Heavy Duty Equipment Technician (Optional Co-Op)

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 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 dynamics as well as component design and repair. Centennial College will offer exclusive courses such as Logistics and Hoisting and Rigging while also incorporating courses in business, English and general education.

Upon completion, you’ll be able to seek employment in many different areas of the heavy duty industry, such as an apprenticeship in a repair facility, 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.

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.

What You’ll Learn

• 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.