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 resume 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 three levels of required theory towards your apprenticeship Certificate of Qualification
- Optional paid co-op to gain industry training
- Complete a second diploma in Motive Power Technician – Truck and Coach in just one year
- Opportunity for select students to participate in the Skills Ontario Competition
Program of study for 2025-26 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.
| Semester 1 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Credits | 20 | |
| 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 | |
| Credits | 22 | |
| 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 | |
| Credits | 20 | |
| 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 | |
| Credits | 19 | |
| Total Credits | 81 | |
- 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
2025-2026
Fall term start
SEMESTER 1: Fall 2025
SEMESTER 2: Winter 2026
SEMESTER 3: Fall 2026
SEMESTER 4: Winter 2027
Winter term start
SEMESTER 1: Winter 2026
SEMESTER 2: Spring 2026
SEMESTER 3: Fall 2026
SEMESTER 4: Winter 2027
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:
- Forestry, mining, and construction industries
- Heavy equipment manufacturing
- 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.
