Ready to start a career in heavy equipment operation? Our six-week program, in partnership with Vol State, NUCA of Middle TN, and Middle TN Workforce Development Academy, is 100% free and leads to certifications that will get you matched to employers upon completion. Come to a live event to learn more or call: (615) 200-0889

Academy Curriculum
Our curriculum is taught in multiple stages. Initially students will learn CORE and 3-4 classes of Level 1. Upon successful completion of this portion of the program, students will be offered an opportunity to participate in our job fair. If students are hired by one of our select member companies, the students are allowed to come back to the academy, once each month, to receive additional training over a 2-year period. This training will allow the student to complete training through Level 2 of the NCCER program.
CORE MODULES
(All students must complete CORE or have previously completed it through another NCCER Accredited Curriculum)
BUILD YOUR FUTURE IN CONSTRUCTION
ISBN 978-0-13-748338-9
(Module ID 00100) Construction is an exciting, well-paying industry that offers an abundance of career
opportunities. With a growing need for individuals who are ready to
learn while getting paid, it provides a
great fit for people of all backgrounds, skills, and strengths. Carpenter, pipefitter, welder, electrician, and crane
operator are just a few of the construction professions in high demand. This module will help you understand
the state of the industry, the job opportunities that
currently exist, and the training
options that will lead you on a path to your new construction career.
BASIC SAFETY (Construction Site Safety Orientation)
ISBN 978-0-13-748353-2
(Module ID 00101) Work at construction and industrial job sites can be hazardous.
Most job-site
incidents are caused by at-risk behavior, poor planning, lack of training, or failure to recognize the hazards. To help prevent incidents, every company must have
a proactive
safety program. Safety must be
incorporated into all phases of the job and involve employees at every level, including management.
INTRODUCTION TO CONSTRUCTION MATH
ISBN 978-0-13-748343-3
(Module ID 00102) Craft professionals rely on math to do their jobs accurately and efficiently. Plumbers calculate
pipe lengths, plan drain slopes, and interpret dimensioned plans.
Carpenters meet code requirements by using math to frame walls
and ceilings properly. HVAC professionals
develop ductwork and calculate airflow
with practical geometry. Whichever craft lies
in your future, math will play a role in it. This module reviews the math
that you will need and sharpens the
skills that you will be using in the exciting modules ahead.
INTRODUCTION TO HAND TOOLS
ISBN 978-0-13-748345-7
(Module ID 00103)
Every profession
has its
tools. A surgeon uses a scalpel, an instructor uses a whiteboard, and an
accountant uses a
calculator. The construction crafts require
a broad
array of
hand tools. Even if you are familiar with some
of the tools, all craftworkers need to
learn how to select, maintain, and use them safely. A quality hand tool may cost more up front, but if it is properly used and maintained, it will last for
years. A true craft professional invests wisely in hand tools,
and uses,
maintains, and stores them with the same
wisdom.
INTRODUCTION TO POWER TOOLS
ISBN 978-0-13-748348-8
(Module ID 00104) Power tools play an important role in the construction industry. Thousands of construction
workers across the world use power
tools every day to make holes, cut different types of materials, smooth rough surfaces, and shape a variety of
products. Regardless of their specialization, all construction workers eventually
use power tools on their job. This module provides
an overview of the common types of power tools and how they function. It
also describes
the proper
techniques required to ensure their safe and efficient operation.
INTRODUCTION TO CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS
ISBN 978-0-13-748352-5
(Module ID 00105) Various types of construction drawings are used to represent actual components of a building
project. The drawings provide specific
information about the locations of the parts of a structure, the types of materials to be used, and
the correct layout of the building. Knowing the purposes of the
different types of drawings and
interpreting the drawings correctly are important skills for
anyone who works in the construction trades. This module introduces common types of construction drawings,
their basic components, standard
drawing elements, and measurement tools that are typically used when working with construction drawings.
