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 in school theory towards your apprenticeship Certificate of Qualification
- Optional co-op to gain industry training
- Opportunity for select students to participate in the Skills Ontario Competition
Program of study for 2027-28 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 1135 | Electrical & Electronics I | 5 |
| HDM 1115 | Hydraulics | 5 |
| HDM 1161 | Trade Practices & Applications I 1 | 5 |
| HDM 1170 | Diesel Engines 1 | 4 |
| MTH 1010 | Trade Math I | 3 |
| Credits | 22 | |
| 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 2325 | Electrical & Electronics II | 5 |
| ENG 1765 | Workplace Communication | 3 |
| HDM 2315 | Diesel Engines II | 5 |
| HDM 2371 | Heavy Duty Brakes | 4 |
| HYS 2350 | Hydraulic Systems I | 4 |
| One General Education course. 2 | 3 | |
| Credits | 24 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| DFS 2402 | Diesel Fuel Injection Systems | 4 |
| ELC 2400 | Electrical & Electronics III 1 | 5 |
| HYS 2450 | Hydraulic Systems II | 5 |
| PWT 2450 | Power Train Systems II | 3 |
| One General Education course. 2 | 3 | |
| Credits | 20 | |
| Total Credits | 88 | |
- 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
2027-2028
Fall term start
Semester 1: Fall 2027
Semester 2: Winter 2028
Semester 3: Fall 2028
Semester 4: Winter 2029
Winter term start
Semester 1: Winter 2028
Semester 2: Spring 2028
Semester 3: Fall 2028
Semester 4: Winter 2029
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.
