Our heavy equipment operator program offers a 6-week equipment operator certification. It includes the operation of backhoes, bulldozers, excavators and five other types of equipment. With experienced, professional instructors we prepare truly valuable operators with the real world skills, knowledge and certification necessary to succeed in the nation’s fastest – and constantly – growing industry.
All HCA programs are delivered in a way that the “hands on” learner can really grasp. A dynamic combination of classroom instruction, field demonstrations and, most importantly, in-the-seat training affords students of all academic abilities the opportunity to immediately apply newly learned skills and rapidly reach proficiency.
We are continuously monitoring and adapting our curriculum to best suit our students for current industry demands. This will ensure that no matter when you attend HCA you will never be using outdated or irrelevant techniques.
Our heavy equipment training programs are the perfect place to start if you’re seeking a career in construction or a heavy equipment operator job. Upon completion of the program you will be certified on these 8 pieces of heavy equipment:
HCA is approved by the NHSAA Office to administrate VA Educational Benefits for eligible students. The VA makes eligibility determinations and students that believe they may be eligible for benefits under the GI Bill® should seek determination from the VA. ‘‘GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.”
The work of Military-Transition.org helps service members, veterans, spouses and employers better understand and prepare for the military-to-civilian transition process and civilian employment. Today’s service members continue to face similar transition related challenges and one-size-fits-all solutions aren’t effective. Our goal is to provide better solutions. We provide relevant data and insights through interactive databases, info-graphics, and reports that help guide decisions about the transition and civilian employment. For more information visitwww.Military-Transition.org
We partnered with Climb because they’re focused on financing career-advancing education like Heavy Construction Academy, and helping people who want career elevation and increased earning power to own their next chapter.
Climb offers:
A 5-minute online application with the ability to add a cosigner and no impact to credit score* — so you can apply with multiple co-signers to see your best offer.
Instant decisions 90% of the time, with the ability to accept and e-sign your documents in just a few clicks
Friendly and responsive customer service available by email and instant chat from 9am to 9pm Eastern
Best decision I ever made. Extremely knowledgeable staff and instructors. Exceptional equipment with plenty to go around. And an expert career services team that helped me get an amazing job. I cant even begin to express how happy I am with this school.read more
The instructors and staff are very good at what they do. They're entire job revolves around you. You can tell through time there that each one of the instructors and staff members enjoy giving class after class valuable knowledge that those students such as myself, with take with them forever. Because of attenting this school I've got opportunities that I would have never found. I highly recommend this academy and I am thankful for their dedicated staff.read more
It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. All of the instructors were great. Lot of knowledge hands on and classroom. I’d love to do it all over again.read more
Plenty of other reviews tell you more about the school in-depth. I'm on here to tell you, if you have any thought of going here, do it. It is worth the time, and is an awesome experience. Veterans and active soldiers, it is the most painless process to get here, they know how to walk you through it.read more
I just wanted to send a quick follow-up. I hired one of your graduates and he has been an absolutely outstanding equipment operator for us! He is steady and deliberate in his movements, takes great care of our equipment/customers and has kept an outstanding attitude as we teach him our methodologies and strategies in how we operate our business. He is currently running the sales loader position at our busiest location and is doing a great job… I’ll take 2 more if him if you have them! Thanks again…read more
From day one you new you where in a great school, they keep exceeding that as the 6 weeks went along, instructors are knowledgeable, they give you all the basics and skills you need. Great school.read more
This school has gone more in depth then the military has. Lots of hands on/ stick time on all the equipment. If you have a question about something the instructors will help you to get that question answer. The instructors are very knowledgeable on all the equipment.read more
Heavy construction academy is an awsome experience, fun helpful staff, and lots of hand on training. Well worth the time and money. Thanks again hcaread more
This is a good school to attend, they have great instructors who are very knowledgeable and very helpful career services who assisted me in getting a job immediately after graduationread more
Money well spent,instructors are very knowledgeable and patient.they will teach you everything you need to know and more.also shout out to the career services ladies for them bomb resumes and those job offers.im leaving this school with 5 interviews next week. THANKS HCA!read more
