TT
TalkTheTrade
Heavy Equipment
beginner

Heavy Equipment Operations 101

Excavators, Dozers, Graders & Loaders

Enter the high-demand world of heavy equipment operations. This comprehensive course covers everything from basic machine controls to advanced techniques used on construction sites, mining operations, and civil projects. Learn from veteran operators with decades of field experience.

12 weeks7 modules · 26 lessonsSelf-Paced

Course Preview

What You'll Learn

Operate excavators, dozers, and loaders safely
Understand hydraulic systems and controls
Perform daily equipment inspections (walk-arounds)
Apply OSHA safety standards on job sites
Communicate effectively with ground crews and spotters
Qualify for entry-level operator positions
Read grade stakes and understand site plans
Master radio etiquette and hand signals
Know the difference between tracks vs tires for each job
Build a resume that gets you hired in heavy equipment

Who This Course Is For

  • Anyone curious about starting a trade career
  • Career changers exploring new opportunities
  • Students researching skilled trade options

Course Curriculum

7 modules • 26 lessons • 12 weeks total

Welcome to the Iron

2 hours
What Is Heavy Equipment (Really)?25 minutes
Who Runs This Stuff?20 minutes
Money Talk: What Equipment Jobs Pay15 minutes
Module 1 Quiz10 minutes

Know Your Iron

3 hours
Machine Lineup35 minutes
Slang School30 minutes
Tracks vs Tires25 minutes
Attachments & Add-ons30 minutes
Module 2 Quiz15 minutes

Your First Job

2.5 hours
Greenhand Reality Check30 minutes
Swamper Skills35 minutes
Site Etiquette 10125 minutes
Get Respect Fast30 minutes
Module 3 Quiz15 minutes

Safety Without Being Boring

2.5 hours
Spotter Talk30 minutes
PPE & Paperwork35 minutes
Jobsite Hazards35 minutes
Module 4 Quiz15 minutes

Talk the Talk

2 hours
Shop Talk vs Site Talk30 minutes
Radios, Calls, and Crew Lingo35 minutes
Slang-Off Challenge25 minutes
Module 5 Quiz15 minutes

Rookie Field Training

2+ hours
Rookie Simulator - Field Scenarios120+ minutes

Choose Your Track

1.5 hours
Where to From Here?30 minutes
Resume & Job Board Basics25 minutes
Final Quiz & Certificate35 minutes

Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Physical fitness for equipment operation
  • Basic mechanical aptitude
  • Valid driver's license
  • Ability to work outdoors in various weather

How This Course Was Built

This course was developed by TalkTheTrade using industry research, government data, and input from working tradespeople.

$79$297
Save $218

30-day money-back guarantee

This course includes:

Equipment simulator access
CDL preparation included
Union partnership program
Regional job board access
Safety certification prep
Resume & interview coaching
Lifetime course updates
Mobile app access
12 weeks
Duration
26
Lessons
Certificate
Included
Resources
Downloadable
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