Job requirements Heavy Equipment Operator in Canada

Find out what you typically need to work as a heavy equipment operator in Canada. These requirements are applicable to all Heavy equipment operators (except crane) (NOC 73400).

Employment requirements

This is what you typically need for the job.

  • Some secondary school education is required.
  • Completion of a one- to two-year apprenticeship program or some high school, college or industry courses in heavy equipment operating combined with on-the-job training are required.
  • Trade certification for heavy equipment operator (dozer, excavator, tractor-loader-backhoe) is compulsory in Quebec and available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Ontario.
  • Internal company certification may be required by some employers.
  • Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified heavy equipment operators upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.

Source National Occupational Classification

Professional certification and licensing

You might need to get a certification from a regulatory authority before you start working. Find out if this occupation is regulated and contact the regulatory authority to learn about the certification process.

British Columbia

Job title Heavy Equipment Operator
Regulated
Regulatory body: Skilled Trades BC

New Brunswick

Job title Heavy Equipment Operator (compaction Roller)
Regulated
Job title Heavy Equipment Operator (dozer)
Regulated
Job title Heavy Equipment Operator (excavator)
Regulated
Job title Heavy Equipment Operator (grader)
Regulated
Job title Heavy Equipment Operator (loader)
Regulated
Job title Heavy Equipment Operator (tractor Loader Backhoe)
Regulated

Nova Scotia

Job title Heavy Equipment Operator (dozer)
Regulated
Job title Heavy Equipment Operator (excavator)
Regulated
Job title Heavy Equipment Operator (tractor-loader-backhoe)
Regulated

Ontario

Job title Heavy Equipment Operator — Dozer
Regulated
Regulatory body: Ontario College of Trades
Job title Heavy Equipment Operator — Excavator
Regulated
Regulatory body: Ontario College of Trades
Job title Heavy Equipment Operator —tractor Loader Backhoe
Regulated
Regulatory body: Ontario College of Trades

Prince Edward Island

Job title Heavy Equipment Operator (dozer) (tractor-loader-backhoe)
Regulated
Job title Heavy Equipment Operator (excavator)
Regulated

Québec

Job title Forest Road Machinery Operator
Regulated
Regulatory body: Emploi Québec
Job title Shovel Operator
Regulated

Source Foreign Credential Recognition Program - ESDC

Do you want to work in another province or territory?

If you are already certified to work in a regulated occupation in your province or territory, it will be easier for you to have your certification recognized in another province or territory. See the Workers Mobility's website to learn more.

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