Instructors are very Knowledgeable, and lessons are easy to follow. We don't share equipment so we learn on them all day. 6 weeks long but every day you learn effectively. If you are a Veteran they help you apply for the GI Bill.read more
Was the best thing I've ever done... Instructors were great, gained lots of knowledge and experience and met a lot of great people.... Career services also was a huge help as far as helping find the right place to be for work..... Would do it all again in a sec!!!!!read more
The school was really understanding when I was just there. The teachers are there for you with firm teaching understanding and great time management. The hotel was cool as long as we didn't get out of hand. Over all I would do the program again in a min.read more
I went to this training several years ago. They paid for the flight there and back, the hotel while attending, the hotel had breakfast for us every morning and lunch was provided for us at the training facility. The only thing you are responsible for is your dinner and on the weekends. The hotel we stayed in while there was close to Walmart so that we could get food while there as well as other restaurants. The training is 6 weeks and most people think that 6 weeks is a long time but with the very informative instructors in the class room and out in the field in your own equipment that 6 weeks goes fast. Each piece of equipment has a radio and at anytime you got a question instead of shutting down your machine and getting out to go ask the instructor you can just talk to him directly without anyone else knowing you are talking to them. The instructors set up exercises where they will test your knowledge and operating skills to make you a better operator. At the end of the program no you will not be a master of each piece of equipment but you will have the knowledge of that equipment and can build on that yourself in your career as a heavy equipment operator. I went to work for my local city and after 2 years I made crew chief and in the process now of becoming a field operations supervisor. I have to give credit to Heavy Construction Academy and their staff for the help along the way.read more
Excellent program, instructors are extremely knowledgeable and provide a really good learning environment both in the classroom and in the field. A majority of the time in the course is spent in your own piece of equipment which gives a lot of hands on experience.read more
It's been almost two years since I graduated from heavy construction Academy I can truly say it was the greatest decision I ever made in my entire life I was able to gain Financial stability I was able to land in the operator engineer Union I was able to pay for my wedding and my second home I owe everything to this program and they're amazing instructors push you every day to be a great operator so truly thank you Bill and Jim I hope you're both doing well say every morning how much I really miss school and how much fun I truly had so if you're having any thoughts about checking out this program I highly recommend you do is it really will change your liferead more
To be honest I don’t know what was better the instructors or the stick time. The instructors try their best to keep things interesting. I learned most of what I have needed from Bill and Nate in level 1 and Jim and Rick in level 2. One of the best choices I have made, minus the -19 degree weather in the winter, but even then they were very accommodating for us that weren’t use to the cold like them. Overall 5 out of 5 stars hands down. Oh and they helped me find a awesome job making killer pay for where I live.read more
This school is top notch I have had the best experiences here between the instructors, equipment, training, safety and accommodations. I would recommend this school to anyone who is looking to learn a skill that will provide you with the opportunity to have a career that is not only rewarding but pays well. I know this school has given me purpose, drive, and the comradery that I was missing since leaving the service but most importantly it’s given me a chance to make a better life for myself and my family!Thanks HCA sincerely Alex LaBierread more
This is a great program for veterans I went here and it gave me the basic knowledge to get into the career I wanted. The instructors are very knowledgable and have no problem taking the time to show you something if you have a question. I wasnt lucky enough to get a job right out of school but was able to get in construction as a laborer operator and get some seat time .I currently do water main services making 56.00 an hour. I highly recommend this program keep up the good work guysread more
School was awesome an the instructors an the whole staff. I was just trying to gain knowledge but i gained lifetime relationships with great people HCA really saved my life an im forever thankful for everyone who helped me become a better man an father with a career now so i can show my family an friends its more to life then the streets.... Im a heavy equipment operator now ✊💪💯read more
