North Dakota, Action Plan for Implementation
North Dakota offers heavy equipment operator (HEO) training programs primarily through community and technical colleges (hands-on certificate or degree options), a union apprenticeship with IUOE Local 49 (covering ND, with training often at the shared regional center), and private providers (flexible, on-site or machine-specific courses). Programs emphasize operation of machinery like dozers, excavators, backhoes, loaders, graders, skid steers, scrapers, and more, often including OSHA safety, First Aid/CPR, and entry-level preparation for construction, energy, and infrastructure roles.
No dedicated Job Corps heavy equipment operator program was identified in North Dakota (the Quentin N. Burdick center focuses on other trades).
Apprenticeship Programs
| Institution/Provider | Program/Courses Offered | Key Details | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| IUOE Local 49 (covers Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota) | Heavy Equipment Operator Apprenticeship (Universal Equipment Operator) | Multi-year earn-while-you-learn (on-the-job + classroom/hands-on); prepares skilled operators/mechanics; high school pathway available for ND students (free credit toward apprenticeship); competitive entry (age 18+, driver’s license, HS diploma/GED); main training center in Hinckley, MN | https://www.local49training.org/ or https://local49.org/pathway-nd |
College Programs
| Institution/Provider | Program/Courses Offered | Key Details | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bismarck State College | Heavy Equipment Operations (Associate in Applied Science – AAS) | Hands-on training with dozer, backhoe, grader, excavator, skid steer, and others; covers operation, safety, maintenance, job site protocols; limited enrollment, fall start; physical demands (e.g., lifting 50+ lbs, outdoor work) | https://bismarckstate.edu/academics/programs/HeavyEquipmentOperator |
| United Tribes Technical College (Bismarck) | Heavy Equipment Operations (one-semester certificate) | Spring semester only; hands-on on 7 pieces: Front End Loader, Skid Steer, Bulldozer, Backhoe, Excavator, Motor Grader, Scraper; certifications: OSHA 10, First Aid/CPR; intro to welding/maintenance; physical demands (lifting 50-100+ lbs) | https://uttc.edu/academics/programs/heo |
Private Training Providers
| Institution/Provider | Program/Courses Offered | Key Details | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Purpose Heavy Equipment Training (Fargo area) | Machine-specific courses (e.g., Skid Steer, Backhoe, Front-End Loader, Excavator, Dump Truck, Bulldozer, Grader, Roller Compactor, Trench Shoring) | Hands-on, OSHA-compliant; real-world jobsite focus; flexible scheduling (individual/group, on-site/virtual, Train-the-Trainer); minimum enrollment for sessions | https://allpurposeheavyequipmenttraining.com/locations/nd/heavy-equipment-training-fargo-nd.php |
| North Dakota Safety Training | Heavy Equipment Operator Training | Available 7 days/week in cities like Dickinson, Bismarck, Minot, Williston; customizable; English/Spanish options | https://ndsafetypro.com/heavy-equipment-operator |
Programs vary in cost (apprenticeship often paid; colleges tuition-based with possible aid/funding; private higher but flexible/shorter), duration, and requirements (e.g., age 18+, driver’s license, physical/drug screen for many). Short-term or custom trainings (e.g., excavator certification via ND Safety Council) are also available. Contact providers directly for current applications (e.g., IUOE competitive/periodic), funding (e.g., WIOA grants via Job Service North Dakota), schedules, or eligibility, or check ND Department of Commerce/Workforce Development for additional opportunities.