Heavy Duty Equipment Technician (Optional Co-op)
How To Apply
Program Details
- Program Code8215
- Credential NameMotive Power Technician – Heavy Equipment
- Credential TypeOntario College Diploma
- SchoolSchool of Transportation
- Program TypePost-secondary program
- Program Length2 years/ 4 semesters
- LocationAshtonbee Campus
- Emailaspano@centennialcollege.ca
- Telephone416-289-5000
- Technology RequirementsCareerExplorerPlugin
Program Availability
- Program Overview
- Courses
- Career Options and Education Pathways
- Admission Requirements
- Co-op Option
- How to Apply
- Tuition and Fees
- Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
- Advising Services
This Heavy Duty Equipment - Motive Power Technician program, which is based on the Heavy Duty Equipment Technician apprenticeship curriculum standards, will prepare you for an exciting career as a skilled professional in the heavy duty off-road equipment field — one of the economy's largest industries.
The theoretical knowledge you'll gain in the Heavy Duty Equipment Motive Power Technician courses, combined with the hands-on experience in state-of-the-art labs, will give you an ideal start to a fulfilling career.
The program's focus will be on applied mechanics and vehicle systems as well as component design and repair. Centennial College will offer exclusive courses such as Fixed Operations Management and Hoisting and Rigging while also incorporating courses in business, English and general education. Students will also take two electric vehicle courses focusing on high voltage, safety, and components.
Upon completion, you'll be able to seek employment in many different areas of the heavy duty industry, such as an apprenticeship in a equipment dealership,repair facility, mining and construction companies, administrative/managerial roles and with parts departments/suppliers. Because the program is based on the Heavy Duty Equipment apprenticeship curriculum standards, you'll meet the requirements for levels 1 and 2 of in-school apprenticeship training.
Co-op Option
The program's co-op option will provide you with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience while you work one term as a paid employee in the field. This opportunity will not only allow you to put classroom learning into practice, but it will also provide valuable contacts for future careers.
Program Overview
This Heavy Duty Equipment - Motive Power Technician program, which is based on the Heavy Duty Equipment Technician apprenticeship curriculum standards, will prepare you for an exciting career as a skilled professional in the heavy duty off-road equipment field — one of the economy's largest industries.
The theoretical knowledge you'll gain in the Heavy Duty Equipment Motive Power Technician courses, combined with the hands-on experience in state-of-the-art labs, will give you an ideal start to a fulfilling career.
The program's focus will be on applied mechanics and vehicle systems as well as component design and repair. Centennial College will offer exclusive courses such as Fixed Operations Management and Hoisting and Rigging while also incorporating courses in business, English and general education. Students will also take two electric vehicle courses focusing on high voltage, safety, and components.
Upon completion, you'll be able to seek employment in many different areas of the heavy duty industry, such as an apprenticeship in a equipment dealership,repair facility, mining and construction companies, administrative/managerial roles and with parts departments/suppliers. Because the program is based on the Heavy Duty Equipment apprenticeship curriculum standards, you'll meet the requirements for levels 1 and 2 of in-school apprenticeship training.
Co-op Option
The program's co-op option will provide you with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience while you work one term as a paid employee in the field. This opportunity will not only allow you to put classroom learning into practice, but it will also provide valuable contacts for future careers.
Courses
Career Options and Education Pathways
Program Highlights
- You will learn about equipment technology in one of Canada's largest transportation training centres at Centennial College's Ashtonbee Campus.
- Because facilities are cutting edge, you'll have access to training aids that will allow you to experience a variety of current technologies relevant to industry expectations.
- This unique program will be a blend of technical training and college academic courses.
- Students will also take two electric vehicle courses focusing on high voltage, safety, and components
Career Outlook
- Heavy Duty Equipment technician
- Maintenance shop manager
- Industry representative
- Employment in support services
Education Pathways
Graduates of this Heavy Duty Equipment Technician dploma program have the opportunity to apply learning achieved at Centennial for credits toward further study at the degree level. Listed below are institutions offering pathways for this program.
Please note that each receiving institution has minimum admission requirements in order to qualify for transfer credits, which are assessed by the receiving institution.
| Region | Institution |
|---|---|
| Toronto GTA | Seneca Polytechnic |
| York University | |
| Ontario | Ontario Tech University |
For more detailed pathways information, visit our website at //centennial.adv-pub.moveonca.com/outgoing-home/.
Use the following Education Pathways Checklist as a guide as you explore your options.
For pathways to other Ontario post-secondary institutions, please visit ONTransfer.
Professional Associations
Association of Equipment Dealers AED
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or mature student status (19 years or older)
- Grade 12 English (C or U), or equivalent, or take the Centennial English Admission Test for admission
- Grade 11 Mathematics (M or U) or Grade 12 Mathematics (C or U), or equivalent, or take the Centennial College Engineering Math Skills Assessment for admission
Additional Requirements
Safety Requirements
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), CSA approved safety shoes and safety glasses with clear lenses and side shields are mandatory requirements in all lab classes. Welding lab in addition to your PPE requires “Welders Gloves” and Cotton Coveralls are preferred.
Co-op Option
The co-op option in this program will provide you with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience while you complete a co-op work term as an employee in the field. This experience not only allows you to put classroom learning into practice, but will also provide valuable contacts for your future career.
