Heavy Equipment Operation and Maintenance

If you have a desire to operate and repair large and complex equipment, the Heavy Equipment Operation and Maintenance program is perfect for you. NCC offers the only Heavy Equipment program in Iowa. It is nationally certified by the Associated General Contractors and is recognized for excellence by the Iowa Land Improvement Contractors Association.

As a Heavy Equipment Operation and Maintenance student, you learn both the operation of heavy construction equipment and the preventative maintenance and repair of the equipment. You will be able to develop occupational skills using crawler tractors, motor graders, self-propelled scrapers, rubber-tired loaders, compaction equipment, dump trucks, backhoes, and hydraulic excavators. In addition, the program provides tractor-trailer training, which allows you to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License. Loading and safe transportation of heavy equipment to the job site is also covered. Training occurs both on campus and at various off-campus sites.

You should consider whether you meet the general occupational and program work requirements: lift at least 80 pounds, have manipulative skills to work in awkward positions to accomplish tasks, work in inclement weather, meet manufacturer limit restrictions for various pieces of equipment and peripheral devices, and are physically able to climb on and off equipment and operate standard equipment and controls.

Heavy Equipment Operation & Maintenance work is safety sensitive so you are required to submit to a drug and alcohol screening in your first term of the program. You are required to comply with the College’s Student Procedure for Drug & Alcohol Testing. You are also subject to a random selection program while enrolled in the program. This testing is similar to what is done in industry.

Heavy Equipment Operation & Maintenance students must have a valid Iowa CDL on the first day of class in the spring semester AND maintain that valid status for the remainder of the program.

Due to the increasing demand in construction employment needs, the demand for qualified equipment operators and maintenance technicians exceeds the present supply of personnel available. Student placement has been excellent both locally and nationally.