In the Motive Power Techniques – Heavy Equipment program, you will learn how to service and repair heavy machinery using hands‑on labs and a two‑week field placement to ensure you’re confident working in real repair shops.
CIP Code:47.0302
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.
Pursue a career in heavy equipment maintenance and repair with Confederation College’s Motive Power Techniques – Heavy Equipment certificate program. This comprehensive program covers all aspects of the heavy-duty service industry, providing hands-on experience in maintaining and repairing heavy-duty systems such as gear trains, electrical/electronics, diesel fuel systems, air brakes, hydraulics, steering, and suspensions.
You’ll work on heavy-duty trucks, off-road construction, and forestry equipment including front-end loaders, bulldozers, excavators, skidders, trucks, and tractors. In addition to practical training, the program comprises in-class learning modules to equip you with the mechanical knowledge and workplace skills needed to excel in today’s job market. While focused on heavy equipment, this program prepares you for diverse career opportunities in various mechanical fields.
Top Highlights
Field Placement: The program includes a two-week field placement, providing on-the-job training in a real shop setting.
Industry-Standard Training: Courses follow industry standards and practices, ensuring you are job-ready upon graduation.
Cutting-Edge Technology: Learn today’s technologies and how to adapt to future advancements.
Diverse Career Pathways: Although focused on heavy equipment, this program opens doors to various mechanical fields.
Ideal Candidate Profile
Mechanically Inclined: Naturally drawn to working with heavy machinery and mechanical systems.
Problem Solver: Possess strong analytical skills to troubleshoot and repair heavy equipment.
Team Player: Able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
Physically Fit: Capable of handling the demanding physical tasks associated with heavy equipment maintenance.
Detail-Oriented: Appreciate the importance of precision and safety in mechanical practices.
Get detailed information about program requirements, courses, and student resources.
Admission Requirements
Fall
Fall (0372)
Admission Requirements for Domestic Students
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.
or successful completion of the Mature Student Assessment.
or successful completion of the Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) or General Education Development Test (GED), prior to May 2024.
or appropriate credits from the Academic and Career Entrance program (ACE).
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
If you do not meet the entrance requirements, we encourage you to apply for the Pre-Technology-Trades program to facilitate success in your 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: 0372
Year 1
Total: $4,720.00
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:$15.00
Boots / Uniform:$125.00
Exam Fees, Certifications, Licenses, Apprentice or Business Registration:$40.00
Books & Supplies:$300.00
$480.00
Fees for International StudentsProgram Code: 0372
Year 1
Total: $19,066.25
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:$15.00
Boots / Uniform:$125.00
Exam Fees, Certifications, Licenses, Apprentice or Business Registration:$40.00
Books & Supplies:$300.00
$480.00
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.
This course introduces the student to the principles of electricity and electronics as they apply to the Motive Power Trade. Electrical laws, circuits, circuit calculations, test equipment and their application are covered.
In this course, students will develop the fundamental comprehension, technical, business, and oral communication skills required of employees in the trades. Upon completion of this course, you will be more adept at analyzing real-world writing scenarios; writing clearly and concisely; and communicating professionally.
This course introduces the student to occupational health and safety, basic hand and power tools, precision measuring tools, hoisting and lifting equipment
This course reviews basic electrical/electronic principles and concepts. Starting and charging system principles, operation, testing and diagnosis are covered.
Students are placed for a two week period in selected industry throughout the Northwestern Ontario region and are expected to satisfactorily perform basic functions under the supervision of industry personnel. Performance evaluations will be conducted by both industry supervisors and college staff. It is important for students to practice their newly acquired skills in an actual work environment. It is an opportunity for the students to sell themselves to the industry. Industry can use this Field Placement as a tool to 'try before you buy.' This allows the employer to be aware of the new tradesperson's skills, attitude and work habits before a commitment is made for employment.
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
identify basic motive power system problems by using critical thinking skills and strategies and by applying fundamental knowledge of motor vehicle operation, components, and their interrelationships.
identify, inspect, and test basic engine components and systems in compliance with manufacturers’ recommendations.
identify, inspect, and test basic electrical, electronic, and emission components and systems in compliance with manufacturers’ recommendations.
identify, inspect, and test basic drive train components and systems in compliance with manufacturers’ recommendations
identify, inspect, and test basic suspension, steering, and brake components and systems in compliance with manufacturers’ recommendations.
disassemble and assemble components to required specifications by applying workshop skills and knowledge of basic shop practices.
use a variety of test equipment to assess basic electronic circuits, vehicle systems, and subsystems.
apply basic knowledge of hydraulics and pneumatics to the testing and inspection of basic motive power systems and subsystems.
communicate information effectively, credibly, and accurately by producing supporting documentation to appropriate standards.
use information technology and computer skills to access data concerning repair procedures and manufacturers' update.
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.
perform soldering operations; welding and cutting using oxyfuel; and welding using SMAW.
use hoisting and rigging techniques to safely support, move and extract heavy duty equipment components in accordance with industry standards.
Graduates of the Motive Power Techniques – Heavy Equipment program will have the skills to secure employment in a variety of industries, including:
Heavy Equipment Technician
Truck/Coach Technician
Fork-Lift Technician
Farm Equipment Technician
Heavy Equipment Parts and Sales
These opportunities span diverse sectors such as forestry, construction, mining, agriculture, transportation, government, automotive dealerships, service stations, specialty shops, and virtually any business or industry employing heavy equipment mechanics.
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.
