EXCAVATION TRAINING...

THAT PAYS

Are you ready to become a key operator — someone companies rely on to get the job done right?

Are you looking for a better way to learn excavation — hands-on, real-world, and project-based?

Would you rather build real projects like retaining walls and pools than just dig holes in a field?

Do you want training that actually makes you employable — not just certified?

NORTH AMERICA'S ONLY REALISTIC, RISK-FREE EXCAVATION TRAINING

Most operator schools teach you how to move dirt. We teach you how to master specialized excavation skills.

At EarthWorks Academy, training goes far beyond basic machine operation. We’ve turned our private property into a simulated job site complete with mock houses, overhead and underground utilities — so you can master the kind of work that companies actually care about.

Instead of just logging hours, our courses are built around real projects — retaining walls, pool digs, grading jobs, and more — so every minute in the seat builds tactical, job-ready skill.

While other programs train in wide-open fields, hypothetical setups, or make-believe job sites, we put you in realistic residential, commercial and civil excavation environments that mirror the real world. You’ll learn to operate in tight spaces, read plans, and work safely around buried lines — without worrying about knocking over a neighbour’s garage or puncturing a city water main. By the time you’re done, you won’t just know how to run a machine — you’ll be a real asset to any company that needs skilled operators who can get the job done right.

The result?


You don’t just graduate with hours — you graduate with ability. The kind of skill that makes you a no-brainer hire for local companies who need operators that can get the job done right.

That’s the EarthWorks difference — real training, real skills, real careers.

GET HIRED,

EASILY

GET PAID

MORE

LOVE WHAT

YOU DO

THE REAL PROBLEM...

Most operator schools teach you how to move dirt — not how to operate in the high stakes environments. You’ll spend big money learning the basics in wide-open fields that look nothing like a real job site. No tight spaces, no utilities to avoid, no real-world problem solving.

Sure, you'll graduate with hours in a simulator or a big empty field and call it “experience.” You leave with debt, a certificate, and no one willing to hire you.

OR you'll spend years as a labourer, on the shovel, waiting to be called up into the machine...except it never happens. We know that allowing someone to learn on the job is a risk most excavation companies won't take. Keeping you from doing what you love or earning the money you aspire to.

At EarthWorks Academy, we built something different — training that mirrors the real world, builds real skill, and gets you in the seat - a paid higher - sooner.

A PRACTICAL SOLUTION:

At EarthWorks Academy, we train operators for real-world excavation work—residential, commercial, civil, and tight-space projects—without the risks of learning on a live job site.

Our hands-on programs focus on specialized skills like retaining walls, pool digs, backyard excavation, trenching, grading, and operating in tight spaces. Students gain hours of practical experience, repetition, and immersive training while becoming part of a supportive brotherhood that builds confidence, teamwork, and career-ready expertise.

By the time you finish, you’re not just trained—you’re a top-tier operator companies want to hire.

EARTHWORKS WAS CREATED BY EXCAVATION OWNERS/OPERATORS AND IS DESIGNED TO TEACH YOU SKILLS WE'D HIRE...AND PAY TOP DOLLAR FOR

THE REAL BENEFITS OF LEARNING WITH EARTHWORKS ACADEMY

1. Hands On Learning In Applicable Situations
Most schools teach “moving dirt” in wide-open fields or hypothetical setups. At EarthWorks, you train in simulated residential and civil job sites, with mock houses, underground utilities, and tight spaces. You will read maps and dig down and around utilities. Hit a line? All good here. This is the place to learn real skills without the consequences. You can make mistakes, learn, and master complex skills—without risking property, utilities, or your confidence.

2. True Immersion For Real Success
We’ve stripped away distractions and built an environment where you learn by doing—right from day one. You’re in the seat, hands on, repeating every skill until it becomes second nature. This isn’t just learning; it’s retraining your mind and body to perform with confidence. The result? You’ll progress faster, retain more, and gain real-world mastery in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods.

3. Not Just Hours...Completed Projects You Can Brag About

Most schools will teach you theory and have you digging holes in empty fields. Not here. At EarthWorks Academy, you’re learning the skills that actually matter WHILE working on actual projects like building a retaining wall. You'll become proficient with controls, learn to operate safely around utilities, and working as part of a crew while working on a project from start to finish. You don't just practice; you build.

4. Brotherhood & Community
You’re not just a student—you’re part of a brotherhood of operators who push each other to grow, on and off the job. A community of like-minded men who share your values, your work ethic, and support each other even after class is over. Plus, you'll be invited to join us at our annual meet-ups, advanced trainings, and international missions where we use our skills to help build homes and infrastructure in underserved communities.

WE EXIST TO HELP YOU GET HIRED PAID MORE BY GIVING YOU SKILLS BUSINESS OWNERS ACTUALLY CARE ABOUT

BUILT BY BUSINESS OWNERS/OPERATORS

This isn’t a school built by teachers. It’s built by excavation business owners who hire, train, and manage operators every day.

We know exactly what makes a great operator — and what employers look for when they’re hiring and paying top rates. That’s why our program goes beyond basics: you’ll learn how to manage risk, understand jobsite flow, and think three steps ahead.

