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Heavy Equipment Techniques (Co-op)

Interested in repairing large machinery and heavy equipment? Do you want to be a Heavy Duty Mechanic? There's never been a better time to build a career in this growing sector

Program Information

Start Date

January 08, 2024

Domestic Availability

Waitlisted

International Availability

Closed

Program Code

MPH

Delivery

Hybrid, Co-op

Credential

Ontario College Certificate

Location

Frost Campus

Program Contact

Glen Harris

Program Coordinator

Domestic Tuition

$5371.1 per semester*

International Tuition

$11494.1 per semester*

Apply Now

Canadian Students

View Curriculum

January 06, 2025

Domestic Availability

Accepting Applications

International Availability

Closed

Program Code

MPH

Delivery

Hybrid, Co-op

Credential

Ontario College Certificate

Location

Frost Campus

Program Contact

Glen Harris

Program Coordinator

Domestic Tuition

$5371.1 per semester*

International Tuition

$11494.1 per semester*

*Domestic tuition amounts shown are from the 2023-2024 academic year and are subject to change.

*International tuition amounts shown are from the 2023-2024 academic year and are subject to change.

Apply Now

Canadian Students

View Curriculum

Throughout your Heavy Equipment Techniques program, you will study the Theory of Operation, overhaul, maintenance and repair of heavy equipment. Upon successful 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.

Studying Heavy Equipment skills at Fleming College pays off in several ways:

  • 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.

Upon successful completion of the Heavy Equipment Techniques program, you will be eligible for exemption of the in-school training portion for the respective trade. You will be required to take your final Fleming College transcript and course outlines to your local Ministry Training Colleges & Universities office to apply for exemption.

  • 421A - Heavy Equipment Technician - Heavy Equipment Techniques - Level 1, 2, & 3
  • 425A - Agricultural Equipment Technician - Heavy Equipment Techniques - Level 1 & 2
  • 310T - Truck and Coach Technician - Heavy Equipment Techniques - Level 1
  • 282E - Powered Lift Truck Technician - Heavy Equipment Techniques - Level 1

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 enrol in this program. Check out your eligibility and application details at the Toromont CAT website.

Here is a full list of available scholarships and bursaries within the Heavy Equipment Techniques Co-op program:

  • Toromont CAT Bursary
    $570 value, two available in winter semester
  • CAED - Canadian Association of Equipment Distributors Ontario Chapter Endowment Award
    $840 value, one available in fall semester
  • CAT Foundation Bursary
    $1,000 value, 14 available in winter semester
  • Joe Johnson Equipment Bursary
    $500 value, one available in fall semester
  • Premier Peterbilt Inc. Student Bursary
    $920 value, one available in winter semester

See the Bursaries and Scholarships page for more details.

The mandatory co-op is an integral part of the learning and mentoring process. Starting your first semester in January allows you to participate in a paid co-op from May to August (spring semester). This is the busiest season for this industry, so job placements are readily available. This is an ideal opportunity for students to apply the skills and knowledge gained in semester 1, while demonstrating their abilities to potential, future employers.

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 $20.00 per hour. A good licensed technician can make a living in the range of $70,000.00 to $90,000.00 per year, and with overtime, significantly more. The jobs are to be found in repairing earth moving, aggregate extraction, forest harvesting, materials handling, transportation, agriculture, 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.

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.

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.

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.

Derek Doyle

All students entering this program are required to purchase and have available, tools and safety equipment for use in our labs. We ask that you acquire the equipment needed for the program prior to start-up.

You will need a basic hand tool set, hearing protection and safety boots. (If possible, we suggest watching for sales to purchase at stores such as Walmart or Canadian Tire.) Medium quality tools are all that are required at an entry level.

To be admitted into any shop area, each student must wear CSA approved green-patch 8” OHM rated work boots - approx. $200.00. You will also be provided with a digital multi-meter, safety glasses, hard hat and coveralls which will be included in your program tuition. (You will be responsible for cleaning your coveralls.)

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn in labs, the main shop, and on the yard. PPE is required in all areas at all times or you will be removed from the area.

Tool List

Your hand tools should consist of:

  • Tool box that will fit into your 11” W X 14” H X 24” L storage space at the shop (approx. $40 - $80)
  • Combination wrenches 5/16”-1”, 8-21 mm (approx. $100)
  • Shallow ¼”, 3 /8”, ½” drive socket set, metric and standard, 12-point socket set preferred up to 15/16” (approx. $200)
  • Feeler gauges .001 to .030 (approx. $20)
  • Flashlight (approx. $20)
  • Magnet - extendable (approx. $20)
  • Allen wrench set and chisel set (approx. $25)
  • Screw Driver set: Phillips / Robertson / Flat (approx. $40)
  • Slip joint pliers and vise grip pliers (approx. $5)
  • Seal Pick Set (approx. $60)
  • Adjustable wrench 12” or 300mm (approx. $30)
  • Miscellaneous items: clip board, tape measure, ball peen hammer, punches and seal pick (approx. $50)

The above list of equipment is required for you to get the best from each lesson we cover. Your lack of equipment affects your ability to participate in the class activities and ultimately your success in the program. Items are subject to change.

Plan on spending about $1,150 for books, tools and supplies.

  • Use a variety of techniques to troubleshoot and repair a wide variety of equipment types from a variety of manufacturers following manufacture's recommendations, standards and guidelines.
  • Use the appropriate knowledge and skills to disassemble, overhaul, install, adjust, maintain, test or modify various heavy equipment components and systems.
  • Apply learned skills and knowledge in an internship as well as applied settings tot demonstrate the competencies desired by industry.
  • Use and apply critical thinking skills and analytical abilities in all aspects of the heavy equipment technician role, particularly in respect to customer service and troubleshooting.
  • Practice approved health and safety procedures in the work environment.
  • Read and interpret a variety of equipment manuals and write clear, accurate, and complete service reports.

Students applying to Heavy Equipment Techniques (Co-op) must meet the following requirements:

  • OSSD including Gr 12 C English and Gr 11 C Math

PC / Windows

  • Operating System:
    Windows 10
  • Processor:
    Core i5 - 1.6Ghz minimum
  • Memory:
    8GB minimum
  • Hard Disk:
    160GB minimum

Internet Connection: 2.5 Mbps Download and 3.0 Mbps Upload (minimum)

Students are required to have their own computer, internet access, webcam and microphone.

Program Code: SBL

Ontario College Certificate

Frost Campus

September 2024, May 2025

Program Code: FEO

Certificate of Successful Completion

Frost Campus

May 2024

Program Code: EPG

Ontario College Diploma

Frost Campus

January 2024, January 2025

Program Code: HEO

Ontario College Certificate

Frost Campus

April 2024, July 2024, September 2024, March 2025, June 2025

Program Code: RDB

Ontario College Diploma

Frost Campus

January 2024, September 2024, January 2025

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