Heavy Equipment Technician
Ontario College Diploma
4 Semesters / 2 Years
School of Skilled Trades
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
J.P. Dellaire
Program Coordinator / Professor
jp.dellaire@cambriancollege.ca
International Admissions
mailboxadmissions@cambriancollege.ca
Program Overview
Gain the skills to become an industrial maintenance expert
In our millwright lab, you’ll learn to install, repair, and maintain complex machinery typically found in the mining, refining, forestry, and manufacturing sectors. You’ll gain hands-on experience working on industrial equipment, including rigging, hydraulics, and pump stations.
You’ll build upon your electrical, mechanical, instrumentation, and computer-aided drafting skills while sharpening your troubleshooting and repair abilities. 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. Your diploma equates to the three levels of theory required for your Certificate of Qualification apprenticeship and prepares you for millwright jobs in a wide range of industrial operations.
Program Highlights
Program highlights
- The only onsite material handling loop in an Ontario college gives you experience installing, troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining industrial equipment
- Diploma equates to three levels of required theory towards your apprenticeship Certificate of Qualification
- Optional paid co-op to gain industry training
- 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 more
Academic 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 | |
|---|---|---|
| IMM 1116 | Tools, Materials & Fasteners 1 | 3 |
| IMM 1151 | Industrial Indoctrination & Safety | 1 |
| IMM 1156 | Technical Drawing & Schematics | 4 |
| IMM 1160 | Precision Measuring Equipment | 2 |
| IMM 1177 | Millwright Machining I 1 | 3 |
| IMM 2411 | Rigging and Hoist 1 | 4 |
| WLD 1100 | Welding I 1 | 2 |
| ENG 1002 | College Communications | 3 |
| Credits | 22 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| IMM 1246 | Bearing Seals & Lubrication 1 | 5 |
| IMM 1251 | Power Transmission Systems 1 | 5 |
| IMM 1265 | Electric & Electronic Controls I 1 | 2 |
| IMM 1275 | Millwright Machining II 1 | 2 |
| IMM 2580 | Technical Drawings & Schematics II | 2 |
| WLD 1200 | Welding II 1 | 2 |
| One General Education course. 2 | 3 | |
| Credits | 21 | |
| Semester 3 | ||
| ENG 1780 | Applied Communication II | 2 |
| IMM 1255 | Material Handling System 1 | 4 |
| IMM 2440 | Machine Installation 1 | 4 |
| IMM 2450 | Fluid Power I 1 | 2 |
| IMM 2460 | Electrical & Electronic Controls II 1 | 2 |
| IMM 2475 | Millwright Machining III 1 | 2 |
| WLD 2400 | Welding III 1 | 2 |
| One General Education course. 2 | 3 | |
| Credits | 21 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| CAD 1100 | Computer-Aided Drafting I | 2 |
| IMM 2446 | Pumps, Valves & Piping 1 | 5 |
| IMM 2537 | Proact. Prevent. & Predictive Maint 1 | 2 |
| IMM 2550 | Set-up and Use Machine Tools IV 1 | 2 |
| IMM 2556 | Fluid Power II 1 | 3 |
| IMM 2570 | Industrial Automated Control 1 | 2 |
| IMM 2575 | Prime Movers and Machinery | 2 |
| WLD 2500 | Welding & Fabrication 1 | 2 |
| One General Education course. 2 | 3 | |
| Credits | 23 | |
| Total Credits | 87 | |
- 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.
Learn more about previous opportunities in this program!
SNOLAB – This co-op offered students practical, relevant work experience as a millwright at SNOLAB where they were teamed up with SNOLAB’s skilled trades staff installing next-generation experiments and lab infrastructure. These paid positions were for approximately four months long and all required necessary training was provided by SNOLAB along with a loan of drift access clothing, clean room clothing, and tools.
Ontario Power Generation (OPG) – Students gained practical, and relevant work experience during this co-op with OPG as a mechanical technician/millwright technologist. Students gained experience in OPG’s maintenance department at the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station and the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station, 40 km and 70 km east of Toronto. They were responsible for assisting with a variety of work assignments including pumps, compressors, piping systems, turbines, and handling equipment.
Additional details – This program features an optional, paid co-op directly related to your program of study. During this work-integrated learning experience, you’ll apply your skills and knowledge in an actual work environment, giving you industry training that you can showcase to potential employers when you graduate.
You will be required to complete work preparation sessions before the work term to help you develop an industry-specific resume and effective interviewing skills.
International students: Study permits prohibit international students from participating in optional co-ops. However, if you are an international student and are interested in work-integrated learning opportunities, visit Cambrian’s Career Centre to discuss available options with a career advisor. Opportunities may include volunteer positions or part-time or full-time jobs during academic breaks and/or during the academic year.
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 technology requirements
- Regular access to a computer with a reliable Internet connection
- Webcam 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
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!
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