Job requirements Skid-steer Loader Operator in Canada

Find out what you typically need to work as a skid-steer loader operator in Canada. These requirements are applicable to all Heavy equipment operators (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 and/or license from a regulatory authority (or become registered as an apprentice) before you start working. Find out if this occupation is regulated and contact the regulatory authority to learn about the certification and/or licensing process.

Get your foreign credentials recognized in Canada

If you are a newcomer and want to work in a regulated job, you must have your training, education or work experience from another country assessed. This shows if your qualifications are recognized in Canada. This process is called foreign credential recognition.

The steps to get a license or certification are different in each province or territory. You will need to contact the regulatory authority where you want to work to learn what to do.

Did you know?

Getting your qualifications recognized and obtaining a professional license or certification in Canada can take time, money, and effort. If you need help, you can:

British Columbia

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

New Brunswick

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

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

Prince Edward Island

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

Québec

Job title Heavy Equipment Operator
Regulated
Job title Shovel Operator
Regulated

Source Foreign Credential Recognition Program - ESDC

Red Seal endorsement

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This job is eligible for Red Seal endorsement in some provinces and territories

When you get a Red Seal endorsement on your trade certificate, it lets employers know that you meet the national qualification standards for workers in your trade. Learn more about the Red Seal endorsement.

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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