Ontario College Certificate in Heavy Equipment Techniques (Co-op)
Start Dates:
August 2018
January 2019
Fascinated by large machinery and heavy equipment? There's never been a better time to build a career in this growing sector.
Program Highlights
Throughout your Heavy Equipment Techniques program, you will study the overhaul, maintenance and repair of heavy equipment. Upon completion, you will have a comprehensive background in mechanical studies, preventative maintenance, safe shop practices, and equipment management systems.
Please note: In this program, students pay tuition and fees for two semesters. In addition, students will pay a co-op fee (approximately $552.00) for administrative costs associated with the co-op.
Why Choose Fleming
Studying Heavy Equipment skills at Fleming College pays off in several ways:
- The Centre for Heavy Equipment Technology at Fleming College is the only one of its kind. We're sponsored by the Canadian Association of Equipment Distributors (CAED), Ontario Chapter - with its 200 member companies who sell, service, and operate heavy equipment.
- We are known for our up-to-date equipment, quality programs, high industry placement rate, and skilled, knowledgeable instructors.
- Excellent relationships with the industry mean jobs - linking students to potential employment opportunities upon graduation.
- You'll use the latest, state-of-the-art equipment, supplied by our sponsors - no point in learning on outdated equipment, is there?
Heavy Equipment Techniques students will have the opportunity to write 3 Levels of the Heavy Equipment Technician Exemption Common Core tests. Successful completion of the three examinations (70% minimum) will satisfy all in-school apprenticeship requirements for completion of a 421A Heavy Duty Equipment Technician Apprenticeship. .
The Toromont CAT THINK BIG Scholarship is available to students who are currently employed by, or who have previously been employed by Toromont CAT as a high school co-op in a skilled trade, and who plan to enroll in this program. Check out your eligibility and application details at the Toromont CAT website. A bursary is also available from Premier Peterbilt (value $1000). See the Bursaries and Scholarships page.
Co-op Experience
The mandatory co-op is an integral part of the learning and mentoring process and it enables you to apply the skills you have learned in first semester. Students who start the program in January participate in their paid co-op over the summer semester. Students who start the program in September participate in their paid co-op in the winter semester.
Career Opportunities
There are several opportunities for graduates, particularly for women considering a non-traditional trade. Whether you want to work close to home, or want to try out a new locale and culture, there are many jobs, and the starting wage is about $16.00 per hour. A good technician can make a living in the high $50,000.00 to low $60,000.00 range per year, and with overtime, significantly more. The jobs are to be found in repairing earth moving, aggregate extraction, forest harvesting, materials handling, transportation, and mining equipment. With experience, you may become a:
- heavy equipment technician
- field service technician
- product specialist
- business owner
Besides hands-on jobs that involve the repair of equipment, there are other career opportunities - such as positions in product support, sales, or parts.
Is this You?
Besides a desire to work with large equipment, it would help if you have the following skills and characteristics:
- math skills
- computing ability
- strong customer service orientation
- self-motivation, discipline
- good manual dexterity
- willingness to work long/various hours
Previous experience with heavy equipment, machinery, or vehicles would be an asset.
More Skills. More Opportunities.
For the first 3 semesters of the Heavy Equipment Technician program you take the same courses as for the Electrical Power Generation Technician diploma. That means when you complete the Heavy Equipment Technician program, you can enter into the fourth semester of the Electrical Power Generation Technician program. With one more semester of study, you can obtain an Ontario College Diploma, expand your skills, and your employment options.
Success Stories
Derek Doyle, from Peterborough, Ontario graduated and was hired to work as a Technician by Toromont CAT. He was one of six students in the program graduating class to be hired by Toromont, along with another six students hired from the Electrical Power Generation program.
"I love the program because it's so hands-on. Most people coming in have a general knowledge but we get right to the specifics like hydraulics, powertrains, and how everything works. I find it interesting and even relaxing when I'm working intensely. The key is not to get ahead of yourself," said Derek
How happy is he to be heading straight from college into his new career? "What a feeling to hear 'you've got job offers'" Derek beamed as he replied
Tools and Safety Equipment
All students entering the Heavy Equipment Techniques program are required to purchase and have available, tools and safety equipment for use in our labs and working field. We ask that you acquire the equipment needed for the program prior to start-up.
Download the Heavy Equipment Techniques Equipment List
Additional Costs
Plan on spending about $1,150 for books, tools and supplies.
Related Programs
Upon graduation, you can enter into the fourth semester of the Electrical Power Generation Technician program.
Minimum Admission Requirements
Students applying to Heavy Equipment Techniques (Co-op) must meet the following requirements:
- OSSD including Gr 12 C English and Gr 11 C Math
OSSD with majority of courses at College (C ) or Open (O) unless otherwise stated.
Grade 12 C courses will be accepted where Gr 11 C course requirements are listed.
Where College level courses are listed, U and M courses will be accepted.
Two Gr 11 courses will be accepted in lieu of a Gr 12 course requirement.
Mature Students
If you are 19 years of age or older before classes start, and you do not possess an OSSD, you can write the Canadian Adult Achievement Test to assess your eligibility for admission. Additional testing or academic upgrading may be necessary to meet specific course requirements for this program.
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