University of Montana College of Technology Offers Summer Work Force Development Courses

The University of Montana College of Technology in Missoula will offer summer work force development courses in heavy equipment operation and diesel service and maintenance beginning in July.

Unemployed workers may qualify for training funds through the Workforce Investment Act, Dislocated Worker programs or the Family Economic Security Project. For more information, call the Missoula Job Service at 406-728-7060.

Heavy Equipment Introductory Operations will be held from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, July 6-Aug. 20, at the COT West Campus at 3639 South Ave. W. in Missoula. It costs $5,950, which includes the textbook, a hard hat, vests and drug screens.

This course is a 196-hour noncredit work force development class offered as a basic introduction to tractors, loaders, backhoes and excavators; front-end loader operation; forklift certification; Commercial Driver’s License basic training and testing; Occupational Safety and Health Administration trench training certification; and Mine Safety and Health Administration new miner training certification.

The class will focus on safe machine operation from startup to shutdown, with an emphasis on interpreting operator’s manuals and understanding the specific fundamentals of each machine.

Commercial Driver’s License training will be included in the course. Students taking this course will be required to comply with all Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, including a Department of Transportation physical and required drug screening, a CDL learner’s permit from the Montana Department of Motor Vehicles and compliance with the UM CDL training student handbook. These requirements will entail additional costs and must be completed before July 13.

CDL training will cover the pre-trip vehicle inspection, as well as instruction in proper vehicle operation, which includes proper shifting, reversing and fundamental truck driving. Upon completion of this training, the student will have one opportunity to take the CDL driving test administered by the Montana DMV.

The course can enroll a minimum of seven students and a maximum of eight. For more information or to register, call the COT Outreach and Workforce Program at 406-243-7812.

The COT also will offer Diesel Service and Maintenance this summer from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, July 13-Aug. 6, at the COT West Campus. It costs $1,800, which includes class supplies. Students must provide their own work boots.

This course is a 96-hour noncredit work force development program, focusing on the construction and design of diesel systems, safety, minor troubleshooting, maintenance and repairs. Upon completion of the workshop, students will be able to provide general maintenance to a variety of heavy equipment and class 6-8 heavy trucks. A certificate of completion will be awarded to students who successfully complete the training program.

The course can enroll a minimum of seven students and a maximum of 10. For more information or to register, call the COT Outreach and Workforce Program at 406-243-7812.