The Heavy Equipment Techniques program will prepare graduates to identify basic heavy duty equipment power system problems, to inspect and test basic heavy duty equipment components and systems, and to use a variety of test equipment. In addition, graduates will have developed safe working practices and be able to apply basic communication, documentation, information technology, and computer skills to support a motive power heavy equipment environment. At the pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship levels, students will receive the theoretical and work related experience which registered apprentices would normally acquire in the workplace. Students are registered as apprentices at the beginning of the program to a consortium of local employers.
Program Facts
Length: One-year Ontario College Certificate program Delivery Sequence: Guelph - September/2013 (Open) - Fall | Winter | Spring/Summer Location: Guelph Start: September First-Year Capacity: 20 Tuition: Please refer to the previous academic year program fee chart for an approximation as fees for the next academic year are unavailable at this time. *Fees are higher for international students on a Student Visa. *Recreation/Athletics, Graduation/Alumni, Insurance, as well as program-related costs such as books and supplies are additional. *Apprenticeship classroom fees, apprenticeship registration fees and related costs are additional
Program Outcomes
Identify basic heavy duty equipment power system problems by using critical thinking skills and strategies and by applying fundamental knowledge of heavy duty equipment operation, components and their interrelationships.
Identify, inspect, and test basic heavy duty equipment engine components and systems in compliance with manufacturers' recommendations.
Identify, inspect, and test basic heavy duty equipment electrical and electronic components and systems in compliance with manufacturers' recommendations.
Identify, inspect and test basic power train components and systems in compliance with manufacturers' recommendations.
Identify, inspect, test and maintain basic suspension, steering, and brake components and systems in compliance with manufacturers' recommendations.
Disassemble and assemble heavy duty equipment components to required specifications by applying workshop skills and knowledge of basic shop practices.
Use a variety of test equipment and schematics to assess basic heavy duty equipment fuel systems, and subsystems.
Apply basic knowledge of hydraulics and pneumatics to the testing and inspection of basic heavy duty equipment systems and subsystems.
Use information technology and computer skills to access data concerning repair procedures and manufacturers' updates.
Prepare logs, records, and documentation to appropriate standards.
Apply business practices and communication skills to improve customer service.
Develop and use personal and professional strategies and plans to improve professional growth, job performance, and work relationships.
Complete all assigned work in compliance with occupational, health, safety, and environmental law; established policies and procedures; codes and regulations; and in accordance with ethical principles.
Co-op Information
Co-op programs add value to your education. Earn while you apply what you learn in a real workplace environment. See the Co-op and Career Services webpage for more details.
The college cannot guarantee co-op employment. All co-op students are required to conduct an independent co-op job search in addition to the supports and services provided by the Co-op Office.
Admission Requirements
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or GED, or equivalent.
Grade 12 compulsory English, C or U, or equivalent, OR Conestoga College Preparatory Communications (COMM1270).
Grade 11 Mathematics, C, M (U/C) or U, or equivalent, OR Conestoga College Preparatory Mathematics for Trades (MATH1420).
English and/or mathematics testing may be required.
Admission Procedures
An academic strength is calculated by averaging the submitted marks of required subjects. If more than one mark is received for a required subject, the highest mark will be used in the calculation.
Ten (10) additional marks are added to each Advanced level, OAC, U, U/C course used in the calculation of academic strength.
Twenty (20) additional marks are added to each post-secondary course used in the calculation of academic strength. Please note: Beginning with the application cycle for fall 2014, post-secondary courses used in the calculation of academic strength will receive a bonus of ten (10) marks.
A sound mathematical and English background is important for success in this program and is considered during the admission selection process. Minimum cutoffs apply.
Program Requirements
Applicants are strongly advised to attend a Program Information Session to confirm program choice.
For program information call the Information Centre for details at 519-748-5220 ext. 3656.
