Colorado, Action Plan for Implementation
Colorado offers heavy equipment operator (HEO) training programs primarily through a strong union apprenticeship with the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE), state government initiatives (e.g., CDOT for public works roles), emerging community college options, and private providers. Programs emphasize hands-on operation of machinery like excavators, dozers, loaders, graders, backhoes, and dump trucks, often including OSHA safety, CDL preparation, and industry certifications.
The IUOE Local 9 apprenticeship is the flagship earn-while-you-learn program in the state, with a dedicated large-scale training site.
Apprenticeship Programs
| Institution/Provider | Program/Courses Offered | Key Details | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| IUOE Local 9 (Colorado Journeyman & Apprentice Training – CJAT) | Heavy Equipment Operator Apprenticeship | State/federal-approved; hands-on at 160-acre training site (Bennett, east of Denver) with simulators, mechanic/welding shop, variety of equipment; paid apprenticeship with benefits; options for experienced operators or full training; open Tuesday-Saturday | https://www.iuoelocal9.com/ or https://www.iuoe.org/training/local-9-heavy-equipment-operator-training-school (Training site: 41801 E Quincy Ave, Bennett, CO) |
State and Community College Programs
| Institution/Provider | Program/Courses Offered | Key Details | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) Division of Maintenance & Operations Training Academy | Heavy Equipment Operator Specialist; Snow Plow/HEO with free CDL training | Free CDL training to reduce barriers; 240+ hours field training on multiple equipment types (e.g., for maintenance/snow operations); targets state employment in transportation | https://www.codot.gov/programs/dmo/trainingacademy |
| Pueblo Community College | Heavy Equipment Operations Introduction (as part of CDOT Exploring Careers in Construction) | Basic construction skills including intro to heavy equipment; partnership with CDOT | https://pueblocc.edu/cdot |
| Colorado Mountain College (Rifle Campus) | Heavy Equipment Operating Program | New program with enrollment open for Spring 2026; classes on Fridays; details emerging | Check https://www.coloradomtn.edu/ for updates (or campus Rifle site) |
Private Training Providers
| Institution/Provider | Program/Courses Offered | Key Details | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Purpose Heavy Equipment Training | Machine-specific courses (e.g., Skid Steer, Backhoe, Front-End Loader, Excavator, Dump Truck) | Hands-on, OSHA-compliant; real-world jobsite training; flexible scheduling; locations including Colorado Springs area | https://allpurposeheavyequipmenttraining.com/locations/co/ (e.g., Colorado Springs page) |
| Total Equipment Training | Custom Heavy Equipment Operator Training | On-site or company-specific; all skill levels; comprehensive on your equipment; Denver area focus | https://totalequipmenttraining.com/ (Denver-specific) |
| Wagner Training Institute (Wagner Equipment Co.) | Heavy Equipment Operator and Technical Training | 145+ courses including operator safety and skills; Caterpillar dealer-sponsored; professional development | https://wagnerequipment.com/wagner-training-institute |
Programs vary in cost (apprenticeships/state often free/paid; private higher), duration, and requirements (e.g., driver’s license, drug test, physical). Many target high-demand sectors like construction, mining, and infrastructure. Contact providers directly for current applications, funding (e.g., WIOA), schedules, or eligibility, or check Colorado’s Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) or My Colorado Journey for additional apprenticeships and opportunities.