Alfred State Heavy Equipment Operations

Heavy Equipment Operations

Application Code:
1908
Degree Received:
Associate in Occupational Studies (AOS)
Academic Department:
Building Trades
Description:
This program provides instruction in the skills required by heavy equipment operators for the light construction and heavy highway industries. Instruction is provided in the theory connected with heavy equipment operations as well as grades, soils, blueprint reading, safety, and supervision.

Programs leading to an AOS degree are hands-on programs and do not include liberal arts and sciences courses. Offered at the School of Applied Technology Campus in Wellsville, heavy equipment operations is geared toward a person who would like to enter the heavy equipment operation industry following graduation.

Classes and labs are scheduled from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. each day with a break for lunch. Each morning, one or two hours will be devoted to class lectures on subjects specific to the heavy equipment operation trade. The classroom training is then applied in a hands-on laboratory setting, or off campus at a construction site.

Entrance Requirements & Recommendations:
Recommended: Algebra (Math A)

Students will be accepted for the heavy equipment operations program based on the strength of their application. Criteria for consideration will include high school average, regents exam scores (if a New York State student), grades in related coursework, results of standardized tests (if available), and additional information provided through letters of recommendation, a personal essay indicating career goals, and a resume. Initial application review will begin on Nov. 1. Therefore, it is very important that you apply in a timely fashion and that the transcript, as well as any supporting documentation, be in the Alfred State Admissions Office prior to this date.

If space is still available after this initial review, applications will be accepted on a rolling admissions basis based on the criteria mentioned above.

Technical Standards:
Applicants in the heavy equipment operations program must meet the following physical requirements.

Must be able to lift 50 pounds to shoulder height.
Must be able to perform safely in the laboratory.
Must be able to communicate orally with a person 20 feet away.
Must be able to climb, un-aided, onto and off of equipment using three points of contact.
Must be able to stand for long periods of time.
Must be able to visually read from a blueprint or drawing.
Must be able to hear a backup warning alarm.
Features & Facilities:
On or off campus construction sites will be used for hands on instruction.

Graduation Requirements:
A student must successfully complete all courses in the prescribed four-semester program and earn a minimum cumulative index of 2.0, which is equivalent to a "C" average.

Career Opportunities:
Town, Village, County Department of Public Works
NYS Department of Transportation
Highway and Heavy Construction Companies
Mining Companies
Logging Companies
Transfer Opportunities:
Upon successful completion of this program, students may continue in Alfred State's BBA program in technology management.