Our students don’t just graduate — they become no-brainer hires for civil, residential, commercial, and construction companies across North America.

OUR PROGRAMS

Like we mentioned before, we’re all about true immersion. That’s why every EarthWorks Academy program runs a minimum of two weeks and includes everything you need—accommodations, meals, machine time, educational materials, diesel, and more. All you have to do is show up ready to learn, work hard, and get your hands dirty.

Excavation Fundamentals for Beginners

150 hours

Build a solid foundation in excavation safety, equipment operation, site layout, grading, and basic material handling. No prior experience required.

Key Outcomes:

  • Operate mini excavators, skid steers, and basic equipment safely

  • Read site plans and maintain proper grades

  • Apply WorkSafeBC safety standards on real equipment

  • Communicate and work effectively on the jobsite

Residential Utilities & Trenching

100 hours

Master safe and precise utility installation for water, sewer, electrical, and gas lines.

Key Outcomes:

  • Interpret site plans and locate existing utilities

  • Excavate, install, and backfill trenches to professional standards

  • Maintain proper grade, slope, and compaction

  • Apply WorkSafeBC trenching, shoring, and confined-space procedures

Foundation Digs & Grading

100 hours

Train for complex residential and commercial projects like footings, slabs, and site grading.

Key Outcomes:

  • Site evaluation, preparation, and layout for foundations

  • Accurate excavation, slope control, and grading

  • Drainage and base preparation for long-term structural stability

  • Safety, compliance, and professional communication with engineers and inspectors

Pool Excavation & Site Preparation

100 hours

Precision training for residential and commercial pool projects.

Key Outcomes:

  • Plan excavation using pool drawings and elevations

  • Excavate pools to exact depths and contours

  • Prepare subgrades and trenches for plumbing, electrical, and drainage

  • Maintain site safety, protect property, and coordinate with trades

Retaining Walls

100 hours

Hands-on training in precision excavation and wall construction. Learn to plan, dig, prepare bases, and install residential and commercial retaining walls.

Key Outcomes:

  • Site assessment and hazard mitigation

  • Accurate trenching, base preparation, and drainage installation

  • Step-by-step retaining wall construction, including block, panel, and natural stone

  • Safety, compliance, and professional practice for real-world work

Practice On Repeat Till The Skills Truly Stick

Learn With

Like-Minded Men

Master the Full Excavation Process

Hands-On Training That Builds Confidence

Learn the Standards Pros Work By

Become A Top-Tier Hire

PRACTICE COMPLEX TASKS — LIKE DIGGING NEAR BURIED UTILITIES OR IN TIGHT SPACES — UNTIL IT'S SECOND NATURE

REAL TALK: WE'RE NOT FOR EVERYONE

We’re not here for guys who just want a certificate. At EarthWorks Academy, we’re a crew — a brotherhood that trains, pushes, and celebrates together. Our programs are tough because the work is tough, but if you’re serious about building a high-paying career in excavation, you’ll thrive here.

Our training is hands-on, application-only, and designed to give you real-world skills employers value. We limit spots so every student gets personal guidance, immersive experience, and the chance to master technical work — from retaining walls to pool digs, grading, and tight-space operation.

If you’re ready to show up, put in the hours, and take control of your future, this is the program for you.

NOT YOUR AVERAGE ACADEMY - WE'RE BUILDING A NETWORK OF LIKEMINDED MEN FOR BROTHERS AROUND THE GLOBE

IS THIS YOU?

  • You’re tired of holding the shovel and ready to run the iron.

  • You want to learn real skills that get you paid — not just swing dirt in a field.

  • You’ve got the work ethic, but you’re ready for the next step — bigger machines, bigger paychecks.

  • You’ve thought about starting your own excavation business and want the hands-on confidence to back it up.

  • You’ve been told “your turn will come” — but you’re done waiting.

  • You want to be part of something bigger — a crew, a brotherhood — where hard work and good times go hand in hand.

FAQ:

How many guys are learning at one time?

All courses are maxed at 10 guys per course to ensure tons of time in the machine but also camaraderie.

Where are you located?

We're located in Kelowna, British Columbia Canada. Airport code is YLW if you want to take a look at flights.

Are your courses accredited?

No but let's be real - so many accreditations are scams, ways to collect money from both operators and companies, charging fees that don't benefit anyone but the collector at the end of the day. We're interested in real skills and sharing those with employers in your area.

What machines will I learn on?

A variety of skidsteers, dozers and excavators. Plus you'll learn tools that help with grading, how to read maps and so much more.

Do you offer student funding?

We offer interest free payment plans so you're paid in full before you come.

Will this help me get a job?

How could it not? Imagine sending you video resume with hands on experience building walls, digging pools, grading and more. You'll stand out like a sore thumb but in the best way.

Why do I need to apply?

We put our necks out on the line to ensure you get the job and we're not willing to do that for aspiring operators who aren't invested in the journey. Plus, unlike other companies, we're looking to support and help men who are family, leadership and growth focused.

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