The Heavy Equipment Operator Program, also known as the HEO program has been offered through Southeast College since the late ‘90’s. The program consists of 20 hours of classroom learning and 180 hours of hands on practical learning. Southeast College partners with local communities, rural municipalities and other organizations to provide the practical hands on learning projects for the course. Southeast College has scheduled two upcoming HEO programs in the Weyburn area, partnering with the City of Weyburn.
City of Weyburn’s director of engineering, Sean Abram stated that the partnership between the City of Weyburn and Southeast College in operating the HEO program had great value and mutual benefits to both parties. “The City encourages and supports interactive communication with Southeast College and places high value on the educational opportunities available through the College. By partnering with the College, we (the City) play an active part in helping participants gain new skills — skills that are employable to the City of Weyburn.”
Abram also commented on the benefits the City realizes when partnering with the College, “By providing the site/project for the program, we are able to stock pile materials that we frequently use, without having to dedicate staff to do so, leaving them to other work.”
“Our sites are well maintained and groomed by the HEO participants,” who will be certified to operate two pieces of heavy equipment on the completion of the program.
The partnership between the College and City is simple, the City provides the site/project and some disposable materials, while the College provides the instructor, participants and equipment.
Sean has been quick to say that the City of Weyburn is always willing to play an active part in supporting the community and the businesses within it. By working with the College their partnership creates opportunities that would not otherwise be recognized in this area.
Cindy Herberholz, campus manager of the Weyburn College is grateful to have to opportunity to work with the City, in building a lasting relationship. The College would also like to acknowledge Don Kraft, general manager of the Prairie Sky Co-op and the contributions the Co-op has made towards the Weyburn HEO program.
The Heavy Equipment Operator Program can accept up to six participants. Three pieces of heavy equipment are used and each participant is certified on two pieces of equipment. Possible job opportunities could include: RM’s, cities and towns, road construction, oil patch, landscaping, farms, pipelines.
Weyburn has two scheduled programs for 2016: July 27th to August 26th, and August 29th to September 30th. The three pieces of equipment that will be used in both programs are: dozer, excavator and grader.
The Southeast College is proud to be the trainer of choice in Southeast Saskatchewan, serving approximately 8,000 learners and producing over 5,000 graduates annually. The College contributes over $19 million to the region’s GDP and offers innovative and flexible programming that encourages students to learn where they live.
