Course Description

Overview
McKenzie College has identified the need to train people as operators for class dump trucks and earth moving equipment such as the Backhoe and Mini Excavator. The combination of these skills is highly employable in Cape Breton by a wide variety of employers. Employers in Cape Breton have identified that employees that have the ability to multi-task with both commercial driving skills and heavy equipment operation training are needed in the local area.

The McKenzie College Earthmoving Operator program is designed for those students who wish to obtain a Class 3, Nova Scotia license, specifically for the operation of Dump Trucks for both on-road and off-road applications. Students will also learn to operate the Backhoe and Mini Excavator, commonly used by municipal public works departments, general contractors, snow removal and landscaping companies.

 

Trucking Career Opportunities
The McKenzie College Class 3 Earthmoving Program is designed for those students who wish to obtain a Class 3, Nova Scotia license for “straight trucks,” including delivery trucks, dump trucks, water trucks, waste trucks and concrete mixers. The program includes preparation for the Nova Scotia Air Brake test, professional driving skills instruction for both urban and rural driving.

 

What makes our program unique?
The McKenzie College Earth Moving program is the only program available in the industrial area of Cape Breton. We offer a 10-week program that includes extensive practical experience and hands on training for Class-3 dump truck, backhoe and mini excavator. Our program includes air-brake instruction as part of the program and students do not have to write their air-brake certificate before enrolling in the program.

We have developed the Earth moving Operator program to address a wide range of job descriptions in the construction industry. Students receive industry recognized safety certifications needs by most employers in the transportation sector. By including heavy eqquipment operation and training as part of our program we teach students skills not found in other driving-only programs.

 

Facilities
Professional instructors with real world experience guide the class through their daily learning process. Our downtown campus is easily accessible and we provide field training at our Sydport training center. The McKenzie College Online (online.mckenziecollege.com) student site offers online testing and 24-7 access to online educational materials.

 

Program Modules

Air Brakes * Must pass DOT testing

Pre and Post Trip Inspections

Diesels Engines

Driving Theory and Regulations

Hydraulic Components

Loading and Unloading Equipment

Yard Maneuvers

Urban Driving

Rural Driving

Dump Truck Operation

Worksite Safety

Workplace Math

Backhoe Operation

Mini Excavator Operation

Class 3 Road Test

 

Application Process
Applicants to the Earthmoving program are asked to provide the following documentation prior to receiving acceptance:

Valid Class 5 license with the N removed

Completed application form

$50.00 registration fee

Drivers abstract

Personal resume