First-Year Apprentice Heavy Equipment Operator (Dozer) (no experience needed!)

• Building the life you want starts with acquiring skills that are in demand.
• As a certified tradesperson, career potential is unlimited. 
• It all starts with apprenticeship; a unique opportunity to earn and learn while building your career.

British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA) Apprenticeship Services is launching a major industry-wide drive supporting small and medium construction employers to hire and register first-year apprentices.

This province-wide recruitment drive is administered by BCCA as part of the BCCA Apprentices Services campaign. BCCA is launching a 22-month campaign funded by the Government of Canada’s Apprenticeship Service to enable small and medium-sized employers in BC’s construction industry to hire and register first-year apprentices. As part of the service to employers, BCCA will build a pool of qualified jobseekers, provide culture training via its Builders Code program, and mentorship support through its new Building Builders initiative. Additional apprenticeship supports, advice, and resources will also be made available to successful job applicants.

To learn more about BCCA Apprenticeship Services, click here.

British Columbia has an increasing demand for skilled tradespeople, resulting in rewarding employment opportunities. As a first-year apprentice, you will be starting a career path towards obtaining your SkilledTradesBC trade certification. This is a great opportunity to get hands-on training while receiving a competitive wage for your work!

A typical day as a heavy equipment operator involves operating various large construction equipment. In BC, heavy equipment operators can obtain a Certificate of Qualification from SkilledTradesBC as a heavy equipment operator with an endorsement for specific equipment. The endorsement is issued based on hours completed working in the machine as an apprentice.

Heavy equipment operators with a dozer endorsement move, spread, and strip earth, rock, gravel, or other materials during construction or activities such as logging or snow clearing.

Day-to-day as an apprentice you could be:

• Operating a bulldozer to excavate, move, load, and grade earth, rock, gravel, or other materials 
• Doing pre-operational checks, daily maintenance, and troubleshooting on equipment including cleaning, lubricating, and refilling fluids
• Cutting, filling, and creating specific slope and ditch profiles
• Spreading ballast and aggregate materials
• Working according to Worksafe BC Standards, applying Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, and donning Personal Protective Equipment

BCCA Apprenticeship Services is looking for applicants interested in pursuing a career in construction as a first-year apprentice heavy equipment operator (dozer). The ideal candidate should be interested in starting a career path towards certification as a heavy equipment operator (dozer) and should be motivated to learn, reliable, and hardworking.

To succeed as a first-year apprentice heavy equipment operator (dozer), you: 

• Must have a valid BC driver’s license 
• Communicate, work well with others, and follow directions well 
• Have good dexterity and like to work with your hands
• Enjoy working indoors or outdoors in all seasons 
• Like to solve problems and build solutions
• Are physically fit with stamina for manual labour
• Have experience using hand and power tools
• Are willing to follow safety guidelines at all times
• Understand basic math
• Have strong attention to detail
• Are in good physical condition with good endurance
• Are able to lift up to 50 lbs
• Have tolerance for dust, heat, and working alone in the dozer cab

Other qualifications can include (but are not required):

• Hands-on experience working with machinery, vehicles, or equipment, and/or building construction
• Occupational First Aid training, SiteReadyBC certification, or Transportation of Dangerous Goods certification
• High school diploma and/or completion of the Road Builder and Heavy Construction Foundation Training or Level 1 Heavy Equipment Training from a SkilledTradesBC recognized post-secondary institution
• Prior experience in construction (hobbies, summer jobs, or volunteer activities), agriculture or forestry, manufacturing, marine services or fisheries, municipal work, or other non-construction trades are a bonus

An apprenticeship offers a pathway to a successful career in construction. You will earn an income while gaining work-based training hours, education, and certification. Apprentices are eligible for government grants, tax credits, and employment insurance while attending training. This can help you offset the cost of training and certification and allow you to complete your apprenticeship and minimize student debt.

For more information on the benefits of apprenticeship, see SkilledTradesBC’s Apprentice Guidebook.
The starting hourly rate for first-year apprentices is usually between $17-$22/hour. It is determined by each employer and can vary depending on skills, location, and your experience. As a first-year apprentice new to a trade it is customary to begin at the bottom of the pay range but as you ‘earn and learn’ on the job, your pay will increase as you progress in your apprenticeship.

If this sounds like you, and you want to start your career in construction, we encourage you to apply today!

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