PROGRAMS

Two Paths to Get You Job-Site Ready

Hands-on instruction, real equipment, and a curriculum built around safety and professionalism.

8-Week Heavy Equipment Operator Program

An intensive 320-clock-hour program combining classroom instruction with hands-on training, built to prepare students for entry-level work operating heavy equipment.

DURATION
8 Weeks (320 Clock Hours)

EQUIPMENT
Hands-on training on 6 pieces of heavy equipment

DAILY SCHEDULE
Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM

CURRICULUM COVERS

  • Safety standards and job-site procedures

  • Soil mechanics

  • Blueprint reading

  • Grade staking

  • Equipment inspection and maintenance

CREDENTIALS

  • AHEA Certificate of Completion, plus a wallet-size license card listing certified equipment

  • OSHA 10

  • OSHA 30 (Construction Industry)

  • Opportunity to earn NCCER Heavy Equipment Operator certification

TUITION

  • With Lodging: $18,500 — Includes lodging and two meals a day, Monday through Friday. Breakfast is provided at the lodging; AHEA provides lunch.

  • Without Lodging: $16,500 — No lodging or meals provided.

PLACEMENT FEE

$200 non-refundable to secure your class date

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Custom Course

A focused, 6-week program for students who already know which single piece of equipment they want to train on.

DURATION
6 Weeks (240 Clock Hours: 80 Classroom + 160 Hands-On)

EQUIPMENT
Choose one piece of equipment: Bulldozer, Excavator, Wheel Loader, Backhoe, Skid Steer, or Telehandler

DAILY SCHEDULE
Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM

CURRICULUM COVERS

  • OSHA 10

  • OSHA 30 (Construction Industry)

  • Blueprint reading and grading

  • Job safety analysis (JSAs) and site planning

  • Trenching, bell holes, steps, and beaver slides

  • Equipment inspections and attachment changeovers

CREDENTIALS

  • AHEA Certificate of Completion

  • OSHA 10

  • OSHA 30 (Construction Industry)

  • Opportunity to earn NCCER Heavy Equipment Operator certification

TUITION

Tuition: $10,500

Lodging & Meals: extra $2,500

PLACEMENT FEE

$200 non-refundable to secure your class date (same as the full course)

Apply Now

ALL PROGRAMS

Transportation

AHEA will provide transportation to and from Rapid City, SD and Gillette, WY, once coordinated with AHEA.

GET STARTED

Upcoming Class Dates

  • March 1, 2027


  • May 3, 2027

  • July 5, 2027

  • November 1, 2027

  • September 6, 2026

Ready to Start Your Mission?

Take the first step toward a hands-on career in heavy equipment.

Apply Now
Speak With Admissions