Heavy Equipment Technician
Ontario College Diploma
4 Semesters / 2 Years
School of Skilled Trades
Key Details
Program Start Dates
January 2025
September 2025
January 2026
Please visit Ontario College Application Service to learn more about start dates.
Credential
Ontario College Diploma
Program Duration
4 Semesters / 2 YearsProgram Contacts
Arthur Pringle
Program Coordinator / Professor
arthur.pringle@cambriancollege.ca
International Admissions
mailboxadmissions@cambriancollege.ca
Program Overview
Keep our roads safe and our critical supply chain moving
You’ll love your job, learn something new every day, and develop skills that will last a lifetime as a truck and coach technician. Our experienced professors are passionate about their trade. Our program follows the Ontario College of Trades apprenticeship training standard and features an optional, paid co-op where you’ll apply your skills in an actual work environment.
First, you’ll learn the fundamentals of electrical systems, hydraulic systems, and brake systems for heavy equipment, as well as diesel engines and power trains. Then you’ll focus on the particular challenges of being a truck and coach technician. You’ll tackle new technology and earn the skills that our industry partners are looking for. Hands-on training in the lab prepares you to service trucks, buses, trailers, and related equipment while taking personal pride in your work.
Program Highlights
Program highlights
- Capped enrolment
- Diploma equates to three 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 Skills Ontario Competition
- Complete a second diploma in Heavy Equipment Technician in just one year
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
Winter term start
- Semester 1: Winter 2025
- Semester 2: Spring 2025
- Semester 3: Fall 2025
- Semester 4: Winter 2026
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
Program of Study
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 | ||
| HDM 1230 | Fuel Systems 1 | 4 |
| HDM 1162 | Trade Practices II | 4 |
| SSB 1100 | Suspen/Steer/Brake Sys I Pneumatics 1 | 4 |
| PWT 1210 | Power Train Systems 1 | 4 |
| ENG 1002 | College Communications | 3 |
| One General Education course. 2 | 3 | |
| Credits | 22 | |
| Semester 3 | ||
| ENG 1780 | Applied Communication II | 2 |
| TCT 1000 | Fuel Systems II 1 | 7 |
| TCT 1001 | Steering Suspension and Brakes 1 | 7 |
| TCT 1002 | Drive Train Systems 1 | 6 |
| One General Education course. 2 | 3 | |
| Credits | 25 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| TCT 1003 | Trade Practices 1 | 6 |
| TCT 1004 | Electrical/Electronics 1 | 7 |
| TCT 1005 | Engine Systems 1 | 7 |
| One General Education course. 2 | 3 | |
| Credits | 23 | |
| Total Credits | 90 | |
- 1
-
Course with Lab Component
- 2
-
For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.
Fees
Tuition Cost
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.
Learn more about previous opportunities in this program and more!
STELCO – Students gained practical, and relevant work experience during this co-op by providing hands-on maintenance support in a state-of-the-art fully integrated steel-making facility. They also developed skills and proficiency in the area of heavy equipment mechanical tasks.
Fisher Wavy Inc. – This co-op offered students the opportunity to gain practical work experience. The students were required to have the:
- Knowledge and ability to repair trucks, trailers, and/or power equipment
- Knowledge of vehicle reports and CVOR
- Ability to road test vehicles
- Document all repairs on work orders or computer system
- Ensure all parts are marked daily
- Ability to safety all equipment and fill out appropriate inspection sheets when required
- Communicate with operations and supervisory staff on the availability of equipment
- Ability to work as efficiently as possible with minimal supervision
- Excellent time management and organization skills, ensuring job and task prioritization
- Follow shop procedures and company policies relating to the use of shop and Occupational Health & Safety regulations
- Be professional in all aspects of the job
Optional paid co-op – This program features an optional, paid co-op directly related to your program of study. During this work-integrated learning experience, you’ll apply your skills and knowledge in a relevant work environment, giving you industry training that you can showcase to potential employers when you graduate.
You will be required to complete work preparation sessions before the work term to help you develop an industry-specific resume and effective interviewing skills. Cambrian’s Career Centre will support you through this process and will also help you to source and apply for placement opportunities.
International students: study permits prohibit international students from participating in optional co-ops. However, if you are an international student and are interested in work-integrated learning opportunities, visit Cambrian’s Career Centre to discuss available options with a career advisor. Opportunities may include volunteer positions or part-time or full-time jobs during academic breaks and/or during the academic year.
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.
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
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.
Minimum technology requirements
- Regular access to a computer with a reliable Internet connection
- Webcam and headset
- Personal computer
- Windows 10 operating system
- Processor: i5 Intel i5 or equivalent processor
- Graphics: High-end graphics video card (consider a dedicated video card with 1 GB of video memory)
- RAM: 8 GB of RAM
- Storage space: 500 GB HD
You’ll be accessing industry-standard software as part of your program. Your program coordinator and IT will set you up with access on your computer or within our campus labs. If you have any questions about these technology requirements, please email info@cambriancollege.ca or call (705) 566-8101, ext. 7303.
System requirements for assistive technology
To access the widest range of assistive technology (AT), a Windows-based computer is recommended.
- Recommended OS: Windows 10 or newer
- Recommended CPU: Intel or AMD multicore processor
- Recommended RAM: 8 GB
- Recommended storage for assistive technology: 8 GB of available hard drive of solid state drive space (please note this is not the total drive size and refers specifically to available space needed for assistive technology)
- Recommended audio: Speakers or headphones for text-to-speech and microphone for speech input
While Apple computers can provide many AT options, some specialized software may not be available/compatible with this platform. Please consult with the Glenn Crombie Centre for further details.
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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