New York, Action Plan for Implementation

New Mexico offers heavy equipment operator (HEO) training programs through a union apprenticeship, community/technical colleges (often certificate-based with hands-on NCCER credentials and CDL options), agency trainings (e.g., for public sector), and private providers. Programs focus on operating machinery like excavators, dozers, backhoes, loaders, graders, and more, typically including NCCER, OSHA safety, and practical skills for construction, energy, and infrastructure careers.

Apprenticeship Programs

Institution/Provider	Program/Courses Offered	Key Details	Website
IUOE Local 953 (Albuquerque)	Heavy Equipment Operator Apprenticeship	Multi-year earn-while-you-learn; on-the-job training for operators, mechanics; includes loaders, scrapers, forklifts, excavators; age 18+, HS diploma/GED preferred, valid NM driver’s license, drug test/physical	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 (Farmington)	Heavy Equipment Operator (Workforce Training)	12 weeks; hands-on with forklifts, skid steers, loaders, backhoes, dozers, trackhoes, dump trucks, scrapers; 12 NCCER credentials (Core + Levels); OSHA safety, grading, earthmoving; affordable, scholarships/WIOA possible; CDL recommended	https://www.sanjuancollege.edu/education-training/programs/heavy-equipment-operator
Navajo Technical University (Crownpoint)	CDL and Heavy Equipment Operator Technical Certificate	One-semester (33 credits); combines 6-week CDL + HEO (forklift, backhoe, loader, excavator, grader, dozer); age 18+, NM driver’s license, DOT medical card, clean MVR required	http://catalog.navajotech.edu (search program)
Luna Community College	Heavy Equipment Certificate	Level-based (100/200 series, field-taught); specific equipment operation/skills; check current availability	https://luna.edu (catalog/programs)
Central New Mexico Community College (CNM)	Heavy Equipment Training (via workforce/credential programs)	Recent offerings (e.g., 2025 Industry Credential Pipeline); hands-on certifications; details vary by session	https://www.cnm.edu (search workforce/heavy equipment)

Agency & Specialized Training

Institution/Provider	Program/Courses Offered	Key Details	Website
New Mexico LTAP (UNM partnership)	Heavy Equipment Training	5 days; classroom + on-machine + certification; primarily for local government/agency staff (hosting required); low cost	https://ltap.unm.edu/training/heavy-equipment-training.html
NMDOT Training Academy	Heavy Equipment Skills & Safety Training	Quarterly courses; develops operator skills for highway/maintenance; primarily for NMDOT staff	https://www.dot.nm.gov (search Training Academy)

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)	Hands-on, OSHA-compliant; real-world jobsite + evaluation; flexible (individual/group, Train-the-Trainer); Albuquerque/Farmington areas	https://allpurposeheavyequipmenttraining.com/locations/nm/ (e.g., Albuquerque page)

Programs vary in cost (apprenticeship paid; colleges low/with funding possible; agency low/restricted; private higher but flexible/shorter), duration, and requirements (e.g., age 18+, driver’s license/CDL prep, physical/drug screen for many). 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.