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Heavy Duty Equipment Technician (Apprenticeship)

Program: 0462

About the Program

This Heavy Duty Equipment Technician 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 for the motive power heavy equipment environment.

See Apprenticeship - General Information.

Program Facts

Length: 720-hour Ontario College Certificate program delivered in three components
Location: Guelph
Start: Varies
Fees set by MTCU as per offer of classroom training
*Books, parking fees are additional.
*Applicants are registered on a first-come, first-served basis.
*You are not required to pay classroom fees while participating in OYAP.

Apprenticeship Training - General Information
Becoming a Journeyperson

Skilled workers (journeypersons) are in high demand in a broad range of occupations and make an important contribution to Canada's economic growth. If you are interested in becoming a journeyperson you must first complete an apprenticeship. Women are encouraged to investigate the significant benefits of a career in a skilled occupation.

What is Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeship is an agreement between an individual who wants to learn a skill and an employer who needs a skilled worker. It is a combination of in-school training and on-the-job experience. An apprenticeship can last 2-5 years, depending on the program. As an apprentice, about 90% of your time is spent learning practical skills on the job, while supervised by a qualified journeyperson. The rest is spent learning theoretical and technical aspects of your trade. Over time, the apprenticeship system of training has proven to be one of the world's most successful ways to learn.

On-the-Job Experience

Once you have decided which occupation best suits your interests and talents, it is up to you to find an employer willing to employ you as an apprentice.

In-School Training

Conestoga College provides the in-school training portion for a variety of skilled trades. You will be released from work to attend trade school either in a block or one day a week format, depending on the trade and delivery options.

Program Objectives

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.

Admission Requirements

Prospective students must be registered apprentices under the Apprenticeship Certification Act (ACA) or the Trades Qualification and Apprenticeship Act (TQAA) with the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (M.T.C.U.) in the heavy duty equipment technician trade.

Note:

Information related to this apprenticeship program may be obtained from the local Apprenticeship and Client Services Office at 519-653-5758 or 1-866-877-0099.
Conestoga College delivers the "in-school" component of this apprenticeship program as required by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. In addition, (M.T.C.U.) requires employers to deliver the greater proportion of apprenticeship training on-the-job.
Students are required to demonstrate the same attention to punctuality and attendance as would be required by the business or industry in which they are employed or expect to be employed.

Pre-Certification of Qualification

If you have more than 5 years experience working in a trade specific area from outside of Canada or within Canada, you may want to pursue challenging your Certificate of Qualification. For more information on eligibility criteria or to arrange to speak to an Apprenticeship Training Consultant contact the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities office at 519-653-5758 or 1-866-877-0099. Many Ontario Colleges offer pre-certification courses in a variety of trade areas that assist you in preparing to write or re-write your certification exam, it is also an excellent refresher course.

For more information on part-time pre-certification programs to assist you in preparing for the Certificate of Qualification examination check out the Conestoga College Continuing Education offerings at www.conestogac.on.ca or contact 519-824-9390 ext. 144.

Exemption Testing

Apprentices may challenge the in-school portion of apprenticeship levels from a variety of trade-specific apprenticeship programs depending on their level of expertise and time spent on the job. Non-apprentices can likewise challenge the in-school portion of the program starting first at level one. For more information about Exemption Testing - Apprentices and Non-Apprentices please visit: www.conestogac.on.ca/caa/testing/exemption.jsp

Disclaimer The College reserves the right to alter information including requirements and fees, and to cancel at any time, a program, course, a program major or option, change the location and/or term in which a program or course is offered, or change the program curriculum as necessary to meet current competencies in the job market or for budgetary reasons, or withdraw an offer of admission both prior to and after its acceptance by an applicant or student because of insufficient applications or registrations, over-acceptance of offers of admission, budgetary constraints, or for other such reasons. In the event the College exercises such a right, the College’s sole liability will be the return of monies paid by the applicant or student to the College.