011)
• Admission Requirements: Proof of current immunizations
• School Type: 2-year, public; around 1,800 students (all undergraduate)
• Address: 600 Prospect Street, Trinidad, Colorado 81082
• Phone: 719-846-5011

As part of its manufacturing technology program, Trinidad State Junior College offers a heavy diesel maintenance certificate program that prepares you for careers servicing and repairing heavy duty diesel equipment. The curriculum includes coursework, lab experiences and an internship working at a business location. You'll learn about fuel injection, diesel engines, hydraulic systems, heavy duty power trains and heavy duty brake systems. By adding general education courses, you can pursue an associate degree in manufacturing technology with an emphasis in heavy equipment diesel maintenance.

Colorado Schools with Heavy Equipment Training Associate Degree Programs

Northeastern Junior College

• Program Name: Associate of Applied Science in Diesel Technology
• Program Length: 2 years
• Tuition: $175/credit hour Colorado residents; $370 out-of-state; $223 Border State Incentive; $169 Western Undergraduate Exchange; $98 for diesel technology programs (effective summer 2012-2013)
• Admission Requirements: At least 17 years of age; high school transcripts; proof of required immunizations
• School Type: 2-year, public; around 2,200 students (all undergraduate)
• Address: 100 College Avenue, Sterling, Colorado 80751
• Phone: 970-521-6600

Northeastern Junior College (NJC) offers diesel technology programs that meet ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) and NATEF (National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation) standards. In addition to coursework, you'll gain hands-on training working on diesel equipment. The program prepares you for a career providing service and maintenance on medium/heavy duty trucks, as well as agricultural and industrial equipment. Course topics include diesel shop maintenance and safety, heavy duty brakes, preventative maintenance, heavy duty steering and suspension, diesel engines and hydraulics. NJC also offers 1- and 2-year certificate programs in diesel technology, as well as a diesel master technician certificate program.

Colorado Schools With Heavy Equipment Training Advanced Certificate Programs

Northeastern Junior College

• Program Name: Automotive & Diesel Master Technician Certificate
• Program Length: 1 year
• Tuition: $175/credit hour Colorado residents; $370 out-of-state; $223 Border State Incentive; $169 Western Undergraduate Exchange; $98 for diesel technology programs (effective summer 2012-2013)
• Prerequisites: Must have completed required courses in auto or diesel technology programs
• Admission Requirements: At least 17 years of age; high school transcripts; proof of required immunizations
• School Type: 2-year, public; around 2,200 students (all undergraduate)
• Address: 100 College Avenue, Sterling, Colorado 80751
• Phone: 970-521-6600

The automotive and diesel master technician (ADMT) certificate program is aimed at individuals that have completed courses in the automotive technology associate degree program or the diesel technology associate degree or certificate program. As an ADMT student, you'll focus on courses not specific to your area of interest. For instance, ADMT students that completed auto technology courses will now focus on diesel technology courses.

What Colorado Schools Offer Heavy Equipment Operator Apprenticeships

Emily Griffith Technical College

• Program Name: Operating Engineer Apprenticeship
• Program Length: 3 years
• Tuition: $70/credit hour in-state; $170 out-of-state (effective 2012-2013)
• Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED certificate
• Admission Requirements: At least 18 years of age; must have Colorado driver's license and CDL
• School Type: 2-year, public; around 3,000 students (all undergraduate)
• Address: 1250 Welton Street, Denver, Colorado 80204
• Phone: 720-423-4700

The Emily Griffith Technical College offers a 3-year apprenticeship program for operating engineers, also called heavy machinery operators or technicians. This program trains you to operate and maintain a variety of heavy equipment often used in roadwork or construction, such as cranes, power shovels and bulldozers.