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
Conestoga recognizes prior learning of skills, knowledge or competencies that have been acquired through employment, formal and informal education, non-formal learning or other life experiences. Prior learning must be measurable at the required academic level and meet Conestoga standards of achievement for current courses. Challenge exams and portfolio development are the primary methods of assessment. Other methods of assessment may be available depending upon the nature of the course objectives. Successful completion of the assessment results in an official course credit that will be recorded on the student's Conestoga transcript. PLAR cannot be used by registered Conestoga students for the clearance of academic deficiencies, to improve grades or to obtain admission into a program.
Description: This mandatory course prepares students for job searching for their co-op work terms and for post-graduate careers. Students will learn to critically evaluate their skills, attitudes, and expectations and evaluate and interpret available opportunities in the workplace. Self-marketing techniques using resumes, cover letters, cold-calls, and interviewing will be learned and students will learn the expectations, rules, and regulations that apply in the workplace with regards to social, organizational, ethical, and safety issues. Hours: 16 Credits: 1 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: This one semester course is designed to introduce students to workplace communication practices in the motive power industry. The communication exercises are designed to emphasize customer service practices in the motive power industry, especially writing, speaking and presentation skills. All students are expected to participate in group work throughout the semester and are expected to give oral presentations. Through the course assignments, students will learn how to deal with customers in a motive power environment. Hours: 30 Credits: 2 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: This course will introduce students to the use of word processing and spreadsheet software program, as well as, operating systems and the Web to produce technical documents. Hours: 30 Credits: 2 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: This course is an applications oriented mathematics course in which the student utilizes arithmetic, algebra, trigonometry and geometry to solve technically oriented problems. This course is designed to develop a proficiency in mathematics necessary for subsequent courses in the Motive Power trades. The course covers both vocational (job oriented) and generic skills (written, analytical and problem-solving). Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: A basic understanding of the automotive heater and air conditioning system, including service precautions and Ministry guidelines. Hours: 30 Credits: 2 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: Review safe working practices, housekeeping, hazard awareness, the use of personal protective equipment, safety legislation and regulations, WHMIS. Hours: 15 Credits: 1 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: This course is designed to allow the Motive Power student to use precision measuring tools in trade related problems. Hours: 15 Credits: 1 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: This course will cover a basic understanding of the electrical flow and sources and a basic understanding of schematic interpretation and trade symbol usage. Hours: 30 Credits: 2 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: The student will be given an overview of Truck and Coach systems, plus the operation and interpretation of precision measuring tools and meters. Basic function and usage of trade related hand and power tools. A basic understanding of hydraulic and pneumatic operations in an applicable trade format will be covered. A major component of this course will deal with part and component identification and location. Hours: 142 Credits: 10 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: The students will learn the fundamentals of the Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) and Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) processes as well as oxy-fuel welding and cutting. Topics will include safe operating principles, applications, equipment setup and troubleshooting. Hours: 30 Credits: 2 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: This course will prepare the student to utilize oxy-fuel heating and cutting equipment, test and repair heating and ventilation systems, test and repair air conditioning systems and identify operator protection devices. Hours: 24 Credits: 2 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: The student will learn to interpret schematics and perform pressure, force, and area calculations related to hydraulics. Students will be able to describe the service procedures of hydraulic fluids, reservoirs, and conditioners following manufacturers’ recommendations, replace hydraulic lines and fittings following manufacturers’ recommendations, and recommend repairs of hydraulic control valves following manufacturers’ recommendations and hydraulic pumps. Hours: 56 Credits: 4 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: The student will learn testing procedures for combustion chamber condition and follow manufacturers’ recommendations and safe work practices. Manufacturers' recommendations for the testing and servicing procedures for cylinder heads, valve trains, and related components; cooling systems components and coolants; lubricating systems, components, and lubricants; air induction and exhaust systems will be covered. Hours: 32 Credits: 2 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: The principles of electricity following accepted scientific principles will be covered in this course. Students will be able to trace current flow through circuits with the use of an electrical schematic and test basic electronic