Dig This® Academy
Get Trained. Get Certified. Get to Work.Dig This Academy isn’t a typical trade school. We’re the only heavy equipment training facility in Nevada that combines classroom instruction with extensive hands-on operation in a real-world environment.
Launch a new career or level up your trade in a training program designed to take you from the sidelines to the driver’s seat.
Why Dig This Academy
The Dig This EdgeState-Licensed
Licensed by the Nevada Commission on Postsecondary Education.
NCCER Accredited Curriculum
Training using NCCER Accredited Curriculum (National Center for Construction Education & Research), which is a nationally recognized standard in construction education.
Extensive Hands-On Training
Students receive 20+ hours of supervised operating time during each 40-hour course.
Accelerated Program Structure
Earn professional certifications in just 5 days & develop the foundational skills employers expect:
- Transition to on-the-job training
- Pursuing apprenticeships or additional certifications
- Entering the construction workforce at the entry level
Courses
Our 1-Week Intensive CoursesSchedule
Each course runs Mon–Fri, 6 am–2 pm
Tuition
$3,800 per course
Current Certification Programs Offered:
You can apply to one specific program or multiple ones (up to all six programs).
- Excavator
- Bulldozer
- Backhoe
- Wheel Loader
- Skid Steer
- Motor Grader
Intro Course
1-Day Journeyman Level Heavy Equipment CertificationAre you operating at a Journeyman level but not yet formally certified? Dig This Academy offers a one day Journeyman Certification Testing Program designed for experienced operators looking to validate their skill through a nationally recognized credential.
Program Overview
Program Overview
- NCCER written Assessment
- Hands-on Practical Evaluation conducted on modern Caterpillar equipment.
- Task-based testing aligned with Industry standards
Equipment Available for Testing
Equipment Available for Testing
- Excavators
- Bulldozers
- Wheel Loaders
- Compact Track Loaders/Skid Steers
- Motor Grader
- Backhoe Loaders
Requirements
Requirements
- Minimum 4 years of verifiable heavy equipment operating experience
- Submission of work history or resume
- Employer verification and/or references
- Ability to demonstrate safe and competent operation during practical testing
Credentials Earned
Credentials Earned
Successful candidates receive a NCCER Journeyman Level Certicate of Completion issued by National Center for Construction Education and Research. This credential is recognized nationwide and valued by contractors, employers, and project managers across the construction industry and State agencies.
Additional Details
Additional Details
- Testing is conducted on modern Caterpillar Equipment
- Program Duration: One Day
- Retesting options available if needed.
Intro Course
Not Ready to Go Pro? Take a "Test Drive"Heavy Equipment Intro Course | $500
Want to explore a career in heavy equipment operation? Our 3-hour introductory course provides foundational instruction and hands-on experience in a structured training environment. Students will operate a backhoe, 6-ton excavator, and skid steer under instructor supervision.
If you then enroll in one of our full 1-week certification programs, your $500 Intro Course fee will be credited toward tuition.
Schedule
2026 Course Dates
Each course runs Mon–Fri, 6 am–2 pm
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5th | 2nd | 9th | 6th | 4th | 1st | 6th | 3rd | 7th | 7th | 7th | 7th |
| 12th | 9th | 16th | 13th | 11th | 8th | 13th | 10th | 14th | 14th | 14th | 14th |
| 19th | 16th | 23rd | 20th | 18th | 15th | 20th | 17th | 21st | 21st | 21st | 21st |
| 26th | — | 30th | 27th | 25th | 22nd | 27th | 24th | 28th | 28th | 28th | 28th |
| — | — | — | — | — | 29th | — | 31st | — | — | — | — |
Admissions & Funding
Admissions Requirements
Applicants Must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a U.S. resident*
- Hold a valid driver’s license
- Possess a high school diploma or GED.
Program Commitment
Students should be prepared to complete 40 hours of hands-on, professional training.
Tuition & Funding
Dig This Academy offers internal payment plans and provides guidance regarding available state and federal tuition assistance programs.**
Certifications
Graduates earn NCCER credentials and a Dig This Academy Certificate of Completion.
* At this time, we are unable to enroll individuals who are not
U.S. residents.
**Dig This Academy does not currently accept GI Bill or FAFSA funding.
Contractors: Hire the Best
Dig This Academy provides structured classroom instruction and extensive hands-on equipment training to prepare entry-level operators with foundational, job-ready skills.
Now it's your turn.
We invite contractors to continue the process through supervised on-the-job training (OJT), helping graduates transition from the training field to the jobsite while strengthening Nevada’s skilled workforce.
Contact Us
Ready to Get Started?Dig This Academy
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