As British Columbia’s infrastructure demands continue to grow, so too does the need to develop a skilled, job-ready workforce in the construction sector. One of the most impactful ways to do this has been through the Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) Program, a proven career-building initiative that provides high school students with the opportunity to gain early experience and certification in heavy equipment operation.
First launched in Abbotsford through the support of the Abbotsford School District and BC Road Builders member companies, the program accepts up to 16 students each year and has maintained a 90% job placement rate over its 15-year history.
Students begin with in-class learning focused on safety, theory, and the fundamentals of machine operation. This is followed by hands-on experience with actual heavy equipment, including excavators, loaders, and other machinery. Students graduate with practical skills, industry-recognized certifications, and a clearer pathway into apprenticeships, post-secondary training, or direct entry into the workforce.
Thanks to the leadership of Emil Anderson Construction (EAC), the generous equipment loan from Pacific Rim Equipment, and the support of local education and industry partners, the HEO Program has been expanded to Central Okanagan Public Schools. This expansion builds on the proven framework of the original program while adapting it to meet the needs of the Okanagan region.
EAC is playing a pivotal role in the Kelowna rollout—providing equipment, training sites, and mentorship to participating students. As a local leader in civil construction with a long-standing commitment to workforce development, EAC’s involvement ensures students gain real exposure to industry practices and expectations.
“At EAC, we recognize the growing need in our industry to bring new, young workers into construction as the current generation starts to retire,” says Stan Maluk, Business Development Manager at EAC. “This program promotes heavy construction as a first-choice career, providing invaluable practical experience from top-notch instructors with cutting-edge equipment. Programs like this ensure the continued strength and innovation of our workforce.”
To build excitement and provide hands-on exposure to the world of heavy equipment operation, the BC Road Builders RoadShow trailer made a special appearance at Pearson Elementary in early May. Inside the RoadShow trailer, HEO Program students explored the high-tech simulators in an immersive environment that helped solidify their theoretical classroom knowledge. “So far, the simulators are a highlight,” says Walter, a program participant. “It’s like the stepping stone between actually being on the machines and paperwork, because it’s been a lot of classroom stuff now. We’re actually making progress towards what we’re going to be doing in the next couple of weeks. So that’s an exciting stepping stone.”
The expansion of the HEO Program into Kelowna is part of a broader push to make trades training more inclusive, accessible, and regionally relevant across the province. With construction activity surging and thousands of skilled tradespeople set to retire over the next decade, programs like this are crucial in ensuring that British Columbia has the workforce it needs to continue building strong, resilient communities.
As the Kelowna expansion continues to gain momentum, it serves as a model for what’s possible when we invest in students early and provide them with the tools and support they need to succeed.