Fantastic experience, Awesome instructors such as ...Bill, Nate, Jim, and Rick. They gave me alot of 1 on 1 training to hone in my skills as an operator. From everything I learned to everyone in career services, this school is everything I was looking for in a trade school. Every student is in their own piece of equipment everyday, and rotate equipment everyday as well. This school will teach you everything you need to know about being a safe/quality operator. But nothing they teach you means anything unless you apply yourself both in class and in career Services. If you read a bad review on this school its because that person didn't apply herself/himself and didn't take it seriously. But all things aside, I would recommend this school to anyone who is serious about starting a new career and new life as a heavy equipment Operator. I also want to wish the school continued success in the future, I appreciate the opportunities given to me as well. Thank you HCA, your school definitely changed my whole outlook on life as an operator!!!! - Terrence Hellerer class of February 2019read more
Congradulations to the graduating class of February 1st 2019 at the heavy construction academy brentwood N.H . Wish i could've been there today . Also i wish to throw out a special thank you to the 4 great instructors i had the opportunity to have been guided and trained by . To Bill and Nate the instructors of level 1 ...aswell asTo Jim and Rick the instructors of level 2Thank you guys for setting the foundation of our (my) learning experience as well as helping to build confidence in operating heavy equipment from the first to the last peice of equipment you trained us(me) on in level 1 & level 2 . It helped 100% getting our class ( me) ready for any carreer as an operator that will follow after we (i) leave to find our (my)way onto the worlds jobsite. Thank you to Jim and An extra special thank you to Rick for acting as a councilor for me(even though thats not in the job decription) in a dark time when i needed to hear positive things surrounding my family medical situation . Everything was taken in and you helped me to ease the pain i was feeling deeply about . Ps i hope they fix your bus 😁Also the career services department,Dr. Anderson and Sheila were very informative and helpful . Even though my computer skills are very under par the worked with me and never gave up trying to help me to navigate the searches and getting my resume out into the hands of prospective employers online myself . Thank you to everyone at heavy construction academy .David Grimsleyread more
The school was great. The instructors, bill, Nate, Jim, and rick are great they are very patient with you and whatever kind of question you asked they knew the right answer. The heated cabs in all the machines are very nice as I went in October and it was pretty chilly out. The lunches they provide for you is the same thing every week just on different days.. also the hotel they put you in is an absolute dump. Place was so disgusting and dirty, couldn’t wait to get out of there, breakfast at the hotel sucked too. Other than that, I had a great time at HCA would recommend to anyone who wants to get into a machine and start their career. Thanks to everyone.read more
This is the best operating school in the nation. Period. You are always in a machine, learning from the best. If you want to get into the industry and start making a name for yourself, or are just looking for a new direction, whatever brings you here, this is the place to learn heavy equipment. It is a 10/10. A+. You get what you put in, so if you come here to learn and work hard, you're on track to become a real operating talent.Go to HCA, you won't regret it. Daniel Carney(Graduating class of November 2017)read more
I enjoy going to see Sheila, Chris and Ken up in Career Services. They always had possible job leads for me, were very patient when I was unsure on where I wanted to end up, and helpful with the cold calling. They also create a sick resume for you in the first week. What!?!?!?! Thanks guys!read more
This School is worth the training, Bill, Nate, Jim, and Rick are the best instructors around and they know their stuff. If the intricacies were different this school wouldn’t be able to function. If you know nothing about Heavy equipment this is the place to go to get the knowledge and stick time. They emphasized on Safety, and made sure you followed that up with quality work...... nothing against the instructors or training..... Now on the other hand they WAY OVERCHARGE FOR PPE, they charged me for $225 for a pair of boots I could have bought for $85! The boot truck women was snarky I tried to order a different set she made it very difficult to the point where I took the size they had... over charged for your $1 safety glass, overcharged on hard hat and vest... YOUTUBE IS MISLEADING THEY SAID ELECTRIC GREASE GUNS BUT THEY GIVE NOTHING. Career services is just as good as a computer because their partnerships are non existent and not once was I offered anything. Main guy is great at shooting your dreams out of the sky, shiela is possibly the only hope for career services. I found my job interviews on my own. That being said I know I paid for the training but they definitely made it sound like they were going to do more work than They did. For $18,700 the lunch taste good if you can get what you want we had to fight for the same old boring food everyday, there was no choices, somedays I did not eat. There were 27 students in my class so for $504,900 we should at least have a choice. The owner seemed ok, wasn’t around really. THE HOTEL SUCKS, MISLEADING, HOTEL STEALS OUT OF YOUR ROOM, MOLD UNDER ALL SINKS.read more