To participate in this co-op option, you will need to complete an application process in the first semester. If academically qualified, you may be admitted to the co-op program. Academically qualified students who are accepted into the program will register for the co-op preparation course as scheduled
Co-op Requirements
- Minimum of 80% of courses completed from semester 1
- Completion of COMM-160/161 by the end of semester 1
- A cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher (this must be maintained for the duration of the program)
- Students must be legally eligible to work in Canada
- Students who meet the above prerequisites will submit their application for co-op to the Career Services & Cooperative Education Department in semester 1
Note: Meeting the minimum co-op program requirements does not guarantee admission into the co-op program.
How to Apply
1. Apply Online
Domestic Students
If you are applying through the Better Jobs Ontario Program, please work with an Employment Ontario service provider. For more information go to Better Jobs Ontario Program.
If you have previously attended a full-time program at Centennial College, you may be eligible for a Program Transfer. Visit Enrolment Services at any Campus for information.
All other applicants must apply online at Ontariocolleges.ca. A non-refundable application fee of $150 must accompany applications. The fee is payable online, by telephone, online banking, by mail, or in-person to Ontariocolleges.ca. For more information go to Ontariocolleges.ca Application Fees.
International Students
Apply directly to Centennial College here.
2. Submit Documents
Domestic Applicants
Current Ontario high school students and graduates from Ontario high schools: Notify your guidance counsellor that you have applied to college and your school will forward transcripts to Centennial College via Ontariocolleges.ca.
Graduates of college/university, or high school outside Ontario but within Canada: You are responsible for requesting that your educational institute sends any required documents and transcripts to Ontariocolleges.ca.
Domestic applicants who attended school outside of Canada: If you are submitting transcripts to meet admission requirements, you must have the transcripts assessed by an independent credential assessment agency such as World Education Services (WES) or International Credential Assessment Service (ICAS). For more information go to Submitting your Transcripts.
International Applicants
Please refer to the International Education Application Guide.
3. Confirm Your Offer of Admission
Offers of Admission are sent by mail to eligible applicants. When you receive your offer, you must login to your account at Ontariocolleges.ca and confirm before the Deadline to Confirm noted in your offer letter.
You may confirm only one college and one program offer at a time.
You must confirm your offer by the Deadline to Confirm noted in your Offer of Admission letter or your seat may be given to another applicant.
When you confirm your Offer of Admission at Centennial College you are given access to your personal myCentennial account where you can check your email, grades, register for courses, pay tuition fees, and see your class timetable.
4. Pay Fees
Centennial fees statements are sent by email to your personal email account and to your myCentennial email account. Fees statements are not mailed.
You must make a minimum payment by the Fees Deadline noted in your Fees Statement or your seat may be given to another applicant.
5. Build Your Timetable (Register for Courses)
Build your timetable (web-register for courses) at my.centennialcollege.ca.
Fall registration begins mid-July
January registration begins mid-December
May registration begins mid-April
Your web-registration will not open if:
You have not submitted your minimum fee payment by the deadline
You received a Conditional Offer of Admission and you have not met the conditions of your offer.
Once you have paid your fees or have made appropriate arrangements, register for your courses online through myCentennial.
Tuition and Fees
Fees noted below are estimates only. Tuition is based on two semesters, beginning Fall 2025.
| Student | Tuition (2 Semesters) | Ancillary Fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian | $2,721.00 | $1,375.33 | $4,096.33 |
| International | $18,254.00 | $1,873.28 | $20,127.28 |
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes describe what graduates of the program have demonstrated they can do with the knowledge and skills they have achieved during their studies. The outcomes are closely tied to the needs of the workplace. Through assessment (e.g., assignments and tests), students verify their ability to reliably perform these outcomes before graduating.
- Analyze, diagnose, and solve various heavy-duty equipment problems by using problem-solving and critical thinking skills and strategies and by applying fundamental knowledge of the heavy-duty equipment operation, components, and their interrelationships.
- Diagnose and repair heavy-duty equipment climate control systems in compliance with manufacturers’ recommendations.
- Diagnose and repair heavy-duty equipment engine and engine management systems in compliance with manufacturers' recommendations.
- Diagnose and repair heavy-duty equipment electrical/electronic, personal safety, and emission components and systems in compliance with manufacturers' recommendations and specification.
- Diagnose and repair heavy-duty equipment drive train components and systems in compliance with manufacturers' recommendations.
- Diagnose and repair heavy-duty equipment steering, suspension, 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.
- Select and use a variety of troubleshooting techniques and test equipment to assess heavy-duty equipment electronic circuits, vehicle systems, and subsystems.
- Apply knowledge of hydraulics and pneumatics to the testing and analysis of heavy-duty equipment systems and subsystems.
- Produce supporting documentation at the appropriate industry standard using the correct and current terminology required
- Use information technology and computer skills to access proper service data concerning repair procedures of heavy-duty equipment and manufacturers’ updates.
- Prepare logs, records, and documentation in accordance with heavy-duty equipment standards
- Apply business practices, project management skills, and communication skills to improve customer service.
- Assist in quality-control and quality-assurance programs and procedures.
- 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.
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Graham Eddy, Senior Heavy Equipment Trainer, Toromont CatWe rely on Centennial to provide apprentice technicians that have a great understanding of the basics of heavy equipment safety, repair and how systems work. As a heavy equipment trainer, I appreciate Centennial students, as they are well-prepared for the industry and the advanced training we provide. The partnership we have with Centennial College benefits us all.
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