Mechanical Engineering Technician Program

Ontario College Diploma

Mechanical Engineering Technician

In the Mechanical Engineering Technician program, you will learn how to design, assemble and troubleshoot mechanical systems through hands‑on labs and an optional co‑op placement so you can confidently support industrial operations.

CIP Code: 15.0805
PGWP Eligible
This program meets the criteria to be Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligible as defined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Note: PGWP eligibility does not guarantee approval. IRCC assesses all applications individually.

Program Start Options

IntakeDurationFormatCampusDomesticInternational
0381
Fall
2 years
4 semesters
Full-Time
In-Person
Thunder Bay
Domestic students accepted
International students accepted

Build It. Fix It. Maintain It.

Is your goal to find employment in the rapidly expanding technological industry? Are you mechanically inclined?

Industry is experiencing a rapidly growing need for the expertise provided by the Mechanical Engineering Technician program. This two-year program of study will develop highly skilled personnel capable of meeting the constantly changing demands brought on by advancing technologies.

The program design is broad based, meeting the basic outcomes particular to the Millwright, Machinist, and Steam Fitter trades, while meeting the additional requirements associated with an academic program presented at the Technician level. An optional co-op placement in industry will be an integral part of the program, giving you hands-on experience above and beyond what traditional classroom instruction and laboratories can provide.

Top Highlights

  • Balance of practical and coursework – you might be getting your hands dirty with a wrench one day, then be designing with CAD the next!
  • One optional Co-op gives you a work experience in the field
  • Prepares you for further apprenticeship learning in a variety of trades

Contact Information

Program Files

Get detailed information about program requirements, courses, and student resources.

Confederation College gave me hands-on training, engineering knowledge, and strong support as an international student—an excellent start to my career in mechanical engineering and skilled trades.

C
Chirag
Graduate of 2015

Admission Requirements

Fall

Fall (0381)

Admission Requirements for Domestic Students

  1. Ontario Secondary School Diploma (or equivalent) with courses from the College (C), University (U), University/College (U/C), or Open (O) preparation levels with Grade 12 English (C/U) Level.
  2. or successful completion of the Mature Student Assessment.
  3. or successful completion of the Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) or General Education Development Test (GED), prior to May 2024.
  4. or appropriate credits from the Academic and Career Entrance program (ACE).

Other Courses Required

  1. Grade 11 Mathematics (M or U) or Grade 12 Mathematics (C or U), or equivalent, or ACE Core Math (UM602)

Admission Requirements for International Students

  1. A high school/senior secondary diploma with a grade 12 math credit
    Original transcripts as well as a notarized, translated copy must be provided where applicable
  2. English Proficiency
    Academic IELTS: overall 6.0, with no bands lower than 5.5.
    Click here for more information

Alternative Pathways

Students who do not meet the entrance requirements are encouraged to apply for the Pre-Technology-Technology/Aviation program to facilitate success in their Technology path.

Student Accessibility and Essential Program Requirements

Confederation College is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive learning environment and will provide reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and College policy.

Students who require accommodations are encouraged to engage with Student Accessibility Services and are responsible for initiating and participating in the accommodation process. Accommodation is a collaborative process involving the student, Student Accessibility Services, faculty, and the Academic School. Requests for accommodation are considered on an individual basis, and the College will work with students to identify reasonable accommodations that provide equitable access to learning while maintaining the integrity of the program.

Students are expected to demonstrate the essential knowledge, skills, professional behaviours, learning outcomes, and competencies required to successfully complete their program. While the manner in which these requirements are demonstrated may be accommodated where appropriate, the essential requirements themselves must still be achieved.

For programs involving laboratories, field work, clinical placements, aviation environments, trades training, equipment operation, simulations, community placements, or other environments where health and safety are critical, accommodations must also be consistent with applicable legislation, professional standards, licensing requirements, accreditation standards, and workplace safety obligations.

In some circumstances, a requested accommodation may not be reasonable or possible where it would:

  • Fundamentally alter an essential program requirement, competency, or learning outcome.
  • Compromise the health or safety of the student or others.
  • Conflict with provincial or federal legislation.
  • Conflict with the requirements of an external regulatory, licensing, accreditation, or professional body.
  • Prevent the student from demonstrating competencies required for safe and effective professional practice.
Note

Where a particular accommodation cannot be provided, the College will work collaboratively with the student to identify whether an alternative accommodation can appropriately address the student’s disability-related needs while maintaining essential program requirements.

