We are a small association of related schools committed to assisting our member schools through assistance in curriculum and certification that will help their graduates enter the workforce as "entry level" equipment operators. NAHETS, Operator Certification Assessment Test (OPCAT)- The OPCAT Examination has been developed by the National Association of Heavy Equipment Training Schools as a fair, valid and reliable assessment of the essential skills heavy equipment operators and those who work in positions that support them need to demonstrate in order to be certified by NAHETS to operate heavy equipment and to perform these related skills.
The examination was developed by NAHETS staff and research from areas of the mining, construction, utility, and equipment manufacturing industry, equipment operators, training directors, instructors, managers, supervisors, and manufacturers. NAHETS teamed their knowledge and experience with the exam development expertise of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Department of Education - Dr. Clifford R. McClain, Associate Professor for Workforce Education and Development within the Department, who advised the NAHETS in establishing curriculum and outcomes.
NAHETS, Yellow Metal Boot Camp - an outcomes based curriculum enhancement tool including text materials and video based training series that allows the student to read or view material and then perform an assigned task out in the field.
OWNERSHIP The National Association of Heavy Equipment Training Schools, LLC is a limited liability company registered in the state of Nevada with Matt Klabacka majority owner. Common ownership of NAHETS and NAHETS member schools owned and operated by ATS-USA, LLC are as follows:
- ATSNETWORK-OKLAHOMA, LLC; dba, Oklahoma College of Construction
- ATSNETWORK-GEORGIA, LLC; dba, Georgia School of Construction
- Northern California School of Construction, LLC; dba, Northern California College of Construction
It has been understood, from inception, that initial membership in NAHETS may consist exclusively of schools owned by ATS-USA, LLC due to:
- Limits in competition
- Resistance from peers who may view NAHETS as a competitor
- Ignorance of NAHETS mission
- Previous relationships with a major competitors, namely Associated Training Services, ATS, and ATS Affiliates
- Historical evidence of the industry's resistance to associate


