Key Details
Program Start Dates
January 2025
September 2025
January 2026
Please visit Ontario College Application Service to learn more about start dates.
Credential
Ontario College Diploma
Program Duration
4 Semesters / 2 YearsProgram Contacts
Program Coordinator / Professor
Program Overview
Cambrian’s heavy equipment program produces mechanics ready for industry
With extensive heavy equipment shop instruction from our expert faculty, you’ll work on powerful off-road vehicles such as loaders, bulldozers, and scoop trams, always navigating a culture of safety. As a mechanic in the mining or construction industries, this diverse trade provides a wealth of opportunities to service heavy equipment, from basic maintenance, brakes, engine repairs, and hydraulics to electrical and electronics.
Our program features an optional, paid co-op directly related to your program of study where you’ll apply your skills in an actual work environment. Required work preparation sessions help you develop an industry-specific resume and effective interviewing skills. We collaborate with industry partners to focus on in-demand skills so you can start your career upon graduation.
Program Highlights
Program highlights
- Diploma equates to three levels of required theory towards your apprenticeship Certificate of Qualification
- Optional paid co-op to gain industry training
- Complete a second diploma in Motive Power Technician – Truck and Coach in just one year
- Opportunity for select students to participate in the Skills Ontario Competition
Admissions
Admission requirements
For graduates of the new curriculum (OSS): Ontario Secondary School Diploma (30 credits) or equivalent or mature student status, including:
- Any grade 12 English (C) or (U)
- Any grade 11 mathematics (C), (U), or (M)
International Student Admissions
Are you an international student? Learn more about additional requirements.
Learn moreAcademic Upgrading
Are you missing admission requirements? Strengthen your academic skills for free at your own pace through Academic Upgrading!
Program delivery
Program delivery
2024-2025
Winter term start
- Semester 1: Winter 2025
- Semester 2: Spring 2025
- Semester 3: Fall 2025
- Semester 4: Winter 2026
2025-2026
Fall term start
- Semester 1: Fall 2025
- Semester 2: Winter 2026
- Semester 3: Fall 2026
- Semester 4: Winter 2027
Winter term start
- Semester 1: Winter 2026
- Semester 2: Spring 2026
- Semester 3: Fall 2026
- Semester 4: Winter 2027
Program of Study
Program of study for 2025-26 Academic Year
Students are required to successfully complete an online Lab Safety course (in Moodle) when starting their program at Cambrian. This course must be completed prior to entering the labs (as identified in the table below) in the Schools of Skills Training, Engineering Technology and Environmental Studies.
Semester 1 | Credits | |
---|---|---|
ELC 1120 | Electrical & Electronics I 1 | 4 |
HDM 1161 | Trade Practices & Applications I 1 | 5 |
HDM 1170 | Diesel Engines 1 | 4 |
MTH 1010 | Trade Math I | 3 |
HDM 1221 | Hydraulics | 4 |
Credits | 20 | |
Semester 2 | ||
ENG 1002 | College Communications | 3 |
HDM 1162 | Trade Practices II | 4 |
HDM 1230 | Fuel Systems 1 | 4 |
SSB 1100 | Suspen/Steer/Brake Sys I Pneumatics 1 | 4 |
PWT 1210 | Power Train Systems 1 | 4 |
One General Education course. 2 | 3 | |
Credits | 22 | |
Semester 3 | ||
ELC 2300 | Electrical & Electronics II 1 | 4 |
ENG 1780 | Applied Communication II | 2 |
HDM 2370 | Diesel Engines II | 4 |
HDM 2371 | Heavy Duty Brakes | 4 |
HYS 2300 | Hydraulic Systems I 1 | 3 |
One General Education course. 2 | 3 | |
Credits | 20 | |
Semester 4 | ||
DFS 2402 | Diesel Fuel Injection Systems | 4 |
ELC 2400 | Electrical & Electronics III 1 | 5 |
HYS 2400 | Hydraulic Systems II 1 | 3 |
PWT 2401 | Power Train Systems II | 4 |
One General Education course. 2 | 3 | |
Credits | 19 | |
Total Credits | 81 |
- 1
-
Course with Lab Component
- 2
-
For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.