Tuition & Fees

Fees for Domestic StudentsProgram Code: 0381

Year 1
Total: $4,615.00
Fee Breakdown
Academic Fees
Total Tuition Fees:$2,740.00
College Service Fee:$863.00
Health Fee:$305.00
Bus Fee:$332.00
$4,240.00
Program Fees
College Supplies:$35.00
Tools:$100.00
Boots / Uniform:$100.00
Exam Fees, Certifications, Licenses, Apprentice or Business Registration:$140.00
$375.00
Year 2
Total: $4,230.00
Fee Breakdown
Academic Fees
Total Tuition Fees:$2,740.00
College Service Fee:$853.00
Health Fee:$305.00
Bus Fee:$332.00
$4,230.00

Fees for International StudentsProgram Code: 0381

Year 1
Total: $18,961.25
Fee Breakdown
Academic Fees
Total Tuition Fees:$15,614.00
College Service Fee:$863.00
Health Fee:$652.25
Bus Fee:$332.00
$17,461.25
Program Fees
College Supplies:$35.00
Tools:$100.00
Boots / Uniform:$100.00
Exam Fees, Certifications, Licenses, Apprentice or Business Registration:$140.00
$375.00
Ancillary Fees
Municipal Levy:$75.00
Student Fees:$300.00
Recovery Fee:$750.00
$1,125.00
Year 2
Total: $18,576.25
Fee Breakdown
Academic Fees
Total Tuition Fees:$15,614.00
College Service Fee:$853.00
Health Fee:$652.25
Bus Fee:$332.00
$17,451.25
Ancillary Fees
Municipal Levy:$75.00
Student Fees:$300.00
Recovery Fee:$750.00
$1,125.00
Note

Please note that fees are estimated and are subject to change.

Fees shown on this page are for full-time students attending the main Thunder Bay campus for Fall 2026.

Costing for Regional Campuses & Distance Education Students:

If this program is available at Regional Campuses, or to Distance Education students, see the following links for costing information.

Courses

1 intake

Fall0381

Semester 1

CS 050

College Writing

42 hours

In this course, students will be introduced to academic writing styles with a thematic focus on current issues. This course will help students to express themselves clearly and correctly in written form. Students will critically analyse assigned readings and express their thoughts. The course will also focus on the development of an academic paper utilizing the APA style of documentation.

MX 121

Mechanical Practices

42 hours

The student will demonstrate safe and proper use of hand and power tools such as drill presses and grinding machines. The learner will be exposed to safe hoisting and rigging, layout methods, fasteners, the evolution of tools (with an emphasis to Northern Ontario) and rope use and care. Trade calculations and relevant shop projects will be included.

MX 111

Engineering Graphics

42 hours

This course is designed to provide students with basic fundamentals of drafting and related numerical applications, line work, scales, orthographic projections, dimensioning, blueprint reading, drawing interpretation, using both hand and CAD techniques.

MX 141

Welding Practices I

42 hours

Students are introduced to safe soldering methods and welding procedures. Oxyacetylene, manual arc welding and electrode selections are covered. Types and applications of structural steels, pipes, tubing, weld layouts, and fastening techniques used in flat and horizontal welding for both manual arc welding and gas metal arc welding are discussed and practiced.

MC 165

Microsoft Office

28 hours

In this course, engineering technology students will be introduced to Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word. Students will develop skills in creating polished, professional documents, format data, process numbers with formulas, or present data to find patterns of any other information that can be laid out in a grid. The course also familiarizes students with the college's data systems, including email, Blackboard, and the Local Area Network (LAN), using Windows 11 as the operating environment.

MA 170

Technology Math I

56 hours

In this introductory course, students will gain proficiency in fundamental mathematical concepts and apply problem-solving skills required in technology programs. Course content includes fractions review, algebra fundamentals, unit conversions, algebraic operations & equations, proportion & variation, factoring, algebraic fractions, functions & graphs, systems of linear equations, geometry, trigonometry, and vectors.

MX 132

Machine Shop 1 - Theory

14 hours

This course is designed to supply theory and background to the Machine Shop 1 practical course. Students will learn trade calculations, theory, safety, and operation. Using measuring tools, layout tools, drill press’, bandsaws, and metal lathes will be covered.

MX 133

Machine Shop 1 - Practical

42 hours

In this course machine shop safety and procedures will be applied. Students will learn to take precise measurements with the appropriate equipment, apply trade calculations, use layout tools and techniques while learning the use of the drill press, bandsaws, and lathe.

MX 110

Applied Physics I

28 hours

This course is designed to develop an understanding of fundamental concepts and applications in basic mechanics. After successful completion of this course, the student will be able to perform unit conversions and solve problems involving motion, forces, work, and energy. Vectors will be introduced at a conceptual level.

