New Mexico, Action Plan for Implementation

New Mexico offers heavy equipment operator (HEO) training programs through a union apprenticeship with IUOE Local 953, technical/community colleges (certificate programs with hands-on focus, NCCER credentials, and often CDL integration), agency-specific trainings (e.g., for public works), and private providers. Programs emphasize hands-on operation of machinery like excavators, dozers, backhoes, loaders, graders, forklifts, scrapers, and more, often including NCCER, OSHA safety, and industry certifications for construction, energy, and infrastructure roles.

Apprenticeship Programs

Institution/Provider	Program/Courses Offered	Key Details	Website
IUOE Local 953 (Albuquerque)	Heavy Equipment Operator Apprenticeship	Multi-year earn-while-you-learn; trains on loaders, scrapers, forklifts, excavators; nondiscriminatory; paid OJT; contact for applications/testing (experienced operators may qualify faster)	https://www.operatingengineerstraining.com/ (3508 Los Picaros Rd SE, Albuquerque; 505-877-5071)

College & Technical Programs

Institution/Provider	Program/Courses Offered	Key Details	Website
San Juan College	Heavy Equipment Operator (Workforce Training)	12 weeks; hands-on with forklifts, skid steers, loaders, backhoes, dozers, trackhoes, dump trucks, utility tractors, scrapers; 12 NCCER credentials (Core, Level 1, specific machines); OSHA safety, theory, grades, earthmoving; scholarships/WIOA possible; CDL Class A recommended for better opportunities	https://www.sanjuancollege.edu/education-training/programs/heavy-equipment-operator
Navajo Technical University	CDL and Heavy Equipment Operator Technical Certificate	One-semester (33 credits); 6-week CDL component + HEO courses (maintenance, forklift, backhoe, loader, excavator, grader, dozer); age 18+, NM driver’s license, DOT medical card, clean MVR required	http://catalog.navajotech.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=2&poid=70
Luna Community College	Heavy Equipment Certificate	Level-based (100/200 field-taught); specific equipment operation and skills	https://luna.edu (check current catalog/programs)

Agency & Specialized Training

Institution/Provider	Program/Courses Offered	Key Details	Website
New Mexico LTAP (UNM, partnership with ATS)	Heavy Equipment Training	5 days; classroom + on-machine + certification; targeted at local agencies (hosting required); $100/person; 2 per machine max	https://ltap.unm.edu/training/heavy-equipment-training.html

Private Training Providers

Institution/Provider	Program/Courses Offered	Key Details	Website
All Purpose Heavy Equipment Training	Machine-specific courses (e.g., Skid Steer, Backhoe, Loader, Excavator, Dump Truck, Bulldozer, Grader, Roller Compactor, Trench Shoring)	Hands-on, OSHA-compliant; real-world jobsite + evaluation; flexible scheduling (individual/group, Train-the-Trainer); Albuquerque area; minimum enrollment required	https://allpurposeheavyequipmenttraining.com/locations/nm/heavy-equipment-training-albuquerque-nm.php

Programs vary in cost (apprenticeship paid; colleges low/with funding possible; agency low; private higher but flexible/shorter), duration, and requirements (e.g., age 18+, driver’s license/CDL prep, physical/drug screen for many). No dedicated Job Corps heavy equipment operator programs were identified in New Mexico. Contact providers directly for current applications, funding (e.g., WIOA via New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions), schedules, or eligibility, or check NM DWS apprenticeship listings for additional opportunities.