The instructors are beyond patient. Bill, Nate, Jim, and Rick. Thank you all for your time and commitment to getting us as much seat and stick time as possible. This wouldn't have been possible without you guys. Thank you to career services for your hard work in finding leads. If you are interested in HEO, come here.read more
Very Great school graduated in December 2015. I Have been running equipment every since was the best decision I ever made to go and get the knowledge from HCA. I would recommend this school to anyone that doesn't mind getting a little dirty and have a great career not just another job in the construction industry. Thanks for everything HCAread more
My experience here at the HCA was tremendously adequate. I enjoyed every single aspect of the time spent here. From the classroom modules, to the outside field projects. The instructors were hands-on. They really cared about your success and about how to make you as successful as possible. I would recommend this academy to any and everyone that's considering the engineering field. Its an excellent way to get your foot in the door and get started on a great career.read more
This school is wonderful. They are very patient, they teach everything you'll need to know to get you started. I graduated in April of 2018....i know have a job in Colorado...making REALLY good money. Thank you for everything.read more
I would absolutely recommend the heavy construction academy to anyone interested in this career field. From the instructors to the career center and finance office, you are taken care of every step of the way. They want you to succeed, but you will have to put some work in, yourself if you truly want to be successful.read more
It was a great experience. I now have the knowledge of safety operation of heavy equipment and base of blueprint and excavation math. I now have a great career path based on being certified operatorread more
I came to the HCA in January to change my career path and it's one of the best decisions I've made. The instructors take the time to make sure you know what you're doing and encourage you to ask your questions. They have great senses of humor and will laugh with you. If you're in a piece of equipment and are unsure about what you're doing, there's a radio so you can talk to the instructor, and that radio was my best friend for my first few weeks when everything was so new. (Poor Bill. He and Kevin were incredibly patient.) I had an awesome group of classmates and have made some lifelong friends. I was the only woman in a class of 23, but I felt welcome and accepted from Day 1. The instructors and my "pack" really brought out the best in me. The Career Services office was a great help in finding work in a new field, and Lori was fantastic as we worked together on my resume. My biggest fear before deciding to enroll was whether I'd be employable, but I had a job offer the day before graduating the program. I start my new job soon, and I'm wicked excited!read more
Thank you for reaching out and handling what happened during my time there in a professional manner. I very much appreciate the coverage of all the expenses and thank you for doing so. In light of this, I will happily change my rating.read more
Best decision I’ve ever made. Great school if you like to get your hands dirty and operate equipment everyone there is very open minded and will step out of their way to help you find a job and help you do basically anything that needs to be done!! Thank you guys for giving me a wonderful opportunity. I hope everyone thinking about going goes you won’t regret it!read more
This was an amazing school! The instructors Bill, Nate, Jim and Craig are top notch! They explained everything clearly and made it all understandable. If you have a question they do not hesitate answering and taking the time that you understand. Career services is stellar when it comes to writing resumes and helping in job searching I came home after 6 weeks to a job with other perspective employers wanting to interview for other operating positions. If you're interested do it! It's worth the effort! It'll change your life for the betterread more
Great school! The instructors are amazing and have so much knowledge they can answer any and all questions you may have! Career services do an outstanding job with your resume and assisting in your job search!read more
The school is a very professional atmosphere. Every aspect of the of the program was well designed and completely helpful. From the beginning Michelle helped me with my VA package to get me enrolled and was exceptionally knowledgeable with the whole process. The instructors were professional and knowledgeable with the field and were very approachable with any and all questions. Each instructor complemented the others teaching style which made the learning very comfortable, especially the field experience. Ralph, the owner was genuinely concerned with the learning experience of the students and the quality of the education. I would highly recommend this program to anyone who is interested in the field and who wants to come out of it with a feeling of confidence for getting a job. I have several companies competing for my employment!read more
Our heavy equipment operator program offers a 6-week equipment operator certification. It includes the operation of backhoes, bulldozers, excavators and five other types of equipment. With experienced, professional instructors we prepare truly valuable operators with the real world skills, knowledge and certification necessary to succeed in the nation’s fastest – and constantly – growing industry.