Semester 2

MX 241

Welding Practices II

42 hours

The student is introduced to safe welding procedures in manual arc welding methods, application and selection of electrodes for position welding, identification of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, steel numbering system, types and uses of sheet and structural steels, uses of various fastening methods used in steel and sheet metal fabrication, techniques in vertical position. Students will also be introduced to gas metal arc welding procedures in a fabrication set-up.

MX 261

Power Transmission I

42 hours

This subject allows the student to understand basic installation blueprints for machinery layout, leveling and coupling alignment. Students will be able to apply mathematical concepts relative to layout methods, identify couplings, shafts and keys, and examine the various types of fasteners, various types of bearings, lubrication and seals.

MX 271

Industrial Design I

42 hours

The goal of this course is to teach students how to use CAD, specifically SolidWorks to build parametric models of parts and assemblies. Production drawings and drawing standards will be introduced.

MA 270

Technology Math II

56 hours

In this course, students will continue to review and sharpen their proficiency in mathematical concepts and problem-solving skills necessary in technology programs. Course content includes radian applications, complex numbers, sine & cosine graphs, trigonometric identities & equations, factoring & algebraic fractions, quadratic equations, exponents, operations & equations with radicals, systems of equations, and logarithms.

MX 210

Applied Physics II

28 hours

This course is a continuation of MX110 and is designed to develop a further understanding of concepts and applications in basic mechanics. After successful completion of this course, the student will be able to solve problems involving vectors using right-angle trigonometry, momentum, concurrent and parallel forces, torque, rotational motion, and simple machines.

MX 251

Introduction to Electricity

42 hours

This course is designed to introduce and develop basic knowledge of Electrical Theory and safe practices. It presents an overview of electrical instruments, devices, principles, operation, theory, and controls used in industry.

MX 232

Machine Shop 2 - Theory

14 hours

This course is designed to supply theory and background to the Machine Shop 2 practical course. Students will learn threading, milling, dividing and indexing, and grinding theory. They will gain materials knowledge, calibrations, and an introduction to sampling and quality assurance.

MX 233

Machine Shop 2 - Practical

42 hours

In this course machine shop safety and procedures will be applied. Students will learn to cut threads, how to use the milling machine, dividing and indexing, and grinding.

SY 066

Sociology of Community: The Indigenous Context

42 hours

This course will provide students with an introduction to the history of colonization of Indigenous communities in Canada. Contemporary Indigenous community issues within Northwestern Ontario (NWO) and Canada will be examined. Students will explore the unique socio-political relationships between Canada and Indigenous peoples with an emphasis on colonial, legal and political issues. With a broader understanding of the context of colonization, students will analyze contemporary relationships and efforts towards renewed relationships and reconciliation.

Semester 3

MX 371

Industrial Design II

42 hours

This course is a continuation of M271 and further develops the students CAD and production drawing abilities.

MX 381

Fluid Power

42 hours

The student will learn the basic characteristics of fluids and the laws regarding pressure, force, fluid/air flow, hydrostatics and hydrodynamics. Hydraulic and pneumatic components will be examined, including reservoirs, pumps, filters, control valves and accumulators. Symbols, circuit interpretation, trouble shooting, installation and maintenance of systems will also be covered.

MX 361

Power Transmission II

56 hours

This course is a system approach to industrial drive components that includes couplings, sprockets, chain drives, belt drives, gear drives, clutches and brakes. The student will also explore the trouble shooting and diagnosing equipment.

MX 301

Statics

42 hours

The physical science course introduces the learner to a branch of mechanics that deals with the state of rest of bodies under the action of external forces. The first mechanics course; of a series, forms the foundation for most engineering principles and is an indispensable prerequisite to any technical analysis and design. In this course, the learner will examine in detail the relationship of the equilibrium of rigid bodies subjected to external forces. This concept forms the basis of the expression of Newton's 3rd Law: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Newton's other Laws of Mechanics will also be applied.

MX 341

Strength of Materials

42 hours

This course forms the second of a series of courses that introduces the student to Mechanics, a general science dealing with bodies subjected to forces. Statics deals with the Mechanics of Forces, whereas this course deals with the Mechanics of Materials. Through this field of study, the learner will examine the behaviours that loaded objects in equilibrium go through, depending on their type of material. This is a microscopic view of what is happening within the object due to external forces distributed internally, creating a cross-sectional phenomenon called stress. The course also examines how the object or structure reacts, resulting in another dimensional change called strain. This course will further expand the learner’s awareness to analyze complex structures and introduce other concepts of Advanced Structural Design.

CS 219

Communications for Technology

42 hours

This course emphasizes the importance of oral and written communication in an industrial and business setting. In Communications for Technology, students will work on independent and group projects and apply problem-solving techniques to develop both their individual and team building skills. Students will apply computer-technology and a variety of resources for researching, writing and presenting technical data into a clear and concise format.