INTRODUCTION TO BASIC RIGGING
ISBN 978-0-13-412905-1
(Module ID 00106) A common activity at nearly every construction site is the movement of material and equipment from
one place to another using various
types of
lifting gear. The procedures involved in
performing this task are known as rigging. Not every worker will participate in
rigging operations, but nearly all
will be
exposed to it at one time or another. This module provides an
overview of the various types of
rigging equipment, common hitches used during a rigging operation, and the related Emergency Stop hand signal.
BASIC COMMUNICATION SKILLS
ISBN 978-0-13-412899-3
(Module ID 00107) The construction professional communicates constantly. The ability to communicate skillfully
will help to make you a better worker and a more effective leader.
This module provides guidance in
listening to understand, and speaking with clarity. It explains how to use and understand written materials, and it
also provides techniques and guidelines that will help you to improve your writing skills.
BASIC COMMUNICATION SKILLS
ISBN 978-0-13-412896-2
(Module ID 00108) Becoming gainfully employed in the construction industry takes more preparation than simply filling out a job
application. It is essential to understand how the construction industry and potential employers operate. Your trade
skills are extremely important, but all
employers are also looking for those who are eager to advance and demonstrate positive
personal characteristics. This module
discusses the skills needed to pursue employment
successfully.
INTRODUCTION TO MATERIALS HANDLING
ISBN 978-0-13-412892-4
(Module ID 00109) Lifting, stacking, transporting, and unloading materials such
as brick,
pipe, and
various supplies are routine tasks
on a job site. Whether performing these tasks
manually or with the aid of specialized
equipment, workers must follow basic safety guidelines to keep themselves and their co-workers safe. This module provides guidelines for using the appropriate
PPE for the material being handled and using proper procedures and techniques to carry
out the job.
LEVEL 1 MODULES
(Students must have successfully completed CORE as a pre-requisite to receiving Level 1 training)
ORIENTATION TO THE TRADE
(Module ID 22101) Provides an overview of heavy equipment terminology, operations, operator responsibilities, career opportunities, and basic principles of safety.
HEAVY EQUIPMENT SAFETY
(Module ID 22102)
Provides a comprehensive overview of
safety requirements on job sites with emphasis on OSHA, MSHA, and NIOSH requirements. Presents basic requirements for
personal protection, safe equipment
operations and maintenance, and HAZCOM.
IDENTIFICATION OF HEAVY EQUIPMENT
(Module ID 22103) Instructs trainees in the care and use of the different types of hand and power tools they will use on the job. Gives trainees the information they need to select the appropriate tools for different tasks, and reviews tool maintenance and safety issues.
BASIC OPERATIONAL TECHNIQUES
(Module ID 22104)
Covers prestart checks of a machine’s hardware
(frame, body panels, tires or tracks, and
safety equipment), driveline
components, hydraulic system components, electrical components, and
controls. Reviews machine safety issues.
Explains how to safely start, move, steer, stop, and shut down different types of machines.
UTILITY TRACTORS
(Module ID 22105)
Covers operation of general utility
tractors in the construction
industry. Describes duties and responsibilities of the
operator, safety rules for operation, the attachment of implements, and basic preventive maintenance
practices.
INTRODUCTION TO EARTHMOVING
(Module ID 22201) Provides a broad introduction to the process of planning and executing earthmoving activities on various types of construction
projects. The use of heavy equipment such as bulldozers, scrapers, excavators, and loaders is explained.
GRADES
(Module ID 22106) Introduces the concept of preparing graded surfaces using heavy equipment. Covers
identification of construction stakes
and interpretation of marks on each type of stake. Describes the process for grading slopes.
VERTICAL-MAST SIT-DOWN COUNTERBALANCE FORKLIFTS
(Module ID 22107) Covers operation of vertical-mast Sit-Down Counterbalance (SDCB) forklifts, commonly known
as conventional
forklifts. Describes duties and
responsibilities of the operator, safety rules for operation, and distinguishing
features. Includes operation for both
indoor and outdoor environments.
