Facilities
Hands-On Tomorrow
You will have plenty of space to hone your skills on our 125-acre heavy-equipment operations site
Heavy Construction Equipment Technology: Operator Emphasis
Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.)
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.
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, and Basic Safety (HEO100)
- Diesel Engine Fundamentals and Maintenance (HEO111)
- Heavy Equipment Electrical Systems (HEO141)
- Earthwork Site Preparation (HEO131)
- Site Engineering and Layout (HEO120)
- Introduction to Heavy Duty Powertrain and 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 and Trackloader Operation (HEO211)
- Operation of Trenching Equipment (HEO220)
- Haul Truck and Final Grade Equipment Operation (HEO231)
- Directed Elective Heavy Construction Equipment Technology (HYE)
- FORKLIFTS, MOBILE ELEVATED WORK PLATFORMS AND 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.
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. Academic Tours allow you to explore labs and get to the core of your future program. If you’re looking for a deeper dive into your academic area of interest, opt for a Self-Scheduled Personal Tour. Comprehensive COVID-19 safety protocols are in place.
Jan 28
Open House
Friday, January 288:30 AM - 2:30 PM Eastern Time (U.S.)
Feb 5
Open House
Saturday, February 58:30 AM - 2:30 PM Eastern Time (U.S.)
Feb 25
Open House
Friday, February 258:30 AM - 2:30 PM Eastern Time (U.S.)
Mar 19
Open House
Saturday, March 198:30 AM - 2:30 PM Eastern Time (U.S.)
Apr 3
Open House
Sunday, April 38:30 AM - 2:30 PM Eastern Time (U.S.)
Apr 22
Open House
Friday, April 228:30 AM - 2:30 PM Eastern Time (U.S.)
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.
If you can't attend any of these dates Contact Admissions at 570.320.2400
Upcoming Events
Explore Penn College
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.
Related Programs
Follow your passion
Student Life
Lead and put your skills to the test
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.
News
12.16.2021
Penn College hosts its first-ever CTE diesel competition
Twenty-eight students from a variety of Career and Technical Education schools participated in Pennsylvania College of ...
12.07.2021
Collaboration leads to test track for Penn College Baja team
Cross-campus collaboration has put Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Baja SAE team in the driver’s seat for this spring’s ...
11.15.2021
Excavator loan extends Volvo/Highway Equipment alliance
The loan of a Volvo Construction Equipment excavator to Pennsylvania College of Technology, facilitated by Highway Equipment & ...
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.
More Information
This major is subject to the transfer standards established by the College (see http://www.pct.edu/catalog/TransferringCredits ). Exceptions must be approved by the school dean.
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. Robert Capps, Director, Field Recruiting, Retention & Career Development, American Infrastructure, Inc.
- Mr. Bradley J Cober, Jr., '02, General Superintendent, Brubacher Excavating, Inc.
- Mr. Bryan E Frey, General Superintendent, Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc.
- Mr. Kevin Fritzinger, Equipment Manager, Independence Construction Materials
- Mr. Michael Hohl, General Manager/Owner, Lyons & Hohl, Inc.
- Mr. Mark E Keller, '87, Project Superintendent, Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc.
- Mr. Jeffrey D Lawson, Sr., Superintendent, Lycoming Supply, Inc.
- Mr. Duane R Laylon, '76, Purchasing Agent, Resource Management Services
- Mr. Max Persun, '86, Operations Supervisor, Wayne Township Landfill
- Mr. Jason F Ritchey, '94, Technology Solutions Manager, Cleveland Bros. - SITECH Allegheny
- Mr. Jeffrey Wiker, Vice President of Operations, H. L. Wiker Inc.