Course Codes by Semester: 8616/8617
Grades: 11-12
Prerequisites: None for 8616; Utility/Heavy Construction I for 8617
One-Year Program
Credits: One and a half (1.5) 1
st semester; One and a half (1.5) 2
nd semester
Students who want to work improve their community, enjoy working independently, have a strong sense of
responsibility, possess good eye-hand-foot coordination, and work well in an outdoor setting, should explore exciting
training and career opportunities in utility/heavy construction!
The Utility/Heavy Construction (UHC) program is a one (1) year program that prepares students for entry-level employment,
and/or entry into post-secondary education programs. The program will provide both the knowledge and the hands-on
skills needed to secure employment as a construction equipment operator. Students will learn about site grading and
development, excavation, pipe laying, road building, surveying, reading blueprints, and construction safety. They will
gain experience in operating excavators, bulldozers, and backhoes.
The program is desgined to prepare students to take the
National Center for Construction Education (NCCER) and Research and the Workplace Readiness Skills for the Commonwealth Certifications, pending a successful outcome on the exams.
Occupations: Construction Equipment Operators;
Construction Laborers; General Contractor; Project
Manager; Construction and Building Inspector;
Carpenter
Typical Salary in Virginia: $30,660-$83,190 depending on education level and specialization
National Estimated Salary: $46,990
Employment Outlook: Overall employment of construction equipment operators is expected to grow 15 percent from
2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. Spending on infrastructure should generate many jobs for
construction equipment operators. Workers with the ability to operate multiple types of equipment should have the
best job opportunities.
