In this piece, the Heavy Duty Equipment Technician is broken down as it pertains to student benefits, which include a co-op work placement.

1. Heavy Duty Equipment Technician Program
Takes You from Novice to Expert
Summary: In this piece, the Heavy Duty Equipment Technician is
broken down as it pertains to student benefits, which include a co-op
work placement.
Did you know that in order to apply for Centennial College’s Heavy
Duty Equipment Technician program all you are required to present is:
at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or General
Educational Development (GED) or equivalent; English Grade 12 C or
U, or equivalent; a résumé and questionnaire that describes
experience and aptitude; attendance at an interview (by invite only,
based on resume and questionnaire) with faculty/potential employer;
eligibility to work in Ontario and an Ontario driver’s license?
Once you are accepted to this Heavy Duty Equipment Technician
program, you will enjoy a combination of in-school training and co-op
work placement that provides an excellent start to an apprenticeship.
In addition, you will earn an Ontario College diploma and complete
your entire Ontario apprenticeship in-school curriculum within two
years.
This is achieved by spending the first eight months of the program
attending heavy equipment courses at Centennial College that
cover everything from applied mechanics and vehicle dynamics to
component design and repair, as it applies to the apprenticeship
curriculum. You will also take courses in advanced electrical/
electronics, logistics, plus hoisting and rigging that is only available at
Centennial. Lastly, you will attend courses in business, English and
general education. Specific Heavy Duty Equipment Technician courses
include: Trade Practices, Electrical Systems, Fuel Systems,
Occupational Health and Safety, Drake Systems, Drive Train Systems,
Heavy Equipment Logistics, Fixed Operations Management and more.
Once you have a solid base, you will spend eight months in co-op as a
registered apprentice. During this time, you will apply what you have
already learned, allowing you to put your knowledge to use in a real
world environment. Additionally, the co-op term serves to offer you
preparation for your return to the school to complete more advanced
heavy equipment courses. Many students end up staying on as full-
time employees at their co-op placement upon graduation as they
enter the apprenticeship aspect of their careers.

2. While at school, you will be based at Centennial College’s Ashtonee
Campus. As one of the largest transportation training centre in the
province, it is equipped with everything you need in order to master
all of the topics covered in the program. Faculty members who have
experience in the field and are prepared to answer any of your
questions as well as share personal anecdotes that will benefit you in
your future endeavors lead the mock real-world environment.
Upon completion of the Heavy Duty Equipment Technician program,
you will be ready to take on positions such as heavy-duty equipment
technician, service manager, service writer or coordinator, equipment
company representative, or college or industry teacher. You will also
find employment in a range of industries that include: forestry,
construction, mining, transportation, landscaping, land cleaning,
farming and more.
Author Details: Jason offers insight into the Heavy Duty
Equipment Technician program at Centennial College and
describes entry requirements, highlights as well as possible learning
outcomes.