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Programs

Heavy Equipment Technician

HDTNSchool of Skilled Trades

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Key Details

Program Start Dates

September 2024

January 2025

Please visit Ontario College Application Service to learn more about start dates

Program Delivery

Campus / Full-time

Credential

Ontario College Diploma

Program Duration

4 Semesters

Program Contacts

Arthur Pringle

Program Coordinator / Professor

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705-566-8101 ext.6240
International Admissions
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Program Overview

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

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 

Admissions

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)

International Student Admissions

Are you an international student? Learn more about additional requirements.

Learn more

Academic Upgrading

Are you missing admission requirements? Strengthen your academic skills for free at your own pace through Academic Upgrading!

Program Delivery

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

Program of Study

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 1120Electrical & Electronics I 14
HDM 1161Trade Practices & Applications I 15
HDM 1170Diesel Engines 14
MTH 1010Trade Math I3
HDM 1221Hydraulics4
 Credits20
Semester 2
ENG 1002College Communications3
HDM 1162Trade Practices II4
HDM 1230Fuel Systems 14
SSB 1100Suspen/Steer/Brake Sys I Pneumatics 14
PWT 1210Power Train Systems 14
One General Education course. 23
 Credits22
Semester 3
ELC 2300Electrical & Electronics II 14
ENG 1780Applied Communication II2
HDM 2370Diesel Engines II4
HDM 2371Heavy Duty Brakes4
HYS 2300Hydraulic Systems I 13
One General Education course. 23
 Credits20
Semester 4
DFS 2402Diesel Fuel Injection Systems4
ELC 2400Electrical & Electronics III 15
HYS 2400Hydraulic Systems II 13
PWT 2401Power Train Systems II4
One General Education course. 23
 Credits19
 Total Credits81
1

 Course with Lab Component

2

For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.

Fees

Tuition Cost

Canadian Students

$4,114.95Estimated first year costView fee breakdown

International Students

$17,726.98Estimated first year costView fee breakdown

Important Notice

Fees presented are estimates based on projections for future academic year(s) of study. Actual fees charged may differ from what is published here. A full detailed listing of all fees is available in myCambrian and updated annually no later than May 1 for the following academic year. Students in Academic Upgrading are responsible for any fees listed on their invoice each term.

Tuition and ancillary fees

Please see our fees page for the breakdown of tuition and mandatory ancillary fees by program and semester for both domestic and international students.

Books and supplies

Books and supplies may be required at the course level over and above what is estimated above. Please consult your professor/instructor for further information.

College may be more affordable than you think!

Have you said, “school can wait another year”? Don’t sacrifice your future any longer – you can do it!

Whether it’s fear, financial reasons, or something else that is impacting your decision to start school, we’re here to listen to you and help in any way we can!

Work-integrated learning (WIL)

Take your education beyond the classroom!

Cambrian programs blend academic learning, hands-on training, and community involvement opportunities to help you achieve your ultimate goal – your dream career. You’ll have the opportunity to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios within and outside of the classroom through work-integrated learning. Whether it be a capstone project, co-op, practicum, preceptorship component, or placement, you’ll benefit from a practical, job-related experience before you graduate.

Field of Study

School of Skilled Trades

Cambrian was originally founded as a trade school, a field where we excel. We collaborate with industry partners to give qualified learners the opportunity to start working upon graduation by teaching in-demand skills. From the longest-running powerline program in the province to our motive power technician programs and much more, Cambrian provides the tools for satisfying careers in skilled trades.

Learn more

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. 

Career Outcomes

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.

media1Media2A radiology student Julia working with equipment.

Need a career coach?

Explore how this program can lead to a great career! Cambrian’s Career Coach platform is a user-friendly, online tool that provides up-to-date and comprehensive labour market data to help you explore career options, salary expectations for the Greater Sudbury region, and more!

See where you'll be learning!

Minimum technology requirements

Success in this program requires that you come equipped with some program-specific technology requirements.

Bring your own device (BYOD)

Cambrian College has implemented a BYOD principle to both enrich the student learning experience in and out of the classroom and to ensure flexibility!

Ready to take the first step?

Start gaining the highest level of skills at Cambrian now – and you’ll be ready to take advantage of the many career opportunities waiting for you just around the corner. The future is yours!

Have Questions?
We are here to help.

If you have any questions about programs, funding, OSAP, deadlines, student services, or anything else, reach out to our support team and we are happy to help!

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