Online Heavy Construction Courses and Training Programs

Heavy construction courses may refer to heavy equipment operation or heavy construction engineering and management. Online courses in heavy construction equipment operation are mostly available in a hybrid format from accredited institutions. Heavy construction engineering courses are available fully online, as part of a certificate or degree program.

Overview of Online Heavy Construction Courses

Students in heavy construction equipment operation courses learn to safely operate large machinery such as bulldozers, backhoes and loaders. Due to the hands-on nature of machine operation, these courses are mostly offered in a hybrid format as part of certificate programs.
In contrast, heavy construction engineering and management courses teach students how to design and build large infrastructure, such as roads, bridges and highways. Heavy construction engineering courses are generally offered as part of more comprehensive degree program; standalone courses are available though can be more difficult to find.

Course Requirements

Students will need an Internet-ready computer with e-mail and word processing software. Audio and video may also be used for lessons. Prospective students of heavy construction equipment operation should also be physically capable of machine operation and may need to complete part of the program or course instruction on-site with actual machinery.

List of Heavy Construction Courses

Heavy Equipment Safety Course

This course, commonly part of heavy construction equipment operation programs, teaches students about safety regulations and standards in the industry. To ensure operator safety, students learn specific hand signals and communication methods.

Heavy Equipment Operation Course

In this course, students learn to operate various large machinery used in heavy construction, including earth movers, excavators and loaders. Generally these are hands-on courses, in which students visit construction sites to interact with and operate a variety of machines commonly used in heavy construction.

Heavy Equipment Maintenance Course

In this type of course, students are taught equipment and machinery maintenance and repair. The course also focuses on natural factors, such as weather, temperature and soil condition, affect equipment operation on construction sites.

Heavy Construction Project Management Course

Students enrolled in courses on heavy construction project management learn to secure large construction projects through contract bids and pricing, procurement and estimation. Students also learn how to interpret documents and contracts.

Heavy Construction Infrastructure Course

Planning and analysis of various infrastructure, such as utility systems and marine systems, are taught in this type of course. Major utility systems include water, communication and natural gas. Various materials used in heavy construction are also covered.

Heavy Construction Law and Regulations Course

Due to the detailed and encompassing nature of heavy construction projects, students need an understanding of construction laws as well as environmental and safety regulations. Students learn methods for cost-analysis and resource management.