What Is It Known For?
Heavy Equipment College in Oklahoma City, part of Heavy Equipment Colleges of America (HECA), has trained students in heavy equipment operation since 2006. As a for-profit school, they offer short but focused programs that last about three weeks. Students learn crane operation and heavy equipment skills at any of their four locations across the country.
Since day one, the Oklahoma City campus has stuck to its mission of preparing graduates for real construction jobs through hands-on training. While exact enrollment numbers aren’t public, the school continues to serve students looking to start careers in heavy equipment industries.
Degrees & Certifications
The school provides a mix of hands-on and technical programs, from crane operations to HVAC/R technology. Students can pick from several certification paths and training options, including:
- Certificate of Heavy Equipment Operations – Level I/II
- HVAC/R – Heating and Air Technology Certification
- Certificate of Heavy Equipment Operations – Horizontal Directional Drilling
- Certificate of Heavy Equipment Operations – Tower Crane
- Associate of Occupational Science in Heavy Equipment
- Online OSHA Safety Training
- And Much More!
Class Schedules
Students attend all training directly on campus, where they split their time between equipment practice and classroom studies. Morning classes are standard, though several programs have evening options for working students. Weekend sessions are available for those taking continuing education courses.
While the school doesn’t mention externships in its programs, it maintains partnerships with local companies that can lead to internship opportunities for graduates.
Is It Legit?
The school maintains strong credentials, with all locations serving as approved testing sites for the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO).
Acceptance Rate
The school welcomes students who meet their basic enrollment requirements, though specific acceptance rates are not published. Interested students should review the admission requirements on the school’s website before applying.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
Tuition costs vary by program, with the Heavy Equipment Operations – I program costing $9,880 as of 2019. Since these rates may have changed and the school does not provide a net price calculator, prospective students should contact the admissions office for current program costs.
Programs & Courses
Skilled Trades
- HVAC/R
Campus Locations
Oklahoma City 6101 W. Reno Avenue, Suite 1000 | Oklahoma City, OK 73127
Stonecrest 3120 Stonecrest Blvd, Suite 220 | Stonecrest, GA 30038
San Bernardino 1955 W. 9th Street | San Bernardino, CA 92411
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, Heavy Equipment Colleges of America appears to have a mixed but generally positive reputation, particularly for the quality of its instruction. However, some criticisms point to administrative issues and a lack of job-finding support for some graduates.
Overall Score: 4.1/5 Stars
Common Praises
Excellent Instructors: Multiple reviews, including recent ones, consistently praise the instructors as “top notch” and “awesome.” Students feel well-prepared for their careers and highlight specific instructors by name, noting that they go “above and beyond” to help.
Effective Hands-On Training: Graduates mention completing courses and receiving their certifications, which they believe set them apart in the job market. One reviewer stated they landed a job making “really good money” just a week after getting their mobile crane certification.
Professional and Supportive Staff: The staff is described as professional, courteous, and dedicated to student success. A graduate from a year ago credits the staff for helping them with job applications.
Common Criticisms
Job Placement and Value: A significant criticism from a four-year-old review is that certification is not always needed to run heavy equipment, and the cost of the program may not be worth it for all students. This individual stated they couldn’t find a job after graduating. Another recent review from 10 months ago also mentions they are still looking for work and were told they were “not a good operator.”
Administrative Issues: One review from five years ago notes that when it came time to renew their certification, they “just got the run around.”
Momentum
The reviews for Heavy Equipment Colleges of America are generally positive, with strong recent feedback supporting the quality of the instructors and the value of the training. However, the school’s high rating is supported by older reviews, and there are a few recent negative comments that point to persistent issues with job placement and administrative support. The school owner is actively responding to reviews, both positive and negative, which shows a commitment to addressing student feedback.