components following manufacturers’ recommendations. They will also be able to recommend repair of a cranking system following manufacturers’ recommendations. Hours: 40 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: In this course students will use testing procedures for mechanical governor systems following manufacturers’ recommendations. They will also apply diesel in-line fuel injection pump system service procedures following manufacturers’ recommendations and government policies. Timing procedures for distributor pump systems and diesel unit injection system repair procedures following manufacturers’ recommendations will also be covered. Students will describe the testing procedures for pressure time fuel injection systems following manufacturers’ recommendations. The student is able to identify injector replacement precautions following manufacturers’ recommendations. Hours: 32 Credits: 2 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: Students will learn repair procedures for drive train systems following manufacturers’ recommendations and safe work practices. They will also learn testing and repair procedures for power shift transmissions following manufacturers’ recommendations and safe work practices. Hours: 32 Credits: 2 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: The student will perform repairs following manufacturers’ recommendations and safe work practices of hydraulic brake systems. Hours: 24 Credits: 2 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: Demonstrate a basic working knowledge of recommended trade work practices; construction, operating principles, testing and servicing of tools and equipment, bearings, seals and sealants, fasteners, precision measuring equipment, personal safety and legalities, setup and safety for oxy-acetylene cutting and heating. Hours: 40 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: Demonstrate a basic knowledge of fluid power fundamentals, components, graphic symbols and operation. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of fluids, filters, conductors and connectors and setting up a proper maintenance schedule. Hours: 24 Credits: 2 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: Demonstrate a basic working knowledge of the construction, operating principles, testing and servicing of electrical system circuits and components, light and heavy duty lead acid batteries, gasoline fuel systems, intake and exhaust systems and emission control systems; demonstrate a basic working knowledge of the design, layout and interpretation of electrical system wiring diagrams. Hours: 48 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the construction, operating principles; testing and servicing of power train clutch assemblies, gearing fundamentals, countershaft manual transmissions, driveshafts, PTO's and single drive axle assemblies. Hours: 32 Credits: 2 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: Demonstrate a basic working knowledge of the construction, operating principles, testing and servicing of hydraulic brake and air brake systems. Hours: 32 Credits: 2 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: This course will provide students with college-approved work experience in their trade under the direct supervision of the tradespeople in the workplace. This course will increase the student’s understanding of real-life employer expectations with regards to attitudinal, practical, and academic skills required to gain employment and enhance self-marketing skills. In addition to these employability skills, the student will also have an opportunity to apply technical knowledge from the prior semesters of study to real life situations. These essential employability and technical skills areas will be improved during the work term while the student responsibly performs the duties as laid out in the job description, in accordance with course and program outcomes. Hours: 560 Credits: 19 Pre-Requisites: CDEV1020 CoRequisites:
Graduate Opportunities
Graduates may hold positions such as apprentice mechanics and work in settings that include service and sales.
100% of 2010-2011 graduates found employment within 6 months of graduation.
For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities see the Government of Canada web site: http://www.workingincanada.gc.ca
Degree Completion Opportunities
Conestoga College is dedicated to creating exciting and flexible degree completion opportunities for many programs for current, former and prospective students. Learn how a Conestoga education can respond to the community's demand for a skilled workforce and help you to reach your goal of a challenging and rewarding career.
Visit our Degree Completion Opportunities website.
Financial Assistance
The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is a needs based program designed to help Ontario students cover the cost of post-secondary education. Funded by the federal and provincial governments, OSAP is intended to promote equality of opportunity for post-secondary studies through direct financial assistance for educational costs and living expenses. These interest-free loans are intended to supplement your financial resources and those of your family. The majority of students apply for loan assistance via the OSAP website: http://osap.gov.on.ca. Students can also print the application booklet through the OSAP website.
For more information, please visit Financial Aid/Awards.
The College appoints Program Advisory Consortia members for apprenticeship programs. The committee acts as a sponsor group to register student apprentices in some of the programs they oversee. Committees are composed of employers, practitioners and recent program graduates. College representatives (students, faculty, and administrators) are resource persons. Each committee advises the Board on the development of new programs, the monitoring of existing programs and community acceptance of programs.
For a list of the current members, please visit our Program Advisory Consortia.
