Resources Drilling Technician (Optional Co-op)

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:

• Construction Drilling and Blasting
• Geotechnical Drilling
• Environmental Drilling
• Water Well Drilling
• Resources Drilling, including minerals and oil and gas exploration
• Horizontal Directional Drilling

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:

• Integrate classroom learning with work-based learning
• Explore the variety of careers available in the field
• Network for future job opportunities

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 program, and enter directly into semester two. Degrees in the following areas of study will be considered:

• Environmental Science
• Environmental Studies
• Science - Chemistry or Biology
• Geography

Graduates with an Ontario College Diploma in one of the following fields of study will be considered:

• Environmental Science/Studies
• Natural Resources

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:

• Geotechnical drilling is required before any large construction project can begin. This involves subsurface investigations to evaluate property for infrastructure development, drilling for soil samples, determining soil type and depth, and ground conditions.
• Construction drilling includes drilling foundations and anchoring piles for bridges, roadwork, or for any large building or development.
• Environmental drilling involves obtaining samples of soil and groundwater, to control or remediate contaminants. Sites such as fuel service stations, landfills, mining operations, or abandoned infrastructures are examined, to either monitor or to reclaim the land for other purposes.
• Drilling skills are essential for water well design, installation and monitoring.
• Horizontal directional drilling is used to drill underneath structures such as roadways, foundations, or other properties, or beneath lakes, rivers or streams. The goal is to create a below-ground conduit, providing a transportation solution for waterlines, electrical lines, pipelines, or fibre-optic cables, for example.
• Geothermal drilling, to install geothermal heating or cooling systems, is another growing field.

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.

• You'll work on a full range of drilling equipment in our five service bays.
• Four specially equipped classrooms/labs feature everything from a drilling simulator to hands-on drilling activities.
• Course work includes an introduction to emerging fields, such as the geothermal industry.
• You'll get industry recognition for your studies. Our grads are exempt from taking the mandatory Ontario Ministry of the Environment 10-day Water Well Constructed Course. (Ontario Regulation 903 requires successful completion of this training for new well technicians.)

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.

Certain diploma programs within the School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences (SENRS) share some first-semester courses providing students a flexible and interdisciplinary academic start. This allows students to:

• Explore various fields of study within environmental and natural resource sciences
• Discover careers that align with their strengths and interests
• Transfer credits between programs, reducing duplication and saving time

By earning credits that apply across multiple diplomas, students will have the chance to work toward more than one credential without starting from scratch. This also opens doors to a multidisciplinary education, in which students gain a strong foundation in key concepts and practical skills that can be applied across industries.

Following your first semester, you'll begin to explore specialized training in drilling. 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:

• good motor skills and physical health
• flexibility (particularly regarding hours of work)
• interpersonal skills
• analytical and creative thinking skills
• mechanical aptitude
• ability to lift 40 kilograms
• able to stand for 12 hours
• able to read and understand safety labels

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 this program.

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.

Textbooks Required

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

Mandatory Equipment Students Need to Provide /Purchase

• Vest or Jacket (detachable hood only) with CSA Approved Class 3 Reflective Striping on Orange Background
• Overalls or Coveralls with CSA Approved Class 3 Reflective Striping on Orange Background
• CSA Approved 8″ (minimum) Work Boots
• Work Gloves
• Pocket Note Book
• Pencil (not pen)
• Watch or other Time Keeping Device

Mandatory Equipment Supplied by College (costs included in student's Tuition/Fees payments)

• CSA Approved Hard Hat Class E (supplied in Common First Semester)
• Folding Jack Knife (supplied in Common First Semester)
• Tape Measure (supplied in Common First Semester)
• Safety Glasses (supplied in second semester)
• Hearing Protection (supplied in second semester)
• Digital Multimeter (Supplied in Fourth Semester)
• Fittings Lab Project supplies (Supplied in Fourth Semester)

Extra Courses

Approximate costs for extra courses that are optional but recommended:

• Transportation of Dangerous Goods
• First Aid
• Working at Heights
• Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW/Stick)
• H2S (Hydrogen Sulphide Safety)
• DZ License (Ontario Truck Training Academy OTTA)

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.

• Apply knowledge of earth/soil sciences, geology, hydrogeology and ecology to ensure environmentally and economically appropriate drilling operations.
• Use appropriate drilling materials, equipment and techniques in accordance with government regulations and industry standards.
• Safely operate, maintain, and trouble shoot problems within drilling equipment.
• Prepare digital reports, field notes/records and other relevant documentation in an accurate and timely manner, in compliance with industry and government regulations and policies.
• Assess risk and implement mitigation strategies to protect self, co-workers, the public, and the environment, through the safe use, storage and disposal of materials and the operation of equipment.
• Act in accordance with, and promote professionalism and ethical practice, in the application of drilling techniques and practices.
• Research drilling practices, emerging technologies, and environmental and natural resources issues from a range of sources relevant to the drilling industry to remain current in the field of practice.
• Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance work performance and to remain current in the field of practice.

Students applying to Resources Drilling Technician (Optional Co-op) must meet the following requirements:

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

Windows (ideal) or Mac computer. Information about hardware requirements can be found on the ArcGIS Desktop system requirements page.