Facilities
Hands-On Tomorrow
You will have plenty of space to hone your skills on our 125-acre heavy-equipment operations site
Heavy Construction Equipment Technology: Operator Emphasis
Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.)
About this program
When it comes to operating heavy construction equipment, there’s more than meets the eye. This comprehensive program lays the foundation for success—digging into everything from tools, hardware, and safety to site engineering and layout. And thanks to built-in electives, you can customize your experience with things like a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) license prep course, quarry operation courses, or business management and marketing lessons.
Next steps...
You're on your way to becoming a tomorrow maker.
Careers
- Heavy construction equipment operator
- Field sales representative
Courses
At Penn College, we believe your educational experience should go beyond specialized skills. Real-world ready means taking a broader approach that builds communication skills, inspires collaboration, and encourages exploration of arts, history, and science.
Specialization requires in-depth knowledge and high-level proficiency. Students learn and apply major-specific concepts, skills, and methods.
- Tools, Hardware & Basic Safety (HEO100)
- Diesel Engine Fundamentals & Maintenance (HEO111)
- Heavy Equipment Electrical Systems (HEO141)
- Earthwork Site Preparation (HEO131)
- Site Engineering & Layout (HEO120)
- Introduction to Heavy Duty Powertrain & Brake Systems (HEO152)
- GPS for Earthmoving (HEO161)
- Hydraulics for Operators (HEO171)
- Safe Operating Techniques for Heavy Equipment (HEO181)
- Blueprints & Grade Stakes for Earthwork (HEO202)
- Bulldozer & Track Loader Operation (HEO211)
- Operation of Trenching Equipment (HEO220)
- Haul Truck & Final Grade Equipment Operation (HEO231)
- Directed Elective Heavy Construction Equipment Technology (HYE)
- Forklifts, Mobile Elevated Work Platforms & Scissor Lifts (HEO204)
Perspectives are points of view, offering a variety of ways of understanding, interacting, and influencing the world. Students identify, explain, and utilize the approaches used by academics and professionals to study, analyze, or understand problems, and offer solutions.
Featured Videos
Being a heavy equipment operator is more than just moving dirt. In this virtual tour, you’ll meet instructor Ryan Peck, dig into program details, check out the latest equipment, and get a bird’s eye view of the 125-acre worksite.
Check out how students develop their skills at our 125-acre worksite featuring 45-plus machines. And learn how the hands-on nature of the degree makes graduates prime candidates for enriching workforce opportunities.
Tour Schedule
Seeing is believing.
Think Penn College might be a good fit for you? Make plans to visit and discover what hands-on learning is all about. Academic Tours allow you to explore labs and get to the core of your future program. If you’re looking for a deeper dive into your academic area of interest, opt for a Self-Scheduled Personal Tour. Comprehensive COVID-19 safety protocols are in place.
Jul 23
Open House
Saturday, July 238:30 AM - 2:30 PM Eastern Time (U.S.)
Jul 29
Open House
Friday, July 298:30 AM - 2:30 PM Eastern Time (U.S.)
More tour dates are on the way.
But let's customize a tour for you now. Call, chat, or email for options.
Need a different date?
Let's customize a tour for you now. Call, chat, or email for options.
If you can't attend any of these dates Contact Admissions at 570.320.2400
