Iowa Western Community College

Jan 25 – Mar 25    Monday–Thursday 8am – 1pm

This comprehensive program includes all Level 1 & 2 topics and expands into land surveying, grade control, construction drawings, excavation math, and operation of additional equipment. Students will train on skid steers, excavators, wheel loaders, dozers, backhoes, and motor graders. Students receive classroom instruction, immersive simulator training using the CM Labs Advantage simulator, and supervised field practice on actual equipment.
The program includes two full weeks—or 80 hours—of supervised field training focused on realistic construction projects and operator proficiency. 
 

Jan 25 – Feb 25 Monday–Thursday, 8am – 1pm (5 Weeks)

Iowa Western’s Heavy Equipment Operator Level 1 course prepares students for entry-level employment in construction, excavation, landscaping, utilities, agriculture, and related industries. Students receive classroom instruction, immersive simulator training using the CM Labs Advantage simulator, and supervised practice on actual equipment.

Training emphasizes job-site safety, equipment inspections, soil identification, basic earthmoving principles, and safe operation of skid steers, excavators, and wheel loaders. 

Mar 1 – Mar 25 Monday–Thursday, 8am – 1pm

This course is a bridge for Level 1 graduates. 
This comprehensive program includes all Level 1 & 2 topics and expands into land surveying, grade control, construction drawings, excavation math, and operation of additional equipment. Students will train on skid steers, excavators, wheel loaders, dozers, backhoes, and motor graders. Students receive classroom instruction, immersive simulator training using the CM Labs Advantage simulator, and supervised field practice on actual equipment.

The program includes two full weeks (combined Level 1 & 2)—or 80 hours—of supervised field training focused on realistic construction projects and operator proficiency. 

Apr 5 – June 3   Monday–Thursday 8am – 1pm (9 weeks)

This comprehensive program includes all Level 1 & 2 topics and expands into land surveying, grade control, construction drawings, excavation math, and operation of additional equipment. Students will train on skid steers, excavators, wheel loaders, dozers, backhoes, and motor graders. Students receive classroom instruction, immersive simulator training using the CM Labs Advantage simulator, and supervised field practice on actual equipment.
The program includes two full weeks—or 80 hours—of supervised field training focused on realistic construction projects and operator proficiency. 
 

Apr 5 – May 6 Monday–Thursday 8am-1pm (5 weeks)

Iowa Western’s Heavy Equipment Operator Level 1 course prepares students for entry-level employment in construction, excavation, landscaping, utilities, agriculture, and related industries. Students receive classroom instruction, immersive simulator training using the CM Labs Advantage simulator, and supervised practice on actual equipment.

Training emphasizes jobsite safety, equipment inspections, soil identification, basic earthmoving principles, and safe operation of skid steers, excavators, and wheel loaders. 

May 10 – June 3   Monday–Thursday 8am-1pm (4 weeks))

Level 2 is the bridge for Level 1 graduates
This comprehensive program includes all Level 2 topics and expands into land surveying, grade control, construction drawings, excavation math, and operation of additional equipment. Students will train on skid steers, excavators, wheel loaders, dozers, backhoes, and motor graders. Students receive classroom instruction, immersive simulator training using the CM Labs Advantage simulator, and supervised field practice on actual equipment.

The program includes two full weeks (combination of Level 1 & 2)—or 80 hours—of supervised field training focused on realistic construction projects and operator proficiency.