MA 370

Technology Math III

56 hours

In this intermediate technical mathematics course, students will solve problems involving the conic sections and the fundamental principles of calculus. Course content includes analytical geometry of the conic sections and applications, equations in rectangular and polar forms, binomial expansion, limits for functions, meaning of the derivative, derivatives and applications, and introductory integration.

42 hours

Semester 4

MX 481

Fluid Mechanics

42 hours

This course is an introduction to fluids, their properties and coherent units of measurement. Pressure, vapour pressure, vacuum and Pascal's Law will be studied with an emphasis on pressure measuring devices. Buoyance, Bernoulli's equation, flow of fluids, velocity and flow measuring instruments will also be explored.

MX 475

Advanced Structural Design

42 hours

This course completes the introductory concepts of Statics and Strength of Materials. The course will allow the student to examine a structural assembly in order to design structural and machine components to withstand applicable loadings by applying the appropriate principles and associated formulae.

MX 471

Power Transmission III

56 hours

In this course students will continue to build on their knowledge using technical and manufacturers manuals in rebuilding and maintaining various equipment and techniques not covered under Power Transmission one and two. Equipment includes items such as laser alignments, material handling, prime movers, pumps, compressors and fans.

MX 410

Introduction to Thermodynamics

42 hours

The object of this course is to give the students destined for the mechanical trades an introduction to thermodynamics. This course covers temperature, pressure, volume relationships for gasses specific heat, the relationship between heat and work, heat engines, and heat transfer.

MX 432

Introduction to CNC

42 hours

This course is an introductory course to CNC machines their use and basic programming.  CNC part production, tooling and fixture design will also be covered while introducing concepts of quality assurance, sampling, continuous improvement, calibrations, and sustainability.  SolidWorks will be used to assist in CNC projects and assignments.

42 hours

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  1. Complete all work in compliance with current legislation, standards, regulations and guidelines.
  2. Apply quality control and quality assurance procedures to meet organizational standards and requirements.
  3. Comply with current health and safety legislation, as well as organizational practices and procedures.
  4. Apply sustainability best practices in workplaces.
  5. Use current and emerging technologies to support the implementation of mechanical engineering projects.
  6. Analyze and solve mechanical problems by applying mathematics and fundamentals of mechanical engineering.
  7. Interpret, prepare and modify mechanical engineering drawings and other related technical documents.
  8. Contribute to the design and the analysis of mechanical components, processes and systems applying fundamentals of mechanical engineering.
  9. Manufacture, assemble, maintain and repair mechanical components according to required specifications.
  10. Verify the specifications of materials, processes and operations to support the design and production of mechanical components.
  11. Contribute to the planning, implementation and evaluation of projects.
  12. Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance work performance.

Meet the Program Staff

3 staff members

Careers

Graduates of the program go on to a variety of positions including apprenticeship in millwright, Machinist, steam fitter trades, design drafting, mechanical sales, production operations and hydraulics servicing.

Ten Indigenous graduates of the Mechanical Engineering program now have the opportunity for possible employment as a millwright at Resolute Forest Products.

See Career Opportunities

Clicking the button will take you to a detailed dashboard with up-to-date job data tailored to your program, including salary ranges, job titles, and projected demand.

Pathways

Confederation College offers a variety of articulation agreements designed to help you advance your education and career. Whether you're coming to us from another institution or planning your next steps after completing your program, our pathways make your transition seamless and effective.

Pathway Out — Credits recognized by another institution

University of New Brunswick — Bachelor of Applied Management (BAM)

Graduates from eligible 2-year or 3-year diploma programs at Confederation College can apply to enter the third year of the Bachelor of Applied Management at the University of New Brunswick, with a minimum 70% program average. Additional courses may be required.

Minimum Admission Average
70% overall program average
Entry Point
Year 3 of a 4-year degree

Institution: University of New Brunswick, Saint John, NB

Agreement Type: Memorandum of Understanding

Graduates of eligible diploma programs at Confederation College may be considered for advanced standing in the Bachelor of Applied Management (BAM).

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Completion of a 2-year (four-semester) or 3-year (six-semester) diploma program
  • Minimum overall program average of 70%

Transfer Details:

  • Eligible students may enter Year 3 of the 4-year BAM program
  • Additional courses may be required depending on the applicant’s academic background

Program Notes:

  • Eligible Confederation College programs are outlined in Appendix A of the Memorandum of Understanding
  • Students should consult the contact person for full details and program-specific requirements

Contacts

Students at Confederation College

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