Cambrian’s heavy equipment program produces mechanics ready for industry

With extensive heavy equipment shop instruction from our expert faculty, you’ll work on powerful off-road vehicles such as loaders, bulldozers, and scoop trams, always navigating a culture of safety. As a mechanic in the mining or construction industries, this diverse trade provides a wealth of opportunities to service heavy equipment, from basic maintenance, brakes, engine repairs, and hydraulics to electrical and electronics.

Our program features an optional, paid co-op directly related to your program of study where you’ll apply your skills in an actual work environment. Required work preparation sessions help you develop an industry-specific résumé and effective interviewing skills. We collaborate with industry partners to focus on in-demand skills so you can start your career upon graduation. 
 

Program highlights

  • Diploma equates to 3 levels of required theory towards your apprenticeship Certificate of Qualification 
  • Optional paid co-op to gain industry training 
  • Opportunity for select students to participate in the Ontario Technological Skills Competition 
  • Complete a second diploma in Motive Power Technician – Truck and Coach in just 1 year 
  • Opportunity for select students to participate in the Ontario Skills Competition 

Program of study for 2024-25 Academic Year 

Students are required to successfully complete an online Lab Safety course (in Moodle) when starting their program at Cambrian.  This course must be completed prior to entering the labs (as identified in the table below) in the Schools of Skills Training, Engineering Technology and Environmental Studies.

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Credits
ELC 1120 Electrical & Electronics I 1 4
HDM 1161 Trade Practices & Applications I 1 5
HDM 1170 Diesel Engines 1 4
MTH 1010 Trade Math I 3
HDM 1221 Hydraulics 4
 Credits20
Semester 2
ENG 1002 College Communications 3
HDM 1162 Trade Practices II 4
HDM 1230 Fuel Systems 1 4
SSB 1100 Suspen/Steer/Brake Sys I Pneumatics 1 4
PWT 1210 Power Train Systems 1 4
One General Education course. 2 3
 Credits22
Semester 3
ELC 2300 Electrical & Electronics II 1 4
ENG 1780 Applied Communication II 2
HDM 2370 Diesel Engines II 4
HDM 2371 Heavy Duty Brakes 4
HYS 2300 Hydraulic Systems I 1 3
One General Education course. 2 3
 Credits20
Semester 4
DFS 2402 Diesel Fuel Injection Systems 4
ELC 2400 Electrical & Electronics III 1 5
HYS 2400 Hydraulic Systems II 1 3
PWT 2401 Power Train Systems II 4
One General Education course. 2 3
 Credits19
 Total Credits81
1

 Course with Lab Component

2

For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.

Admission requirements

For graduates of the new curriculum (OSS): Ontario Secondary School Diploma (30 credits) or equivalent or mature student status, including:

  • Any grade 12 English (C) or (U)
  • Any grade 11 mathematics (C), (U), or (M)

Program delivery

2024-2025

Fall term start

SEMESTER 1:  Fall  2024
SEMESTER 2:  Winter 2025
SEMESTER 3:  Fall 2025
SEMESTER 4:  Winter 2026

Winter term start

SEMESTER 1:  Winter 2025
SEMESTER 2:  Spring 2025
SEMESTER 3:  Fall 2025
SEMESTER 4:  Winter 2026

Registration to practice / additional testing

  • After first year, you will be certified to work at entry-level industry positions after successfully challenging the:
    • Gas Technician 3 TSSA exam
    • Oil Burner Technician 3 TSSA exam
    • Gas Pipe Fitter TSSA exam (Optional)
  • Upon completion of second year and successfully challenging the Gas Technician 2 and Oil Burner Technician 2 TSSA exams you'll be fully certified enter the workforce as a Heating Systems Technician

Specific program pathways

College or university degree opportunities  

If you are a graduate of this program, you may continue your studies at a college or university and you may receive credit(s) for your prior college education. Refer to Cambrian's college and university agreement details for further information. 

Employment opportunities

Graduates may find employment as apprentices in the forestry, mining,and construction industries as well as heavy equipment manufacturing or in truck shops.

Please note: Cambrian College strives to ensure the accuracy of the information on this website. Please note that the academic curriculum is continually reviewed and revised to ensure that Cambrian's programs and courses remain relevant. The College reserves the right to cancel or make changes to any course or program, fee, procedure, or campus location at any time.