This is the only Resources Drilling program available in Canada.
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Accepting Applications
International Availability
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Program Code
RDB
Delivery
In Person, Hybrid
Credential
Ontario College Diploma
Academic School
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Domestic Availability
Accepting Applications
International Availability
Accepting Applications
Program Code
RDB
Delivery
In Person, Hybrid
Credential
Ontario College Diploma
Academic School
Location
Program Contact
View Curriculum
Domestic Availability
Accepting Applications
International Availability
Closed
Program Code
RDB
Delivery
In Person, Hybrid
Credential
Ontario College Diploma
Academic School
Location
Program Contact
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Canadian StudentsView Curriculum
Our School offers the only college program in Canada providing training in Drilling, and we are the only program in the world offering training in so many of the different types of drilling. Numerous sectors rely on drilling skills, so this program opens doors to huge opportunities, many employers, and options to choose which field of drilling you will focus on. Our grads are in high demand. Every year, national and international employers recruit at our on-campus job fairs, and many of our students have employment offers before they graduate.
Currently, these fields offer employment opportunities for drilling careers:
In our program, you'll learn the foundational theory, techniques and methods relating to each of these types of drilling, with an emphasis on safe working practices, while you learn to operate a full range of drilling equipment hands-on.
Students entering the program in September may apply to participate in an optional paid co-op. The deadline to apply is at the end of November, where students must submit an Application Form (including a resume) to the Co-op Office. Students must achieve a 70% (2.5 GPA) average, and pass all courses in Semester 1 in order to be enrolled in the Co-op Option. Students who are accepted will participate in a Career Preparation course, and will do their co-op between semesters 2 and 3. The Co-op Option provides the opportunity to:
The Co-op Option is not available for students who begin the program in January, as they attend classes over the summer.
With your university degree or Ontario College Diploma in a related field, you can get credit for semester one of the Resources Drilling Technician program, and enter directly into semester two. Degrees in the following areas of study will be considered:
Graduates with an Ontario College Diploma in one of the following fields of study will be considered:
People may assume that resources drilling, such as for minerals and oil and gas exploration, is the sector where most graduates find work. In fact, there are numerous types of drilling required for a variety of industries and projects, with excellent job prospects:
Our well-rounded program provides the courses and hands-on experience you need to begin a career in this exciting and varied sector. A full 80% of the program consists of practical learning sessions - in our state-of-the-art, on-campus Parnham Training Centre, and off-campus in the field. You'll also be challenged to think on your feet and use your problem-solving skills.
Our unique program offers a rare combination of technical training, theory and hands-on experience. Due to our strong connections with the industry, and our geographical location, the program is well positioned to place graduates throughout North America and globally. Employers know our grads have a good foundation of theory and practice, as well as excellent transferrable skills to draw upon for any challenge in the workplace.
Many of our programs offer the opportunity to earn a second certificate or diploma with just one or two more semesters of study. Add another specialization to your skill set and increase your career prospects with this unique opportunity.
Learn more here or contact your program coordinator for more information.
Students in our School's diploma programs take the same courses for first semester after choosing and being accepted into one of our programs. This common focus exposes you to a variety of career options and other programs. You will have the freedom to explore and obtain a multidisciplinary perspective, while you acquire a base of knowledge and fundamental skills.
Although students are accepted into a specific program for their first semester, the common first semester allows you to change direction if you find another program or career area is more appealing. Once you have successfully completed the common first semester, you can enter the program of your choice in second semester, subject to enrolment capacity.
Geoff Clark is the Coordinator for Common First Semester.
Following your first semester, you'll begin to explore specialized training in drilling. As mentioned, you'll spend most of your time in labs or field classes, putting your education to work and refining your skills. You'll also take part in field assignments in local quarries and job-related activities.
You've got to love working outside, enjoy hands-on work, be willing to operate equipment, and be independently minded. Opportunities exist for both men and women - more brains than brawn is required to be competent in the field. Some of the personality traits and skills essential to your success include:
Faculty report that the requests for graduates by industry often exceed the number of students completing this program. Upon graduation you'll find yourself in positions such as driller or helper. You may work in an urban, rural, or more remote area, throughout Canada, North America, or around the world. At least ten global industries are open to you for potential employment, including: Construction Drilling, Geotechnical, Environmental, Blast-hole drilling, Blasting, Mineral Exploration and Mining (surface and underground), Horizontal Directional Drilling, Geothermal, Water Wells Construction Drilling, and Oil and Gas industries.
You can move up the ladder to own a business, or work in sales, tech support, or management with larger companies. Your potential employment is excellent as a graduate of our one-of-a-kind program. The average starting annual income is $52,000.00 but you could make much more than that within a few years after graduation. Even as a summer student employee, it is possible to earn $20,000.00 to $30,000.00.
Graduates of the two-semester Blasting Techniques program are eligible for entry to semester two of Resources Drilling Technician.
If you are an international student, check the information on admission requirements and how to apply.
Plan to spend about $1,500 for books, supplies and safety equipment.
The Drilling Manual, 6th Edition, ADITC (Australian Drilling Industry Training Committee Limited)
Hydraulics Fundamentals of Service, 8th Edition
IHSA Construction Health and Safety Manual
Ontario OH&S Act and Regulations, Consolidated Edition
Approximate costs for extra courses that are optional but recommended:
The Indigenous Perspectives Designation (IPD) is an option available to students in this program. To qualify for an IPD, you must take and successfully complete a series of required Indigenous Studies courses as well as participate in a minimum of four approved co-curricular Indigenous events or experiences. Your transcript will indicate the IPD upon graduation, a designation that provides you with a comprehensive understanding of Indigenous cultures, histories, traditions, and contributions to our shared society within the context of your program of study. The IPD provides a valuable skill set sought after in today's employment sector.
Students applying to Resources Drilling Technician (Optional Co-op) must meet the following requirements:
Windows (ideal) or Mac computer. Information about hardware requirements can be found on the ArcGIS Desktop system requirements page.
You may be able to use credits obtained at Fleming College to continue your postsecondary education in pursuit of a degree. The articulation and credit transfer agreements with our partner institutions are summarized here.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
Visit the Ontario Tech University website for further articulation and program information.
Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
Visit the Ontario Tech University website for further articulation and program information.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
Visit the Ontario Tech University website for further articulation and program information.
Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.
To apply please see the Ontario Colleges website.
Visit the Seneca College website for further articulation and program information.
See the official articulation agreement.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
Visit the Trent University website for further articulation and program information.
Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.
See the official articulation agreement.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
Visit the Trent University website for further articulation and program information.
Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.
See the official articulation agreement.
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