Heavy Construction Equipment Technology: Operator Emphasis

Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.)
Student operating heavy equipment

About this program

When it comes to operating heavy construction equipment, there’s more than meets the eye. This comprehensive program lays the foundation for success—digging into everything from tools, hardware, and safety to site engineering and layout. And thanks to built-in electives, you can customize your experience with things like a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) license prep course, quarry operation courses, or business management and marketing lessons.

Next steps...

You're on your way to becoming a tomorrow maker.

45+

Machines for Student Use

125

Acre Operations Site

48,000

Square Feet of Lab Space

Careers

  • Heavy construction equipment operator
  • Field sales representative
Courses

At Penn College, we believe your educational experience should go beyond specialized skills. Real-world ready means taking a broader approach that builds communication skills, inspires collaboration, and encourages exploration of arts, history, and science.

​​Specialization requires in-depth knowledge and high-level proficiency. Students learn and apply major-specific concepts, skills, and methods.

  • Tools, Hardware & Basic Safety (HEO100)
  • Diesel Engine Fundamentals & Maintenance (HEO111)
  • Heavy Equipment Electrical Systems (HEO141)
  • Earthwork Site Preparation (HEO131)
  • Site Engineering & Layout (HEO120)
  • Introduction to Heavy Duty Powertrain & Brake Systems (HEO152)
  • GPS for Earthmoving (HEO161)
  • Hydraulics for Operators (HEO171)
  • Safe Operating Techniques for Heavy Equipment (HEO181)
  • Blueprints & Grade Stakes for Earthwork (HEO202)
  • Bulldozer & Track Loader Operation (HEO211)
  • Operation of Trenching Equipment (HEO220)
  • Haul Truck & Final Grade Equipment Operation (HEO231)
  • Directed Elective Heavy Construction Equipment Technology (HYE)
  • Forklifts, Mobile Elevated Work Platforms & Scissor Lifts (HEO204)

​Perspectives are points of view, offering a variety of ways of understanding, interacting, and influencing the world. Students identify, explain, and utilize the approaches used by academics and professionals to study, analyze, or understand problems, and offer solutions.

  • Environmental Science (SCI100) or
  • Physics Survey (PHS103)
  • Core Arts Perspective (ARP) or
  • Core Applied Arts Perspective (AAP) or
  • Core Global & Cultural Diversity Perspective (CDP) or
  • Core Historical Perspective (HIP) or
  • Core Social Science Perspective (SSP)

​​Foundations are the practical, intellectual, and social skills: communication, collaboration, critical and ethical thinking, quantitative thinking, and technological literacy that are crucial to every student at every stage of education and at every stage of life.

  • Information, Technology & Society (CSC124)
  • Technical Algebra & Trigonometry I (MTH123) or
  • College Algebra & Trigonometry I (MTH181)
  • English Composition I (ENL111)
  • Technical & Professional Communication (ENL201)
Featured Videos

Being a heavy equipment operator is more than just moving dirt. In this virtual tour, you’ll meet instructor Ryan Peck, dig into program details, check out the latest equipment, and get a bird’s eye view of the 125-acre worksite.

Check out how students develop their skills at our 125-acre worksite featuring 45-plus machines. And learn how the hands-on nature of the degree makes graduates prime candidates for enriching workforce opportunities.

Tour Schedule

Seeing is believing.

Think Penn College might be a good fit for you? Make plans to visit and discover what hands-on learning is all about.

Mar 1

Undergraduate Open House

Saturday, March 19 AM - 3 PM

Register

Apr 6

Undergraduate Open House

Sunday, April 69 AM - 3 PM

Register

More tour dates are on the way.

But let's customize a tour for you now. Call, chat, or email for options.

Need a different date?

Let's customize a tour for you now. Call, chat, or email for options.

Contact

Admissions Office

Industry Partners

Work with experts to become an expert

Penn College's strong partnerships impact every step of your journey – from your first day in the classroom and labs, to career placement (oftentimes before graduation) and beyond.

