Q. Do I need a driver’s license?
A. Yes, a valid class 5 driver’s license is required.
Q. How long is the course?
A. The course is 240 hours in duration, covered within a 4-6 week period. Actual course time may vary and is subject to change at the discretion of OETIM Inc.
Q. What kind of certification will I get once I complete the course?
A. There is no such thing as certification in heavy equipment training, as it is not an apprenticeable trade (i.e. there is no Red Seal in heavy equipment operation).
Upon completion of our course, you will receive a certificate of achievement that is recognized throughout Canada and North America. This is an advantage since heavy equipment operators are often hired on a project-by-project basis, and are frequently required to travel to be closer to the jobsite.
More information about heavy equipment operators is available here:
Manitoba Job Futures
Q. Where is the training site?
A. We have a mobile training facility and are equipped to offer training in remote communities. As well, we have a permanent training site at St. Andrews airport 9kms north of Winnipeg on Highway 9.
Q. When is your next course?
A. We run courses based on demand. We do not run on a set schedule due to the high cost of running this type of training. We require a minimum amount of students to start a course. If we don’t have it, we don’t run one.
However, we encourage you to check back often as we post the dates for our orientation sessions well in advance on OETIM.com. You will need to sign up for the orientation which can be done using our online registration form.
Q. This type of training is expensive, can I get a student loan?
A. Because of the short duration of the course, you will not be eligible to get a federal or provincial student loan.
Q. Do you offer financing?
A. We do not offer financing. We encourage you to explore your own funding options.
Q. Once I've completed your course, do you offer job placement?
A. We cannot guarantee job placement, however, we can help the individual find employment through our contacts in the industry. In order to be considered for this type of opportunity, the individual needs to be motivated and show initiative.
Q. What types of equipment will I be trained on?
A. You will be trained on the following machines, with equal time allotted to each student*:
o Excavator
o Dozer (track-type tractor)
o Motor Grader
o Six-wheel-drive articulating rock truck
o Front end loader*
o Scraper*
*Equipment may vary depending on availability.
Q. Is there a high demand for heavy equipment operators?
A. Due to the amount of heavy construction projects that are currently underway in the province of Manitoba and throughout Canada, there is always a need for more qualified operators. The industry is forecast to have work for a minimum of 10 years.
The employment rate for our graduates is 86% as of October 2008.
More information on employment in the construction industry is available here:
Construction Sector Council
Q. Will there be heavy lifting?
A. There is no heavy lifting required, but you should be able-bodied and in good health.
Q. What makes a good Heavy Equipment Operator?
A. You have to have good hand-eye coordination, be mechanically inclined, patient, able to work in extreme conditions.
Q. Is there a minimum educational requirement?
A. You need at least a grade 9 (senior 1) education to be eligible for Heavy Equipment Training. We need a copy of your transcript and you will be required to complete an assessment test.
Q. If accepted, are there any additional requirements before I can start the training?
A. You will need to provide your own CSA approved PPE (personal protective equipment).
Q. How do I apply?
A. Fill out the Heavy Equipment Operator Course Application Form and fax or mail it to:
Operating Engineers Training Institute of Manitoba Inc.
1008A Wall Street Winnipeg, Manitoba R3G 2V3
Phone: (204) 775-7059 | Fax: (204) 772-6041