Welcome
Here at Hockridge trade school we offer a variety of courses to meet your training needs
A Little About Us
Hockridge Trade School is a Heavy Equipment Operator Training School that is a registered private vocational institute, established in 2022. We take pride in being a local school in Dauphin, MB, the community we grew up in.
Additionally our instructors have been working with heavy equipment their whole life, both on family farms that they grew up on and multiple construction industry careers.
Program Dates
Heavy Equipment Operator Program: February 24, 2025 - May 16, 2025
Heavy Equipment Operator Program: September 2, 2025 - November 21, 2025
Excavator Program: September 2, 2025 - September 26, 2025
What Our Students Are Saying
"As a female who had never operated heavy machinery before, I was very nervous about enrolling in the Heavy Equipment Operators course. But from day one, the instructors made me feel comfortable and confident. The hands-on training was incredible, and I quickly learned how to operate excavators, bulldozers, loaders, and grader with skill and precision. The support I got from my classmates as well as trainers was great, and by the end of the course, I felt prepared to start my career in this industry. My experience with Hockridge trade school was amazing! proving that women can also excel in this field just as much as anyone else. I highly recommend this course to any woman or men considering a career in heavy equipment operation!"
Katlin Normandin
"Thanks to Hockridge Trade school, I have been working as a heavy equipment operator for the last two years. When I decided to change careers after 25 years in the culinary industry, I was initially daunted by the idea of learning a new trade. After having only knowing Jeff and Angelica for one day, my confidence increased immediately. They were both extremely friendly and knowledgeable. I sometimes have difficulty learning new things, his patience, and professionalism were invaluable. I received hands on experience with a variety of machinery along with plenty of explanation and direction. After graduation it took me less than a week to find a workplace with which I am satisfied! A lovely family with a beautiful working farm, 100% worth the time and money spent on tuition! Not only did I leave with valid credentials and training, I also left with new contacts that I am proud to call my friends! If I ever need additional training I will definitely return! Highly recommend!"
Adrian N - Saskatoon, Sk.
"Hockridge trade school helped me get into my dream career and helped me become who l always wanted to be, I grew up watching my dad Gord run machines, hunting and fishing, but machines is something I took interest in and always wanted to do, for years I'd tell my dad, "I'm gonna run those big machines one day, I'm gonna pray about it", he always believed in me and supports my dreams, then a year after praying and trusting God, there was a paper going around my reserve in Jackhead about signing up to become a Heavy Equipment Operator and it was going to be taught by Hockridge Trade School, where I met Jeff and Angelica, who were the teachers and instructors of this program, who I gained so much knowledge from during my time in their program, they weren't just my teachers, they also became my good friends, I'm grateful and blessed they brought their program to my community, because they helped me get my career going and it's been going on 3 years since l've completed their program in 2022, becoming the first female machine operator in my community, and if it weren't for Jeff and Angelica, I wouldn't have the amazing career I do now."
Randilee Hornbrook, Kinonjeoshtegon First Nation
Heavy Equipment Operator
Our goal is to offer the highest quality learning experience to our students, to give them the best opportunity when seeking employment.
How much does a heavy equipment operator make?
The average heavy equipment operator salary in Canada is $51,830.00 per year or $26.58 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $42,532.00 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $64,350.00 per year.