Komatsu logo
Volvo logo
CAT logo
Anderson logo
Hands-On Tomorrow
Facilities

Hands-On Tomorrow

You will have plenty of space to hone your skills on our 125-acre heavy-equipment operations site

Student Life

Lead and put your skills to the test

Service and Operation of Heavy Equipment Club (S&O)

Service and Operation of Heavy Equipment Club (S&O)

S&O expands learning and leadership opportunities, giving students a chance to connect with and contribute to the College and the local community.

Student Organizations at Penn College

Student Organizations at Penn College

Your college experience is about more than the classroom. Join one of 65+ clubs and organizations, or create your own.

Penn College News
10.27.2024

Diesel club's vintage Mack truck wins big again

Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Diesel Performance Club has captured another first place in drag race competition. The club's 1959 B-61 Mack drag truck, known as “Accelerated Learning,” won top honors in the “Big Rig Auto” bracket at the October Truck Fest at Island Dragway in Great Meadows, New Jersey. That victory qualified the truck for the “King of the Island” bracket race, where it finished in second place.

10.09.2024

WNEP-TV spotlights diesel drag truck

WNEP-TV reporter Mackenzie Aucker and photojournalist Tom Durant visited Pennsylvania College of Technology Wednesday to conduct interviews and capture footage for a feature on the college's diesel drag truck. The report aired on the local ABC affiliate's 5 p.m. newscast. Among those interviewed was Brad R. Conklin, instructor of diesel equipment technology, who was also interviewed by WNEP 24 years ago when he was a student working on the rig in its earliest days.

09.27.2024

Diesel drag truck victorious against ‘fastest trucks in the East’

Racing against the “fastest trucks in the East,” Pennsylvania College of Technology’s 1959 B-61 Model Mack drag truck claimed first place in the Diesel Big Rig Bracket 1 division and finished second in the “King of the Hill” grand finale at the Keystone Truckin’ Nationals, held Sept. 21 at Maple Grove Raceway in Berks County. This is the first No. 1 finish in a sanctioned competition for the college’s Diesel Performance Club and its truck, aptly named “Accelerated Learning.”

Gain global experience
Study Abroad

Gain global experience

See the world via Williamsport. Take your education abroad and get hands-on experience learning about your industry on a global scale.

Learn More

More Information

View general transfer information

You are expected to purchase your own tools which can be purchased at the College Store or through a dealer such as Sears or Snap-on. The advantage to purchasing your own tools is that the tools are yours to use during your time as a student and later as an employee. Larger specialty tools such as those used in diagnostics and testing are purchased by the College or donated by the Caterpillar dealer program for use by all students enrolled in the program.

View the Heavy Construction Equipment Technology Required Tools

Required for all labs:

  • uniform
  • leather work shoes or boots
  • yellow hard hat
  • safety glasses

Uniforms and tools are available for purchase through The College Store.

Alternative Credit refers to academic credits earned through means other than traditional college course completion, including: credit by exam, articulation, proof of competency gained in high school, work/life experience, and advanced placement.

Visit the Alternative Credit Options page for requirements and procedures and for information on credit through Advanced Placement.

  • Mr. Ben Brubacher, President, Brubacher Excavating, Inc.
  • Mr. Bradley J Cober, Jr., '02, General Superintendent, Brubacher Excavating, Inc.
  • Mr. Bryan E Frey, General Superintendent, Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc.
  • Mr. Mark E Keller, '87, Project Superintendent, Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc.
  • Mr. Max Persun, '86, Operations Supervisor, Wayne Township Landfill
  • Mr. Jeffrey Wiker, Vice President of Operations, H. L. Wiker Inc.
  • Career Fair Connections

    Career Fair Connections

    Penn College graduates are in high demand. Employer participation at the Career Fair is proof. Attracting 400+ organizations, this popular event is hosted twice per year and introduces students to all types of businesses from startups to Fortune 500 companies. 

    Learn More About Career Fair