Fees
Tuition Cost
Important Notice
Fees presented are estimates based on projections for future academic year(s) of study. Actual fees charged may differ from what is published here. A full detailed listing of all fees is available in myCambrian and updated annually no later than May 1 for the following academic year. Students in Academic Upgrading are responsible for any fees listed on their invoice each term.
Tuition and ancillary fees
Please see our fees page for the breakdown of tuition and mandatory ancillary fees by program and semester for both domestic and international students.
Books and supplies
Books and supplies may be required at the course level over and above what is estimated above. Please consult your professor/instructor for further information.
College may be more affordable than you think!
Have you said, “school can wait another year”? Don’t sacrifice your future any longer – you can do it!
Whether it’s fear, financial reasons, or something else that is impacting your decision to start school, we’re here to listen to you and help in any way we can!
Work-integrated learning (WIL)
Take your education beyond the classroom!
Cambrian programs blend academic learning, hands-on training, and community involvement opportunities to help you achieve your ultimate goal – your dream career. You’ll have the opportunity to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios within and outside of the classroom through work-integrated learning. Whether it be a capstone project, co-op, practicum, preceptorship component, or placement, you’ll benefit from a practical, job-related experience before you graduate.
Work-integrated learning (WIL) resources
Your program may give you the opportunity to gain practical work experience through a capstone project, co-op, practicum, preceptorship component, or placement. Before starting your program it’s important to understand the differences between the opportunities as well as the requirements.
Field of Study
School of Skilled Trades
Cambrian was originally founded as a trade school, a field where we excel. We collaborate with industry partners to give qualified learners the opportunity to start working upon graduation by teaching in-demand skills. From the longest-running powerline program in the province to our motive power technician programs and much more, Cambrian provides the tools for satisfying careers in skilled trades.
Specific program pathways
College or university degree opportunities
If you are a graduate of this program, you may continue your studies at a college or university and you may receive credit(s) for your prior college education. Refer to Cambrian’s college and university agreement details for further information.
Career Outcomes
Need a career coach?
Explore how this program can lead to a great career! Cambrian’s Career Coach platform is a user-friendly, online tool that provides up-to-date and comprehensive labour market data to help you explore career options, salary expectations for the Greater Sudbury region, and more!
See where you'll be learning!
Minimum technology requirements
Success in this program requires that you come equipped with some program-specific technology requirements.
Minimum Tech requirements
- Regular access to a computer with a reliable Internet connection
- Web cam and headset
- Personal computer
- Windows 10 operating system
- Processor: i5 Intel i5 or equivalent processor
- Graphics: High-end graphics video card (consider a dedicated video card with 1 GB of video memory)
- RAM: 8 GB of RAM
- Storage space: 500 GB HD
You’ll be accessing industry-standard software as part of your program. Your program coordinator and IT will set you up with access on your computer or within our campus labs. If you have any questions about these technology requirements, please email info@cambriancollege.ca or call (705) 566-8101, ext. 7303.
System requirements for Assistive Technology
To access the widest range of Assistive Technology (AT), a Windows-based computer is recommended.
- Recommended OS: Windows 10 or newer
- Recommended CPU: Intel or AMD multicore processor
- Recommended RAM: 8 GB
- Recommended Storage for Assistive Technology: 8 GB of available Hard Drive of Solid State Drive Space (please note this is not the total drive size and refers specifically to available space needed for assistive technology)
- Recommended Audio: Speakers or Headphones for Text-to-Speech and Microphone for Speech Input
While Apple computers can provide many AT options, some specialized software may not be available/compatible with this platform. Please consult with the Glenn Crombie Centre for further details.
Bring your own device (BYOD)
Cambrian College has implemented a BYOD principle to both enrich the student learning experience in and out of the classroom and to ensure flexibility!
Ready to take the first step?
Start gaining the highest level of skills at Cambrian now – and you’ll be ready to take advantage of the many career opportunities waiting for you just around the corner. The future is yours!
Have Questions? We are here to help.
If you have any questions about programs, funding, OSAP, deadlines, student services, or anything else, reach out to our support team and we are happy to help!