Fleming College

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.

Why Choose Fleming

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.

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, two levels of the 425A Agricultural Equipment Technician and 282E Powered Lift Truck Technician apprenticeships, and one level of the 310T Truck and Coach Technician apprenticeship.

Scholarships And Bursaries

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.

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 $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, 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:

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. 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.